The ABI Certifications™ (American-Based International Certifications) certification registration process is designed to ensure consistent, impartial, and structured evaluation of professional competence in accordance with defined certification requirements.
Certification Process Overview
ABI Certifications™ Certification Process
ABI Certifications™ follows a structured, competency-based certification process designed to support integrity, consistency, transparency, impartiality, and confidence in professional credentials. Candidates are evaluated against the defined requirements of the applicable certification program.
Enrollment
Candidates may apply for certification directly through ABI Certifications™ or, where applicable, through an ABI Certifications™ Accredited Training Center (ATC).
Candidates should verify the current accreditation status of any training provider through the official ABI Certifications™ Accredited Training Center (ATC) Directory before enrollment.
Training & Preparation
Candidates may prepare for certification through an ABI Certifications™ Accredited Training Center (ATC) or through approved self-study pathways using applicable learning resources in accordance with the relevant certification program framework.
Training and preparation support candidate readiness but do not themselves constitute certification or guarantee certification approval or examination success.
Examination, Competency & Evidence Evaluation
Candidates are evaluated against the defined requirements of the applicable certification program. Depending on the certification scheme, the evaluation may include examinations, practical competency evaluation, or review of documented professional evidence.
Applicable requirements may include the Body of Knowledge (BoK), eligibility requirements, examination requirements, competency criteria, and defined certification scope.
Certification Review & Decision
Examination results, evaluation results, and submitted documentation are reviewed by ABI Certifications™ to determine compliance with the applicable certification requirements before a certification decision is made.
Certification decisions remain under the authority of ABI Certifications™ and are not determined by training providers, instructors, or candidate preparation activities.
Certificate Issuance
Upon successful completion of all applicable certification requirements and approval of the certification decision, the professional credential is issued exclusively by ABI Certifications™.
Accredited Training Centers (ATCs) and training instructors do not issue official ABI Certifications™ certificates or determine certification outcomes.
Certification Record Registration
Issued certifications are recorded within the ABI Certifications™ centralized certification records system to support credential authenticity, traceability, status management, and official verification.
Certification records may be used to verify applicable credential information through the official ABI Certifications™ Certificate Verification system.
Certification Validity & Renewal
ABI Certifications™ certifications are generally valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified within the applicable certification scheme.
Certification renewal or recertification applications may be submitted directly to ABI Certifications™ or, where applicable, through an ABI Certifications™ Accredited Training Center (ATC).
Applicable recertification requirements may include:
- Continued professional experience in the applicable certification field;
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities;
- Professional development records;
- Refresher training, where applicable;
- Re-examination or other defined evaluation requirements, where applicable.
Where specified by the applicable certification scheme, recertification may also require documented professional experience and defined professional development evidence.
Renewed certifications are updated within the ABI Certifications™ centralized certification records system and remain subject to the requirements of the applicable certification scheme.
ABI Certifications™ Recertification Policy
The ABI Certifications™ recertification process is developed with reference to the principles of ISO/IEC 17024 and the applicable ABI Certifications™ Certification Scheme to support the continued competence of certified professionals.
Certification Validity
ABI Certifications™ certifications are valid for four (4) years from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified in the applicable certification scheme.
Application
Recertification applications may be submitted through the relevant ABI Certifications™ Accredited Training Center (ATC) or directly to ABI Certifications™.
Submission Timeline
Applications shall be submitted at least three (3) months prior to the certification expiry date.
Professional Experience
Applicants shall demonstrate a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in the applicable certification discipline, supported by documented evidence.
Professional Development
Applicants shall complete a minimum of fifty (50) Professional Development Units (PDUs) through internationally recognized training relevant to the applicable certification discipline.
PDU Calculation
One (1) hour of approved training is equivalent to one (1) PDU.
Supporting Evidence
Only Certificates of Completion or equivalent documents clearly indicating the learning or contact hours shall be accepted as evidence of PDUs.
Recertification by Examination
Applicants who do not satisfy the professional experience and/or PDU requirements may recertify by successfully completing the applicable ABI Certifications™ Recertification Examination.
Renewal
Upon successful recertification, the certification shall be renewed for a further four (4) years, and the certification status shall be updated in the ABI Certifications™ Certificate Verification system.
Verification
ABI Certifications™ reserves the right to verify all submitted information and supporting documentation, and to request additional evidence where necessary before granting recertification.
Maintaining Your ABI Certification™
- Four-year certification validity unless otherwise specified by the applicable certification scheme.
- Recertification application at least three months before certification expiry.
- Minimum two years of relevant professional experience, supported by documented evidence.
