Appeals, Discipline & Revocation Policy

This policy governs the processes by which NCFET™ may investigate, discipline, suspend, or revoke credentials, and the process by which credential holders may appeal such determinations. NCFET™ is committed to fair, consistent, and documented procedures when credential actions are taken.

NCFET™ may initiate disciplinary proceedings for any of the following:

• Fraud, misrepresentation, or false documentation in a certification application, exam, or assessment.
• Violation of the NCFET™ Code of Conduct.
• Sharing, publishing, or distributing NCFET™ exam content.
• Unauthorized alteration, reproduction, or misuse of NCFET™ credentials, badges, or marks.
• Display or use of an expired, suspended, or revoked credential as active.
• Conduct that poses a serious risk to public safety in connection with fitness equipment service.
• Material misrepresentation of credential level, status, or scope to an employer or client.
• Violation of the Exam Integrity Policy.

Depending on the nature and severity of the conduct, NCFET™ may take one or more of the following actions:

• Written Warning: A formal notice that a violation has been identified, with no immediate credential impact.
• Credential Suspension: Temporary suspension of the credential pending investigation or remediation. The credential status is updated in the public registry to "Suspended."
• Credential Revocation: Permanent removal of the credential. The registry status is updated to "Revoked." The individual is disqualified from future certification for a defined period.
• Permanent Disqualification: In cases of serious fraud or repeat violations, permanent disqualification from all NCFET™ programs.

When a potential violation is reported or identified:

1. NCFET™ will conduct an initial review to determine whether the allegation warrants investigation.
2. If investigation is warranted, NCFET™ will notify the credential holder by email with a description of the allegation and an opportunity to respond within 14 calendar days.
3. NCFET™ may place the credential in "Suspended" status during active investigation at its discretion.
4. Following review of all available information, NCFET™ will issue a written determination to the credential holder.

A credential holder who receives a disciplinary determination (suspension, revocation, or disqualification) may submit a written appeal within 30 calendar days of the determination notice.

To appeal:

• Email support@ncfet.com with the subject line: "Credential Appeal — [Your Full Name] — [Credential ID]"
• Include your full name, credential ID, the specific determination you are appealing, and all supporting documentation or evidence.
• Appeals must be submitted in writing — NCFET™ does not conduct verbal appeals.

NCFET™ will acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 5 business days and provide a final determination within 30 business days. The initial determination remains in effect during the appeal period unless NCFET™ elects otherwise.

NCFET™'s appeal determination is final and binding. This process does not constitute a legal proceeding and does not waive any legal rights either party may have.

A suspended credential may be reinstated upon resolution of the underlying issue and satisfactory completion of any remediation required by NCFET™. Reinstated credentials resume their original expiration date unless NCFET™ determines otherwise.

Revoked credentials are not eligible for reinstatement. Individuals whose credentials are revoked must reapply for the full certification program after any applicable disqualification period expires.

Any person may report a potential Code of Conduct or policy violation to NCFET™ at support@ncfet.com. NCFET™ will review all reports in good faith. Anonymous reports are accepted but may limit NCFET™'s ability to investigate.

NCFET™ is a private professional credentialing organization. Disciplinary proceedings are internal credential management processes, not legal proceedings. NCFET™'s determinations relate solely to credential status and do not constitute findings of fact in any legal matter. NCFET™ is not a government agency and credential actions do not constitute a government license action of any kind.