IMPORTANT: READ THIS VERY CAREFULLY!
The International Association for Six Sigma Certification™ (IASSC™) grants the status of Accredited Training Organization (ATO), Accredited Deployment Program (ADP), Accredited Curriculum Provider (ACP) and Accredited Training Associate (ATA) to qualifying parties. Each ATO, ADP, ACP, ATA and its designated representatives hereby acknowledge and agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions contained herein for the period the ATO, ADP, ACP, and ATA hold its designation.
DEFINITIONS:
Accredited Courseware – the materials utilized by the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA for the belt courses taught by the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA as submitted to IASSC for accreditation approval.
Accredited Instructors – course instructors granted the Accredited Training Associate (ATA) designation by IASSC.
Acknowledging Party – the entity and/or person acknowledging acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Application Information – all information and documentation submitted to IASSC by the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA during the application process including, but not limited to, company description, course Tables of Content, Delivery Schema, training management systems and instructors.
Certification – designations bestowed upon individuals who successfully complete an IASSC Certification Examination.
Delivery Schema – the manner by which the course material is presented to a student, including the amount of classroom time, mentoring time and/or online modules.
IASSC Certification Examination – an examination given to a candidate seeking Certification by IASSC.
IASSC Marks – the badges, logos and other IASSC trademarked symbols provided to the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA for use in displaying their accredited status in accordance with the policy located at http://iassc.org/marks-usage-policy/.
IASSC Marks Usage Policy – the terms and conditions, located at http://iassc.org/marks-usage-policy/, to which the Member agrees relative to the usage and display of the IASSC Marks.
Member – any individual or entity that maintains a professional relationship with IASSC as an accredited entity or a certified party.
Services -- all information, content, products, materials and services made available to you through www.iassc.org by us and/or third parties.
Site -- the iassc.org and/or orders.iassc.org website.
Us -- the International Association for Six Sigma Certification.
You -- the applicable ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA and your designated representatives.
IASSC ATO, ADP, ACP, AND ATA BUSINESS PRACTICES:
Marks Usage:
IASSC authorizes an ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA the right to display such a designation by using the IASSC Marks provided to the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA in accordance with the terms and conditions of the IASSC Marks Usage Policy. An ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA shall not place any IASSC Marks on certificates issued by the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA for their own certification.
Upon expiration or termination of the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA accreditation, the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA agrees to immediately cease (1) using, directly or indirectly, all IASSC Marks; and/or (2) making any representation or implication that the former ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA has any continuing relationship with IASSC. The foregoing two specific restrictions shall be hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Usage Restrictions.” The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA acknowledges and agrees that any breach of the Usage Restrictions will result in irreparable injury, the remedies at law will be inadequate, and in addition to any other remedy IASSC may have (including but not limited to those set out herein), IASSC shall be entitled to the specific performance of the Usage Restrictions, as well as both temporary and permanent injunctive relief (notwithstanding any limitations in law or equity, such as being required to post a bond). The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA acknowledges and agrees that damages flowing from any breach of the Usage Restrictions are not readily susceptible to being measured in monetary terms; therefore, in the event of breach, IASSC will be entitled to collect liquidated damages from the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA in the amount of $1,000 per day for each day that the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA is in breach of any Usage Restriction; provided, however, IASSC shall provide at least 10 calendar days to cure any breach of a Usage Restriction, and in the event the breach is cured within 10 calendar days from the date IASSC sends notice of the breach via email, the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA will not be liable for the applicable liquidated damages that have accrued.
An ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA must present the accreditation badge and link to the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA’s IASSC accredited profile on the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA’s website and/or online professional networking profiles.
Course Offerings:
For the term of the accreditation issued by IASSC, the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA agrees to offer Lean Six Sigma belt courses substantially consistent with the Application Information approved by IASSC and agrees to notify IASSC of any deviations to the programs offered, including content covered, Delivery Schema and/or methods within 30 days of any such changes.
Instructor Qualification:
The ATO, ADP, or ACP must always maintain a designated Accredited Instructor (ATA), and IASSC must be immediately notified in writing if the ATA changes.
IASSC Certification Examinations:
The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA agrees to offer and administer the IASSC Certification Examinations in a manner consistent with the procedures described herein and in accordance with the Accredited Entity Exam Program, as defined here: http://iassc.org/accreditations/exam-administration-program/, in addition to other applicable exam administration documentation provided to the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA.
