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SKILL BOARD Certification Program Agreement

Last Updated: january 10, 2021

This SKILL BOARD Certification Program Agreement (the “CPA”) contains terms that govern your participation in the SKILL BOARD Certification Program (as defined below), entered into between Skill Certification Board, LLC. (“SKILL BOARD,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and you (“you”), and is made a part of the SKILL BOARD Customer Agreement (available at http://www.SkillBoard.org/agreement) (the “Customer Agreement”), as it may be updated from time to time. By accepting these terms, you represent to us that you are lawfully able to enter into this CPA. Capitalized terms not defined in this CPA have the meanings set forth in the Customer Agreement.

1. The SKILL BOARD Certification Program

1.1. Participation Requirements.

To participate in the Program you must comply with all requirements applicable to the Program including as provided in the Customer Agreement, this CPA, and on the SKILL BOARD Certification Site (all of the foregoing collectively, the “Certification Requirements”).

1.2. Validity

To obtain a SKILL BOARD Certification, you must take the applicable Certification Exam and receive a passing score. Each Certification is valid for a period of 3 years following the date on which you successfully pass the applicable Certification Exam.

1.3. Your Responsibilities

At all times when you are holding yourself out as the recipient of an SKILL BOARD Certification or participating in the SKILL BOARD Certification Program ( e.g., through registration, testing, scoring, and reporting activities), you will:

  • (a) conduct your activities in a professional manner;
  • (b) not imply any relationship or affiliation between SKILL BOARD and you, except as expressly permitted by this CPA;
  • (c) maintain the confidentiality of your SKILL BOARD Certification account and login credentials;
  • (d) not allow any other individual to access your SKILL BOARD Certification account or SKILL BOARD Certification benefits for any reason, including to register for an SKILL BOARD Certification exam on your behalf;
  • (e) report any Unauthorized Content Disclosures, including any Certification Exam or Testing Materials you have accessed, to SKILL BOARD at proctor@skillboard.org; and
  • (f) maintain a current email address on file in your Certification account that is regularly checked and able to receive email correspondence from the @skillboard.com and securedexam.com domain.

1.4. Use of Name and Logo

If you obtain an SKILL BOARD Certification, we grant you the limited right to use the name of the specific SKILL BOARD Certification that you obtained and the associated SKILL BOARD Marks, which will be made available in your SKILL BOARD Certification account or through our third-party digital badge provider. You may only use the SKILL BOARD Marks in accordance with the SKILL BOARD badge Use Guidelines (available at http://SkillBoard.org/badge-guidelines/) and only to indicate your status as holding a valid SKILL BOARD Certification. We may revoke your right to use any SKILL BOARD badge associated with the SKILL BOARD Certification at any time by giving you written notice.

2. Testing

2.1. Testing Rules

You will comply with all rules and regulations applicable to registration, administration, scoring and reporting of the Certification Exam as set forth by SKILL BOARD and by a Certification Exam Provider, including, without limitation, fully and truthfully cooperating with any investigation into testing irregularities. In addition, you will not:F

  • (a) receive or provide unauthorized assistance, or submit work that is not your own;
  • (b) possess, access, or use unauthorized materials including Unauthorized Content Disclosures of any Certification Exam or Testing Materials;
  • (c) falsify your identity or identification documents, or misuse any testing identification number, username, or other credentials that have been provided to you;
  • (d) allow another individual to test under your identity;
  • (e) claim exam results that you did not validly obtain;
  • (f) disclose or disseminate the content of any Certification Exam or Testing Materials;
  • (g) consume, smoke, or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during any Certification Exam;
  • (h) engage in disruptive, abusive, threatening, or destructive behavior during any Certification Exam; or
  • (i) use or run any hardware or software during the time that you are taking a Certification Exam that could be used to violate the Certification Requirements (such as additional monitors and remote desktop or screen sharing software).

2.2. Retakes

If you do not pass a Certification Exam, you may retake that Certification Exam only in accordance with the retake policy as described on the SKILL BOARD Certification Site.

2.3. Confidentiality

You agree that all Testing Materials, including Certification Exams, are SKILL BOARD Confidential Information. SKILL BOARD owns all right, title and interest in its Confidential Information, including all technology and intellectual property rights. You may not use, disclose, reproduce, copy, transmit, distribute, or make derivative works of SKILL BOARD Confidential Information in any form.

2.4. Benefits

If you hold one or more active SKILL BOARD Certifications, you may earn additional benefits as described on the SKILL BOARD Certification Site. All benefits are non-transferable and intended for use solely by the individual who earned the benefit and by the SKILL BOARD Certification account to which the benefit was originally assigned. If SKILL BOARD, in its sole discretion, determines you misused, transferred, or allowed improper access to a benefit, SKILL BOARD may invalidate the exam result related to your misconduct. We will not reinstate the benefit, and you will not be eligible for a refund or any compensation as a result of such action.

