Code of Ethics for Certified Evaluation Professionals

Academic documents confer certain rights upon their holders or certify that they have acquired specific skills and knowledge. They bring both status and financial benefits. For this reason, credential evaluation professionals must adhere to strict professional ethical standards.

A qualified evaluation professional will:
• Provide the highest level of service without discrimination on any grounds, including gender, race, color, disability, language, religion, sexual orientation, political or other opinions; national, ethnic or social origin; association with a national minority; property, birth, or other status; or any other circumstance unrelated to the qualification being evaluated.
• Distinguish personal beliefs from professional duties and ensure that personal convictions do not compromise the objective and accurate evaluation of credentials.
• Ensure fairness and transparency at every stage of the evaluation process.
• Ensure that evaluation decisions are consistent, impartial, based on appropriate information (taking into account institutional, organizational, or governmental regulations and/or policies as applicable), and free from the influence of revenue or profit considerations.
• Strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing knowledge and skills, encouraging the professional development of colleagues, and fostering the aspirations of prospective practitioners.
• Act to uphold the integrity and credibility of the credential evaluation industry by avoiding association with diploma, certification, or accreditation mills*.
• Refrain from providing credential evaluation services to diploma mills and accreditation mills. This includes but is not limited to the evaluation of related documents, formal collaboration, publicity, financial involvement, or any action that may lend legitimacy or credibility to such entities.

The Importance of Evaluations Conducted by Professionals
The value of credential evaluations performed by properly trained professionals should not be underestimated. For example, a 2023 report by the Swedish Council for Higher Education stated: "The Council's research shows that recognition statements for foreign qualifications help promote integration into the labor market, enhance individuals' sense of belonging, and ensure the sustainability of future skills supply." The full report is available here: Swedish Council for Higher Education Report.

Compliance and Consequences of Violating the Code of Ethics
All ICVC members are required to comply with this Code of Ethics. Any violation of this Code by any member—whether an individual or organization—constitutes a breach of ICVC's ethical standards and may result in disciplinary action, including:
• Written warning or public censure;
• Suspension or revocation of individual or organizational membership and related benefits.

Diploma, Accreditation, and Credential Evaluation Mills

The official definitions as contained in the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers Recommendation on Combating Education Fraud are adopted.

"Accreditation mill" means an institution or organization (regardless of its legal form) that is neither recognized by the competent national authorities nor authorized by the law of any member state to accredit educational programs or degree certificates, and that intends to mislead employers, students, or the public.

"Diploma mill" (also known as "degree mill") means an institution or organization that is not recognized or authorized by the law of any member state to award certificates or qualifications, and that passes itself off as a legitimate institution through false advertising to award such certificates or qualifications.

"National competent authority" means an organization that is authorized or empowered by law, or has the authority to perform specific functions, and is generally responsible for overseeing compliance with national laws and regulations (https://toolbox.eupati.eu/glossary/national-competent-authority/).
The complete definitions of the above terms can be found in the Glossary of Terms Related to Ethics and Integrity in Education, published by the Council of Europe's ETINED platform (https://rm.coe.int/prems-001324-gbr-2512-etined-vol-8-9476-web-16x24/1680afbf85).

In addition, ICVC defines a credential evaluation mill as follows:
"Credential evaluation mill" means an institution (organization, company, association) that recognizes foreign qualifications and studies (including academic, vocational, and higher education) from educational providers of low standing, unrecognized, or unaccredited status as equivalent to qualifications awarded by nationally recognized universities or university colleges in the home country or elsewhere.