- Minimum fifty (50) Professional Development Units (PDUs) through relevant recognized training.
- One hour of approved training equals one PDU.
- Supporting documents must clearly indicate learning or contact hours.
- Recertification examination available where the applicable experience and/or PDU requirements are not satisfied.
- Successful recertification extends certification for a further four years.
Certification Governance
Certification decisions, certificate issuance, and certification record management are performed exclusively by ABI Certifications™. Training delivery and assessment activities do not influence certification decisions.
Certification requirements, assessment methods, and documentation criteria may vary by certification program and are applied in accordance with defined program-specific certification frameworks.
All certifications are issued exclusively by ABI Certifications™ in accordance with applicable certification and assessment requirements.
Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct
ABI Certifications™ is committed to professional integrity, ethical conduct, competence, confidentiality, impartiality, and responsible professional practices across its certification programs and certification-related activities.
This Code of Ethics establishes the professional expectations and responsibilities applicable to candidates, certificate holders, Accredited Training Centers (ATCs), trainers, evaluation personnel, examination personnel, and associated individuals involved in ABI Certifications™ activities.
All individuals involved in certification-related activities are expected to uphold professional integrity, protect confidential information, respect examination requirements, and act within their competence and authorization.
Professional Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Candidates, certificate holders, Accredited Training Centers (ATCs), trainers, evaluation personnel, and associated personnel are expected to:
- Act honestly, ethically, responsibly, and professionally in all certification-related and professional activities.
- Maintain integrity, fairness, confidentiality, impartiality, and professional responsibility throughout certification, training, examination, and related activities.
- Provide accurate, truthful, complete, and valid information during certification applications, examinations, renewals, verification processes, and related activities.
Professional Competence and Responsibility
- Perform professional duties only within applicable competence, qualifications, training, and professional experience.
- Maintain and improve professional knowledge, skills, and capabilities relevant to professional responsibilities.
- Avoid representing expertise, qualifications, or authority beyond actual competence or authorization.
Confidentiality and Protection of Information
- Protect confidential examination materials, evaluation information, candidate records, certification records, and professional information.
- Avoid unauthorized disclosure, sharing, copying, or misuse of confidential certification-related information.
- Respect privacy and confidentiality obligations with candidates, organizations, employers, and stakeholders.
Examination Integrity
- Maintain honesty and integrity during examinations and certification activities.
- Avoid cheating, impersonation, unauthorized assistance, falsification of information, or examination misconduct.
- Respect examination confidentiality and comply with applicable examination rules and procedures.
Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Use
- Do not misrepresent certification status, professional qualifications, experience, or authorization.
- Do not falsify, modify, misuse, or improperly represent ABI Certifications™ certificates, credentials, logos, trademarks, or certification materials.
- Do not make misleading statements regarding ABI Certifications™ programs, credentials, recognition, or authorization status.
Compliance and Ethical Violations
Failure to comply with this Code of Ethics may result in appropriate actions in accordance with applicable ABI Certifications™ procedures, including:
- Investigation of ethical concerns.
- Rejection of certification applications.
- Examination invalidation.
- Suspension or revocation of certification.
- Restriction or termination of applicable authorization status.
- Other corrective actions determined by ABI Certifications™.
Commitment to Professional Standards
ABI Certifications™ remains committed to maintaining professional integrity, ethical conduct, competence, confidentiality, responsible certification practices, and confidence in its certification framework.
This commitment supports the credibility and professional integrity of ABI Certifications™ certification programs and credentials.
Certification Governance, Impartiality & Examination Integrity Policy
ABI Certifications™ is committed to maintaining independent, impartial, transparent, and reliable certification processes through defined certification requirements, controlled examination activities, examination integrity measures, and responsible certification governance.
This policy establishes the principles and controls applied by ABI Certifications™ to protect the credibility, fairness, consistency, and professional value of ABI Certifications™ credentials.
The policy applies to candidates, certificate holders, Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), trainers, examination personnel, certification administrators, representatives, and associated parties involved in ABI Certifications™ certification activities.
Purpose and Commitment
ABI Certifications™ operates certification activities through established certification frameworks, defined requirements, competency-based evaluation processes, examination procedures, and professional governance practices.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that certification activities are conducted fairly, consistently, objectively, and independently.
Scope and Applicability
This policy applies to candidates, certificate holders, Authorized Training Centers (ATCs), trainers, examination personnel, certification administrators, representatives, and associated parties involved in ABI Certifications™ certification activities.
Independence of Certification Decisions
Certification decisions are made exclusively by ABI Certifications™ based on defined certification requirements, candidate eligibility, examination results, applicable evaluation outcomes, and established certification procedures.
