Policies & Forms

Complaint Filing Process for Misuse of BCSP Credential Registered Titles and Acronyms

BCSP has registered its credential titles and acronyms with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. BCSP credentials, certification titles, acronyms, trademarks, logos, copyrighted materials, and other intellectual property ("BCSP Protected Materials") may only be used by individuals or organizations authorized to do so. BCSP maintains procedures for addressing allegations of unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials or other protected materials.

To verify whether an individual currently holds a BCSP credential, please visit the BCSP Credential Directory. Individuals who have been sanctioned for the unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials may be listed in the Unauthorized Use section of the Credential Directory. Please note that BCSP allows current credential holders to opt out of having their information displayed in the directory. If you are unable to locate an individual in the Credential Directory and wish to verify their credential status, please contact BCSP at +1 317-593-4800 or bcsp@bcsp.org for assistance.

Please note that the majority of reports received regarding credential misuse are resolved without publication or formal sanctions. Filing a complaint provides BCSP with an opportunity to investigate and address potentially correctable misrepresentations.

Examples of Unauthorized Use

Examples of unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials or protected materials may include, but are not limited to:

• Claiming to hold a BCSP credential that has not been earned.
• Using a BCSP credential after it has been invalidated, revoked, suspended, or otherwise is no longer valid.
• Misrepresenting one's credential status
• Using BCSP credential titles or acronyms without authorization.
• Misusing BCSP trademarks, logos, certification marks, or branding materials.
• Reproducing, distributing, or modifying BCSP copyrighted materials without authorization.
• Representing another individual's credential as one's own.
• Using BCSP protected materials in a manner that implies BCSP endorsement, approval, or affiliation when no such relationship exists.

Note: Supporting documentation should, whenever possible, demonstrate current or recent misuse. Examples may include websites, online profiles, advertisements, résumés, business cards, proposals, correspondence, or other materials showing the alleged misuse of BCSP credentials or protected materials within the previous sixty (60) calendar days. BCSP may review older evidence when the alleged misuse appears to be ongoing or continues to create a misleading representation.

Filing a Complaint

Individuals wishing to report the suspected unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials, certification titles, acronyms, logos, trademarks, copyrighted materials, or other BCSP Protected Materials must complete the online Unauthorized Use Complaint Form.

Please note: BCSP cannot act on a complaint unless sufficient information and supporting evidence are provided. While BCSP will make reasonable efforts to protect a complainant's identity, complainants must provide contact information to allow BCSP to evaluate the report and request additional information when necessary.

The Complaint Form requires the following information:

1. Name of the complainant and contact information.
2. Name of the individual or organization alleged to be misusing BCSP credentials or protected materials.
3. Contact information for the individual or organization alleged to be misusing BCSP credentials or protected materials.
4. A detailed description of the alleged misuse.
5. Supporting documentation, such as business cards, résumés, websites, correspondence, marketing materials, social media content, or other evidence supporting the allegation.

BCSP Review Process

Upon receipt of a complaint, BCSP will:

1. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint.
2. Review the complaint to determine whether it falls within BCSP's scope of authority.
3. Establish a case file and conduct an appropriate review or investigation.
4. Refer the matter to BCSP legal counsel, when necessary.
5. Communicate the status or resolution of the matter to the complainant, as appropriate.

All complaints are reviewed impartially and in accordance with established procedures. BCSP is committed to fairness, due process, and the protection of both the public and the rights of accused individuals. Some investigations may require coordination with legal counsel and can take six months or longer to conclude.

Possible Outcomes

If BCSP determines that unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials or protected materials has occurred, BCSP may take actions authorized under its policy, including corrective measures, publication of sanctions, restrictions on pursuing BCSP credentials, cease and desist agreements, notification of employers or clients, or other legal remedies, as appropriate.

Individuals subject to sanctions under this policy may have appeal rights in accordance with applicable BCSP policies and procedures.

Questions

If you have questions regarding the reporting of unauthorized use or misuse of BCSP credentials or other protected materials, please contact BCSP's Governance Department at governance@bcsp.org.