Ethics Policy

CCI certificants are required to meet all applicable legal, ethical, and policy requirements for the duration of their active credential. They are also expected to demonstrate safety, competency, and ethical behavior in compliance with all applicable laws and rules.

CCI utilizes the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements to guide certificant behavior and establishes ethical responsibilities of CCI certificants within the profession.

Nursing practice is regulated by individual state Boards of Nursing (BON). Each individual BON is responsible for overseeing and regulating nursing practice in their state, as well as implementing investigative and disciplinary processes for unlawful or unethical behavior. Complaints about a nurse’s behavior or practice should be reported to the applicable BON.

CCI’s policies are designed to protect the value of our credentials and our exam content and reflect our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness. In accordance with these high standards, the following list includes types of violations which can result in disciplinary consequences. Any alleged ethical violations, along with confirmed instances of exam misconduct, can be reported to the Compliance Team to launch a formal investigation and review process.

Misrepresentation

  • Misrepresenting the status of a CCI credential
  • Misusing a CCI credential
  • Using an expired/lapsed CCI credential

Falsification

  • Providing false or misleading information to CCI
  • Falsifying or misstating information on any certification-related document
  • Assisting others to deceptively obtain initial certification or renew certification

Exam-Related Misconduct

  • Cheating, to include using any device or method to capture exam content or accessing external information for test responses
  • Assisting others in cheating
  • Using any unauthorized device during the exam
  • Causing, creating, or participating in any exam irregularities
  • Communicating with anyone other than the proctor during the exam
  • Leaving exam area without permission
  • Being out of camera view (remote)
  • Allowing someone else in the room at any time during the session (remote)

Professional Misconduct

  • Failure to maintain the required professional licensure to practice
  • Demonstrating conduct unbecoming of the nursing profession
  • Demonstrating gross negligence in the practice of nursing
  • Failing to comply with the scope and standards of practice in an area in which the certification is held
  • Failing to comply with the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements
  • Participating in a crime

Policy & Procedure Breaches

  • Violating CCI’s policies and procedures
  • Failing to fulfill all audit requirements
  • Failing to respond to CCI communications in a timely manner
  • Failing to pay all outstanding debts to CCI

Any violation of ethical and policy standards remains actionable (and punishable to the full extent of the law), regardless of when it was discovered (e.g.: during the certification or recertification process OR after its completion; during the exam OR after scores have been delivered). Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

  • Sanction of a credential
  • Censure of a credential
  • Suspension or revocation of a credential
  • Notification to licensing bodies
  • Invalidation of test scores
  • Disqualification period from future CCI exams.

Reporting an Alleged Ethical Violation by a CCI Certificant Appealing a Disciplinary Consequence

Resources