Certification decisions are not influenced by training delivery, candidate preparation activities, commercial interests, employment considerations, external organizations, personal relationships, or any unauthorized influence.
Separation Between Training and Certification
ABI Certifications™ maintains a clear separation between training support activities and certification decision-making processes.
- Training participation does not guarantee certification approval.
- Completion of preparation activities does not guarantee examination success.
- Training providers do not determine certification outcomes.
- Certification approval and credential issuance remain under the authority of ABI Certifications™.
Role of Authorized Training Centers (ATCs)
ABI Certifications™ Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) provide professional training, candidate preparation, and learning support activities within their approved authorization scope.
ATCs are not the certification authority and do not issue ABI Certifications™ credentials.
- ATCs do not approve certification applications.
- ATCs do not determine examination results.
- ATCs do not issue official ABI Certifications™ certificates.
- ATCs must operate within their approved authorization scope.
Candidate Verification Requirements
ABI Certifications™ may apply candidate verification procedures to support examination security, identity confirmation, and certification integrity.
- Candidate identity verification where applicable.
- Verification of submitted information and records.
- Compliance with examination requirements and procedures.
Proctored Examination Integrity
ABI Certifications™ applies examination controls designed to maintain fair, secure, and reliable examination conditions.
- Secure examination procedures.
- Online proctoring and monitoring controls where applicable.
- Protection of examination confidentiality.
- Prevention of unauthorized assistance or examination misconduct.
Competency and Evaluation Controls
Candidate evaluation is conducted against defined certification requirements and applicable competency criteria.
Evaluation processes are designed to support consistency, fairness, objectivity, and professional credibility.
Confidentiality of Certification Information
ABI Certifications™ protects confidential certification information including candidate records, examination materials, evaluation information, and certification records.
Unauthorized disclosure, misuse, or distribution of confidential certification information is prohibited.
Certification Issuance and Verification
Upon successful completion of applicable certification requirements, credentials are issued exclusively by ABI Certifications™.
Issued certifications are recorded within ABI Certifications™ certification records and may be verified through the official ABI Certifications™ Certificate Verification system.
Complaints and Appeals
Candidates and stakeholders may submit certification-related complaints, appeals, examination concerns, or governance concerns to ABI Certifications™ for review in accordance with applicable procedures.
ABI Certifications™ is committed to handling concerns fairly, consistently, and impartially.
Unauthorized Representation and Brand Protection
Only officially recognized ABI Certifications™ Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) listed in the official ATC Directory may represent themselves as authorized providers of ABI Certifications™ training support services.
- Unauthorized promotion or recruitment of candidates is prohibited.
- Misrepresentation of affiliation, authorization, or partnership status is prohibited.
- Unauthorized use of the ABI Certifications™ name, logo, credentials, certificates, or certification materials is prohibited.
Non-Compliance and Corrective Actions
Failure to comply with certification requirements, examination rules, governance requirements, or applicable ABI Certifications™ procedures may result in appropriate actions, including:
- Examination invalidation.
- Rejection of a certification application.
- Suspension or revocation of certification.
- Restriction or termination of ATC authorization status.
- Other corrective actions determined by ABI Certifications™.
Legal Protection and Enforcement
ABI Certifications™ reserves the right to take appropriate corrective, administrative, and legal actions against unauthorized representation, misuse of intellectual property, misleading claims, unauthorized promotion, misuse of credentials, or activities that compromise certification integrity.
Such actions may include removal of unauthorized content, restriction of activities, termination of ATC authorization status, cancellation of affected credentials, and pursuit of available legal remedies under applicable laws and jurisdictions.
Commitment to Certification Integrity
ABI Certifications™ remains committed to maintaining impartial certification decisions, secure examination processes, competency-based evaluation, responsible governance, and confidence in its professional certification framework.
Fraud Prevention, Credential Protection, and Legal Enforcement
ABI Certifications™ reserves the right to investigate any suspected unauthorized representation, false or misleading information, unauthorized training activities, misuse of certification credentials, counterfeit or altered certificates, or any other activity that may compromise the integrity, credibility, or reputation of its certification programs.
Where appropriate and permitted by applicable laws, ABI Certifications™ may take corrective, administrative, contractual, civil, or other legal action, including suspension or revocation of certification, termination of Authorized Training Center (ATC) authorization, removal of unauthorized content, notification to relevant authorities, and pursuit of available legal remedies.
Verify an ABI Certifications™ Credential
Only certificates officially issued by ABI Certifications™ and successfully verified through the official ABI Certifications™ Certificate Verification Portal shall be regarded as authentic ABI Certifications™ credentials.