Certificate, Certification, Certify, Certifiable! – Legal Ramifications When Words Confuse
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
RSVP Now!
The use of similar sounding words to describe somewhat similar programs can lead to confusion in
professions. When is a “certificate” a piece of paper? And when is it a part of a “certification”
program? Does your organization “certify” individuals? Or do you issue a “certificate”? Do the
people who hold your credential refer to themselves as “certified”? The misuse of these terms can
cause your program to take on legal burdens that you might not realize.
The session will provide attendees with an understanding of how to apply the correct words to what
they do and when to avoid the misuse of incorrect words. A hypothetical scenario will be used in a
group interaction format to illustrate the real-world consequences of mislabeling a credentialing
program.
We'll cover why words matter. Definitions of “certify”, “certificate”, “certified” and “certification.” We'll also tackle governance models, certificate programs, certification programs, federations of state/provincial regulatory boards, and hybrids. Some other topics up for discussion:
- Legal issues that arise from case law
- Certification programs have at least an implied duty to those who rely on the
credential (usually, the public) - Certificate programs are compared to academic degrees
- Misuse of terms
- When should you allow the people who hold your credential to use “certified” after
their names and when you shouldn’t!
We'll spend some time in a discussion of why words matter and what credentialing organizations can do to
make sure they are legally protected and send out the right messages. Attendees will understand when to use the appropriate term for what their organization
does. You will understand the different governance models, how hybrids can work and their
pitfalls. Attendees will leave with knowledge of the legal impacts of the correct and incorrect use of
the credentialing terms.
You will be able to apply knowledge of this issue to each of your credentialing
programs – you can take this information home and put it to use right away.
RSVP for September 24, 2008 Meeting
Susan E. Dorn is managing partner of the law firm Dorn& Hanson, P.C. She has served as general
counsel to professional societies, certification agencies, and philanthropic organizations since she
graduated in 1985 from the public interest law school, Antioch School of Law. Susan Dorn has
written and lectured extensively on subjects affecting nonprofits and has a special interest in the
value of standard setting.
Jeffrey F. Kenney, AIA is the Executive Director of the National Council for Interior Design
Qualification (NCIDQ). Prior to this position, he was the President of his own consulting firm,
Professional Development Partners, Inc. where he assisted clients with licensing and certification
programs. From 1988 to 1998, he worked for the National Council of Architectural Registration
Boards (NCARB) where he oversaw all aspects of the development of the Architect Registration
Examination, most especially the transition from a paper-and-pencil examination to the current
computer-delivered ARE.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – Noon
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Place: Charles Sumner School and Archives
1201 17th St, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1-202-442-6060
CNG Event Co-Sponsors
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