Policy on Suspension or Withdrawal of Certification

cmc policy

1. Purpose

This policy ensures that all actions regarding the suspension or withdrawal of the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation or any ICMC-issued certification are conducted in a transparent, fair, and accountable manner. It safeguards the public, the profession, and the credibility of ICMC Philippines.

2. Scope

  • Applies to all certifications issued by ICMC Philippines.
  • Covers both individual certificants and corporate members (if applicable).
  • Publicly available on the official ICMC Philippines website.

3. Principles

  • Fairness – All certificants are treated equitably and given the right to respond.
  • Transparency – This policy and procedures are accessible to the public.
  • Due Process – No suspension or withdrawal occurs without proper investigation and documented decision-making.
  • Proportionality – Actions are based on the seriousness of the violation.

4. Grounds for Suspension or Withdrawal

4.1 Suspension Grounds

Certification may be suspended if:

  • CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirements are not met within the renewal period.
  • Annual membership fees are not paid (if applicable).
  • Temporary breach of the Code of Professional Conduct while corrective action is possible.

4.2 Withdrawal Grounds

Certification may be withdrawn if:

  • Serious or repeated violations of the Code of Professional Conduct occur.
  • Falsification of application, renewal, or CPD documentation is proven.
  • Misrepresentation or misuse of the CMC title or ICMC marks.
  • Criminal conviction related to professional practice.
  • Failure to rectify issues that led to suspension within the specified time frame.

5. Roles & Responsibilities

  • Ethics & Discipline Committee (EDC) – Receives and investigates complaints.
  • Certification Board – Makes final decisions on suspension or withdrawal.
  • Appeals Panel – Independent group reviewing appeal cases.

6. Procedure for Suspension or Withdrawal

Step 1 – Complaint or Discovery

  • A complaint may be filed by clients, peers, or the public via the official ICMC Complaints Portal.
  • ICMC may also initiate action based on internal review or audit findings.

Step 2 – Preliminary Review

  • The EDC screens the complaint to determine if it has merit.
  • If valid, a Notice of Potential Suspension/Withdrawal is issued to the certificant.

Step 3 – Response Period

  • Certificant has 30 calendar days to respond in writing, providing evidence or explanation.

Step 4 – Investigation

  • The EDC may request interviews, client references, or supporting documents.
  • All findings are documented.

Step 5 – Decision

  • Suspend Certification – For correctable breaches with a defined rectification period.
  • Withdraw Certification – For severe or uncorrectable violations.
  • Written decision is sent to the certificant and recorded in the ICMC Registry.

Step 6 – Public Notification

  • Certification status is updated on the ICMC online verification tool.
  • Where applicable, affected clients or employers are informed.

7. Appeals Process

  • Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the decision.
  • Appeals Panel reviews the case independently.
  • Decision of the Appeals Panel is final.

8. Reinstatement

  • Suspended certifications may be reinstated once all requirements are fulfilled and verified.
  • Withdrawn certifications require a new application process after a minimum of 3 years, subject to Board approval.

9. Public Enquiries

  • A dedicated Certification Status Verification Portal is available on the ICMC website.
  • The public can directly email the Secretariat for clarification on certification status.