IASSC maintains the right to revoke the privilege of the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA to act as a proctor for the IASSC paper-based exams should the exam results of the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA deviate in results significantly from the norm (i.e. excessively high scores, similar scores between examinees, etc.) for other exam sources maintained by IASSC. In such instances, IASSC may require the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA to have their course participants sit for the IASSC Certification Examination through the web-based system provided by IASSC.
The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA acknowledges the content of the IASSC Certification Examinations are proprietary information owned by IASSC and shall therefore not be copied or reproduced or utilized in any manner not described herein or in any associated documentation referenced herein.
ATO, ADP, ACP, AND ATA TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
1. The ATO, ADP, or ACP accreditation is issued for a period of two (2) years. The ATA accreditation is issued for a period of three (3) years. Renewal of the designation requires the submission of a new ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA Application, payment of the appropriate fee, as well as any other documentation IASSC may request to reconfirm verification of the membership criteria. ATA renewals are subject to the IASSC Recertification Criteria and must maintain a Certification Status of “Active” unless they qualify for “grandfathered” status. ATAs who have been granted a designation prior to March 1st 2017 will be grandfathered, noted as such and therefore not subject to the term of three (3) years or the recertification requirements; provided, however, the “grandfathered” ATA adheres to all applicable terms and conditions.
2. The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA applicant understands and agrees that IASSC will conduct a due diligence process to verify the information provided in the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA application. Third parties may be contacted to confirm the information provided in the application. The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA applicant waives any claims against IASSC for breach of privacy or confidentiality during this verification process that could arise from the good faith verification activities and/or any other investigation that IASSC conducts as IASSC determines in its sole and absolute discretion.
3. IASSC maintains the right to conduct audits of the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA; the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA agrees to fully cooperate with IASSC during any audit, investigation, inquiry, or any other matter arising out of or related to the relationship between the parties. Should it be suspected that the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA has breached any of these Terms and Conditions, IASSC shall give written notice of such potential breaches. Electronic mail shall serve as an acceptable means of providing written notice as to any potential breach. The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA shall have thirty (30) days to provide evidence of the cure of the applicable breach or default, or IASSC may take any and all applicable disciplinary measures in accordance with the IASSC Disciplinary Policy. The IASSC Appeals Process shall apply in the event any disciplinary measures are taken by IASSC.
4. In the event of any changes pertaining to a Member, including but not limited to change in ownership, contact information or any other substantive changes to the information provided within the Application Information by the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA, the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA shall provide IASSC electronic mail notice of such changes within thirty (30) days of such changes.
5. The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA agrees that IASSC, in its sole discretion, may publicly list the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA on the IASSC website. Listing may include a link to the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA’s website, along with other non-confidential information associated with the ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA. IASSC has the right to list information concerning the Accredited Provider’s status or standing with IASSC within the public Accreditation Profile, whether negative or positive, including results of investigations conducted, breaches of code of conduct, etc. Also, the basic ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA information that IASSC displays may change from time to time as new information becomes available.
6. As a Member of IASSC the ATO, ADP, ACP, ATA acknowledges that it will abide by and uphold the terms and conditions of the IASSC Agreements listed herein and the standards of the IASSC Code of Conduct.
7. The ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA applicant affirms, under penalty of perjury, that all information provided in the application for ATO, ADP, ACP, or ATA Accreditation is correct and complete. Additionally, the provider certifies, under penalty of perjury, that the provider has the legal right to deliver the content (including any applicable intellectual property rights, etc.) utilized in their training programs.
8. An Application Fee is due prior to IASSC performing due diligence and is non-refundable.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Disclaimer Of Warranties
IASSC PROVIDES ANY AND ALL SERVICES AND INFORMATION ON AN “AS IS” BASIS AND GRANTS NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY. IASSC SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
Limitation Of Liability And Release
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER IASSC, ITS LICENSORS, SUPPLIERS, PARTNERS, AFFILIATES NOR THIRD-PARTY SERVICE PROVIDERS SHALL BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF DAMAGES IN ANY MANNER ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, YOUR USE OF THE SITE OR ANY SERVICES, REGARDLESS IF CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF IASSC AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION, THE BASIS OF THE CLAIM, OR WHETHER OR NOT IASSC HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES BEYOND THE MONETARY AMOUNT YOU PAID FOR THE SERVICES.