2.5. Account Information

SKILL BOARD will use your Account Information and personal information in accordance with the SKILL BOARD Privacy Notice (available at https://Skillboard.org/privacy/). You consent to SKILL BOARD’s use of your personal information (as defined by the Privacy Notice) to prevent and detect fraud and abuse in order to protect the security and validity of Certification Exams.

2.6. Noncompliance

If we determine that you have violated the terms of this CPA before, during, or after a Certification Exam, we may take action including cancelling the results of any Certification Exam, requiring you to retake a Certification Exam to validate a passing score, terminating your rights under this CPA, and prohibiting you from participating in the Program. We will not refund any testing fees if we take any such action.

2.7. Data Forensics and Statistical Analysis

SKILL BOARD performs regular data forensic and other statistical analysis of its Certification Exams. If we detect anomalies in your exam score based on data forensic or other statistical analysis, SKILL BOARD may take any of the actions described in Section 2.6. You will not be eligible for a refund or other compensation if we take any such action.

3. Term and Termination

3.1. Term

The term of this CPA will begin when you click an “I Accept” button or check box presented with these terms, or otherwise schedule or sit for an SKILL BOARD Certification Exam, and will continue until the termination of your Customer Agreement, the termination of your access to the Program, or at such time that you no longer hold a valid SKILL BOARD Certification.

3.2. Effect of Termination

Upon termination of this CPA, your SKILL BOARD Certifications will become invalid and you may no longer use the SKILL BOARD Marks or claim to hold an SKILL BOARD Certification. Your obligation to cooperate with any investigation into testing irregularities, and to adhere to all confidentiality provisions, will remain in effect.

4. Limitations of Liability

NEITHER WE NOR ANY OF OUR AFFILIATES, LICENSORS OR CERTIFICATION EXAM PROVIDERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY COMPENSATION, REIMBURSEMENT, OR DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS OR OTHER INDIRECT OR SPECIAL DAMAGES) ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH: (I) YOUR FAILURE TO ACHIEVE SKILL BOARD CERTIFICATION OR OTHER INABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM, INCLUDING AS A RESULT OF ANY (A) TERMINATION OR SUSPENSION OF THIS CPA, OR (B) OUR DISCONTINUATION OF ANY SKILL BOARD CERTIFICATION, CERTIFICATION EXAM, OR ALL OR PART OF THE PROGRAM; OR (II) ANY INVESTMENTS, EXPENDITURES, OR COMMITMENTS BY YOU IN CONNECTION WITH THIS CPA OR YOUR USE OF OR ACCESS TO THE PROGRAM. THE LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION APPLY ONLY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

5. Notice and Modifications

We may from time to time modify this CPA. We will notify you of changes by posting them on the CPA website location at https://Skillboard.org/certification/certification-agreement/ (the “CPA Site”) or by sending you an email using the email address then associated with your SKILL BOARD Certification account. You are responsible for checking the CPA Site regularly for changes. Changes will be effective as of the date we post such changes or, if we notify you by email, as stated in the email message. By continuing to participate in the SKILL BOARD Certification Program, you agree to comply with the most current version of this CPA. We last modified this CPA on the date listed at the beginning of this CPA.

6. Definitions

  • “Account Information” means information about you that you provide to or on behalf of SKILL BOARD in connection with the creation or administration of your SKILL BOARD Certification account and registration for Certification Exams.
  • “SKILL BOARD Certification” means a specific certification designation that you may receive from us indicating you have received a passing score on a Certification Exam.
  • “SKILL BOARD Certification Program” or “Program” means the program in which we make available SKILL BOARD Certifications.
  • “SKILL BOARD Certification Site” means http://Skill Board.org (and any successor or related site designated by SKILL BOARD), as may be updated by SKILL BOARD from time to time. It includes subpages, such as those describing Certification policies and benefits ( e.g., https://Skill Board.org/certification/policies/). References to the SKILL BOARD Site in the Customer Agreement include the SKILL BOARD Certification Site.
  • “SKILL BOARD Marks” means any trademarks, service marks, service or trade names, logos, and other designations of SKILL BOARD and its affiliates that we may make available to you in connection with this CPA or the Program.
  • “Certification Exam” means the exam that you must pass to receive a particular SKILL BOARD Certification.
  • “Certification Exam Provider” means any third party authorized by SKILL BOARD to administer Certification Exams.
  • “Testing Materials” means the Certification Exam and any other materials that are provided to you in connection with a Certification Exam (which may include instructions, study materials, exam questions, or other content).
  • “Unauthorized Content Disclosures” means any Testing Materials that are disclosed by or to anyone without the express permission of SKILL BOARD, including but not limited to Testing Materials listed on third-party websites without the express permission of SKILL BOARD.

