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Protecting the Integrity and Standing of the AFC®

In order to maintain and enhance the credibility of our certification programs, the AFCPE Certification Council has adopted the following procedures to allow individuals to bring complaints concerning the conduct of AFCPE certificants to the AFCPE Certification Council.

In the event a certificant violates the AFCPE Code of Ethics, certification program rules, requirements, and/or policies, the Certification Council may reprimand or suspend the individual or may revoke certification.

The Grounds for Sanctions

The grounds for sanctions under these procedures may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

  • Violation of established AFCPE Code of Ethics, rules, requirements, and/or policies.
  • Conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude under federal or state law in a matter related to the practice of, or qualifications for, financial counseling.
  • Gross negligence, willful misconduct, or other unethical conduct in the performance of services for which the individual has achieved AFCPE certification.
  • Fraud, falsification, or misrepresentation in an initial application or renewal application for certification.
  • Falsification of any material information requested by the AFCPE or Certification Council.
  • Misrepresentation of AFCPE certification status.
  • Cheating on any certification examination.

Actions taken under this policy do not constitute enforcement of the law, although referral to appropriate federal, state, or local government agencies may be made about the conduct of the certificant in appropriate situations. Individuals initially bringing complaints are not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of this process, although they will receive notice of the actions taken.

How the Complaint Process Works

From initial complaint submission through final appeal, every step is handled with objectivity and confidentiality.

1) Submit a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted by any individual or entity in writing to mstarkey@afcpe.org. Include the names of both parties, factual allegations, and any supporting documentation. All submissions are handled confidentially.

2) Preliminary review (within 45 business days)

The Director of Certification and Certification Council Chair assess whether the submission contains sufficient, reliable information to constitute a valid and actionable complaint. Frivolous or inconsequential submissions are dismissed with notice.

3) Investigation by Review Committee

A Review Committee of three or more individuals — including at least one Certification Council member and two credentialed peers — investigates the complaint. All deliberations are conducted in confidence.

4) Determination and Sanction

The Certification Council reviews the Review Committee’s recommendation and may accept, reject, or modify it. If a violation is found, the certificant and complaint submitter receive written notice of the determination and sanction.

5) Appeal (within 30 days)

The certificant may request an appeal in writing within 30 days. An independent Appeals Committee — with no overlap from the Review Committee — evaluates the appeal within 90 days. The committee’s decision is binding.

Possible Sanctions

Sanctions are matched to the nature and severity of the violation.

Written Reprimand

Additional Continuing Education

Temporary Suspension

Credential Termination

Frequently Asked Questions

Any individual or entity may submit a complaint. You do not need to be an AFCPE member or certificant to file. All submissions are treated confidentially throughout the process.
If a certificant voluntarily surrenders their certification while a complaint is pending, the complaint is dismissed. The entire record is sealed and the individual may not reapply for certification. The certificant’s employer and the complaint submitter are notified of the resignation.
Formal hearings are not held and parties are not expected to be represented by legal counsel. The Review Committee and Certification Council may consult their own legal counsel during the process. The appeal process similarly does not require legal representation unless specifically requested by the appellant and approved.
All investigations and deliberations are conducted in confidence. Verification of sanctions is only made available after the appeal period has passed or an appeal has been considered. The submitter may receive notice of outcome only if they agree in writing to maintain confidentiality.
focused black woman taking notes during a presentation. To her left, a black man is listening to the presentation.

Accountability and Transparency Keep Our Programs Strong

Whether you are an AFC, an AFC candidate, an AFCPE member, or an individual or organization that shares our mission and values, we encourage you to review our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Code of Ethics
Standards of Practice

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