IN THE EVENT YOU HAVE ANY DISPUTE WITH ONE OR MORE THIRD PARTIES AS A RESULT OF YOUR USE OF THE SITE OR THE SERVICES, OR ARE IN ANY WAY DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF ANY THIRD PARTY IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, YOU HEREBY RELEASE AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE OR OTHERWISE MAKE A CLAIM, DEMAND OR FILE ANY LEGAL ACTION OR INSTITUTE ANY LEGAL OR REGULATORY PROCEEDINGS AGAINST US, OUR AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ATTORNEYS, REPRESENTATIVES AND SUPPLIERS FROM, FOR ANY CLAIMS, ACTIONS, DEMANDS OR DAMAGES (WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL), OF WHATEVER KIND OR NATURE, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT, DISCLOSED OR UNDISCLOSED.
Indemnity
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold us harmless against any losses, expenses, costs or damages (including our attorneys’ fees, expert fees’ and other costs of litigation) arising from, incurred as a result of, or in any manner related to any claim or action based upon (a) your breach of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and/or the Site, (b) your use of the Services, and/or (c) the use of the Services by any other person using your IDs. We may, if necessary, participate in the defense of any such claim or action and any negotiations for its settlement or compromise. No settlement that may adversely affect our rights or obligations shall be made without our prior written approval. We reserve the right, at our own expense and upon notice to you, to assume exclusive defense and control of any such claim or action and then your corresponding obligation to defend will end; however, your duty to indemnify shall continue.
Non-Disparagement
You agree that you will not publish on the Internet, directly or indirectly, any statement about the Services, IASSC or any agent thereof that is defamatory, is published for a commercial purpose (unless expressly agree by IASSC in writing), constitutes false advertising (including as prohibited by 15 U.S.C. § 1125), is tortious, or is otherwise prohibited by applicable law.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, USA, notwithstanding any conflict-of-law provisions to the contrary. Additionally, you also agree that the Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995, UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sales of Goods and the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA) will not apply to this Agreement or any interpretation or disputes relating thereto.
Waiver Of Jury Trial
You hereby irrevocably waive your right to trial by jury in any action or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the transactions relating to its subject matter.
Jurisdiction/Disputes/Arbitration
With the exception of IASSC's claims against you relating to nonpayment or injunctive relief, all disputes and claims relating to this Agreement or any other agreement entered into between the parties, the rights and obligations of the parties, or any other claims or causes of action relating to the making, interpretation, or performance of either party under this Agreement, shall be settled by arbitration in Maricopa County, Arizona, in accordance with the Federal Arbitration Act and the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). Any arbitration proceeding, or any claim in arbitration (including any defense and any claim of setoff or recoupment), must be brought or asserted within one (1) year after the action or inaction occurred that gave rise to such claim or defense, regardless of any statute of limitations, time of discovery statute or rule, savings statute, tolling statute or doctrine, equitable doctrine, or other theory that may be used to extend the time in which a claim or defense can be asserted. Once a written demand for arbitration is made by a party, the other party shall respond to the demand within ten (10) business days; failure to respond will permit the demanding party to seek resolution through litigation in Maricopa County Superior Court. However, in the event the non-responding party attempts to subsequently participate in the Superior Court litigation, the demanding party, at its election, may compel the matter to be arbitrated in accordance with this Agreement. To the extend a party attempts to contest the enforceability of this arbitration provision, arbitrability will be decided by the arbitrator, and the parties hereby waive the portion of A.R.S. § 12-1501 that appears to state that a party may contest arbitrability based upon grounds available in law or in equity for the revocation of any contract. Neither party shall pursue class claims and/or consolidate the arbitration with any other proceeding to which IASSC is a party. Each party must bear its own costs of arbitration; provided, however, that all arbitration fees shall be initially shared equally by the parties. Any failure to equally share arbitration fees prior to the issuance of an arbitration award shall be considered a default and shall permit the non-defaulting party to move for judgment by default, which shall be awarded unless the default is cured within five (5) business days. The arbitrator’s award shall include all arbitration fees, costs and attorneys’ fees for the prevailing party. The arbitrators shall have no authority to amend or modify the terms of the Agreement. Judgment upon the award of the arbitrator shall be submitted for confirmation to the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and, if confirmed, may be subsequently entered in any court having competent jurisdiction. This agreement to arbitrate shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, IASSC's claims against you relating to nonpayment or injunctive relief may be litigated in the Superior Court of Maricopa County, Arizona, and the parties expressly waive any objections to such jurisdiction and venue and irrevocably consent and submit to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction of such court in any action or proceeding. In the event you participate in the Superior Court litigation by asserting any defense and/or claim, IASSC, at its election and while continuing to seek injunctive relief from the Superior Court, may compel all other matters, not pertaining to IASSC’s pursuit of injunctive relief against you, to be arbitrated in accordance with this Agreement.