Secured Exam Terms and Conditions

Before testing

  • To ensure a high level of security throughout the testing experience, you will be monitored at all times. Both audio and video may be recorded.
  • You must store personal items away from your testing space for the duration of your exam. If you refuse to store your personal items, you will be unable to test and you will lose your test fee. Please note that, if you need to use your cell phone during check-in, you may do so. However, prior to starting your exam, you must place your phone out of arm’s reach.
      The following items are not allowed in your testing space:
    • Cell phones, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices, pagers, and watches
    • Wallets or purses
    • Firearms or other weapons
    • Hats (and other non-religious head coverings), bags, coats, jackets, or eyeglass cases
    • Barrettes or hair clips larger than ¼ inch (½ centimeter) wide and headbands or hairbands larger than ½ inch (1 centimeter)
    • Jewelry that is removable and larger than ¼ inch (½ centimeter)
    • Books or notes unless specifically authorized by the exam program for use during your test
  • You may be subject to additional potential inspections, including the following:
    • A proctor may ask you to show your ears if you have hair that covers your ears, for the purpose of verifying that no Bluetooth devices are present.
    • A proctor may ask you to roll up your sleeves to verify that you have no writing on your arms.
    • A proctor may ask you to empty your pockets for the purpose of ensuring nothing is in them.
    • A proctor may ask you to complete a full 360-degree room scan either during check-in or during your exam.
  • You must follow all of the appropriate check-in and check-out processes as defined by your exam program. This may include the need to complete a room scan prior to or during your exam. A proctor may intervene if they suspect the presence or use of prohibited items or if a third-party appears.

During testing

  • Secured Exam uses a mixture of artificial intelligence and a live greeter to diligently check ID submissions to authenticate your identification. We do this to verify each candidate's identity and to protect the security and integrity of the test.
    • If required, the proctor may ask that you retake a photo of your identification before your exam can start if the image is blurry or illegible. If there are any discrepancies during the check-in process, you may be prohibited from starting your exam. You may not be allowed to reschedule your test appointment, and you may forfeit your test fee. Your exam program defines the specific ID requirements used during the check-in process for your exam and the proctor has no flexibility to add, delete, or alter this process. After starting your exam, a proctor will continue to monitor you, including the use of specially permitted items that your exam program has approved.
  • The proctor will start your exam upon verifying that your testing space and ID meet our requirements. You will verify that you are taking the intended test that you registered to take. You must remain in your designated testing space during the duration of your exam unless your exam program specifically allows breaks.
  • Once you have started your exam, any disruptive, threatening, or fraudulent behavior — or anything specifically against exam rules — may be grounds for terminating your test, invalidating your test results, or disqualifying you from taking the test at a future date. Once you have started your exam, you may not communicate with others, including any third-parties or others within your home, such as children. Proctors will monitor you for suspicious movement during the duration of your exam. Please do not read the questions aloud and do not cover your mouth or attempt to hide your face or move it out of view of the webcam. If any of those actions occur, a proctor may intervene and remind you of these policies. If the behavior continues, a proctor may be required to revoke your exam session.
  • You may not copy/paste or attempt to remember test questions or test answers from the exam, and you may not share or discuss any or all of the test questions or test answers you saw or viewed during the exam with anyone. Appropriate action will be taken, including the possibility of the exam program taking action against you, if you:
    • Do not abide by these rules
    • Tamper with your computer to modify your testing space in a way that does not meet our requirements
    • Are suspected of cheating
  • A Non-Disclosure Agreement or other security statement may be presented to you before the test begins. If presented, you must read, acknowledge, and agree to the terms and conditions of the document within the specified time limit, if applicable, in order to begin your test. Should you not agree, you will not be permitted to proceed with taking the test and you may forfeit your test fee. If you select "DECLINE," your test session will immediately end.
  • Each individual exam program establishes their own break policies. You must check your program’s specific policies on this page to find out if you will have breaks during your exam. Please note that there are different types of breaks: scheduled or unscheduled. If your test includes scheduled breaks, instructions will appear on the computer screen at the appropriate time. If you take an unscheduled break at any other time or if you take a break during a test in which the exam program does not have a scheduled break, your exam will be revoked. Please also be sure to review your exam program’s policies related to accessing personal items during the break that have been stored (with the exception of comfort aids and medication, which you may access without permission during the exam). Unless specifically permitted by your exam program, you cannot access mobile phones, watches, test notes, and study guides during your break.
  • If you experience any problems or distractions or if you have other questions or concerns, you may click the chat icon, and the proctor will assist you. The proctor cannot answer questions related to test content. If you have concerns about a test question or image, make a mental note of the item (question) number, if available, and share that feedback with the proctor. If you raise your hand and a proctor does not reach out to you, you may be experiencing a connectivity issue that is blocking our system’s ability to contact you. We recommend reaching out to your program-specific customer service team for assistance after your testing is completed.
  • After you have completed the test, you should be presented information on how to exit out of the application. Depending on the type of test taken, the exam program may display your test score on the computer screen after you have completed the test or you may be provided with a confirmation notice indicating that you have completed the test. If you do not successfully close out of the program at the end of the exam and leave the view of the camera, an exam proctor may interpret that as a testing violation as they cannot see your exam status or content. Ensure you close out of the Secured exam ‘Safe Exam’ application properly to avoid your exam being revoked in error.
  • After you finish the test, you may be asked to complete an optional on-screen evaluation.