Class Action Waiver
You hereby agree to waive any class action proceeding or counterclaim against IASSC, its affiliates, successors or assigns, whether at law or equity, regardless of which party brings suit. This waiver shall apply to any matter whatsoever between the parties hereto which arises out of or is related in any way to this Agreement or the Services, the performance of either party, and/or your purchase from IASSC, its affiliates, successors or assigns.
IASSC’s Remedies
In the event of a breach or threatened breach by you of any of the provisions of this Agreement pertaining to intellectual property, disparagement, or unauthorized use of the Site, you hereby consent and agree that IASSC shall be entitled to obtain, as a matter of right hereby granted, a temporary or permanent injunction or other equitable relief against such breach or threatened breach from any court of competent jurisdiction, without the necessity of showing any actual damages or that monetary damages would not afford an adequate remedy, and without the necessity of posting any bond or other security. The aforementioned equitable relief shall be in addition to, not in lieu of, legal remedies, monetary damages or other available forms of relief. Upon the issuance of any injunctive relief, IASSC shall be entitled to recover from you, as part of the its costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, the amount of which shall be fixed by the court, and shall be made a part of any award or judgment rendered (regardless of whether or not the matter is contested).
Attorneys’ Fees And Legal Expenses
If any proceeding or action shall be brought to recover any amount under this Agreement, or for or on account of any breach hereof, or to enforce or interpret any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party, as part of the prevailing party's costs, reasonable attorneys' fees, the amount of which shall be fixed by the court and/or arbitrator, and shall be made a part of any award or judgment rendered (regardless of whether or not the matter is contested).
Assignability
This Agreement is personal to you and you may not assign this Agreement or the rights and obligations hereunder to any third party.
Waiver
No waiver by either party of any default shall be deemed as a waiver of prior or subsequent default of the same of other provisions of this Agreement.
Severability
If any term, clause or provision hereof is held invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction such invalidity shall not affect the validity or operation of any other term, clause or provision and such invalid term, clause or provision shall be deemed to be severed from the Agreement.
Survival Of Terms
Any provision of this Agreement which by its nature must survive the termination of this Agreement in order to give effect to its meaning shall survive such termination, including but not limited to the ownership, intellectual property rights and licensing provisions set forth in this Agreement.
Limitation On Actions
You agree that any claim or defense arising out of or related to the use of the Site or Services, or otherwise relating to this Agreement, must be brought or asserted within one (1) year after the action or inaction occurred that gave rise to such claim or defense or will be forever barred, regardless of any statute of limitations, time of discovery statute or rule, savings statute, tolling statute or doctrine, equitable doctrine, or other theory that may be used to extend the time in which a claim or defense can be asserted.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
I understand that IASSC is not, nor is affiliated with, a governmental agency, and that the Lean Six Sigma Industry is not regulated by any state or federal governmental agency or single authority. IASSC Lean Six Sigma Accreditation(s), Certification(s) and Bodies of Knowledge are voluntarily adopted by professionals in the Lean Six Sigma Industry. I understand that when IASSC uses terms such as “Industry”, “The Industry”, “Industry Standard”, “Universally Accepted”, “Generally Accepted” and other generalized terms, the terms are meant as a generalization of IASSC’s characterization of what it believes to be the industry standard and/or majority view of what constitutes the industry standard. I understand that IASSC endeavors to represent the voice of the industry’s majority, and that because it is not practical to survey and interview every organization and professional involved in Lean Six Sigma, IASSC has used reasonable methods and efforts to define and establish Lean Six Sigma standards for the purpose of supplying the Industry with standards that are viable and practical minimum competency standards. I understand that my engagement with IASSC, as described herein, constitutes my agreement with, alignment towards and support of, the IASSC standards, and I will use my best efforts, judgment and actions to uphold and defend these standards.
I understand and agree that IASSC maintains the right to modify all Terms and Conditions herein as it deems necessary from time to time without notice, and that it is my responsibility to review all Terms and Conditions on a regular basis.
I understand and agree that the following are incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement:
Terms of Use - http://iassc.org/term-of-use/
Privacy Policy - http://iassc.org/privacy-policy/
Code of Conduct - http://iassc.org/code-of-ethics/
Disciplinary Policy - http://iassc.org/disciplinary-policy/
Marks Usage Policy - http://iassc.org/marks-usage-policy/
