ADAConsultant.org Code of Ethics

Version 1.0 · Effective April 2026

Every CIAC agrees to this code at enrollment and at each annual renewal. Violations may result in investigation, censure, suspension, or revocation of the CIAC credential through the complaint process.

Article 1 — Competence

1. A CIAC shall provide services only in areas where they have training, experience, or supervised support.
2. A CIAC shall maintain current knowledge of the 2010 ADA Standards, applicable WCAG version, and DOJ guidance through continuing education.
3. A CIAC shall decline engagements that exceed their competence and shall refer the client to a more qualified practitioner when appropriate.

Article 2 — Honest Representation

1. A CIAC shall not claim the authority to "certify" a building, website, or business as ADA-compliant. No such certification exists under federal law.
2. A CIAC shall accurately represent the CIAC credential, its scope, and its limitations — verbally, in writing, and in marketing.
3. A CIAC shall not claim affiliation with government agencies they are not affiliated with, and shall clearly distinguish ADAConsultant.org (a private association) from regulators.

Article 3 — Client Documentation

1. Every engagement shall be governed by a written scope and agreement signed before substantive work begins.
2. Inspection reports shall cite the applicable standard (2010 ADA Standards section number, or WCAG success criterion) for every finding.
3. Inspection reports shall distinguish between mandatory compliance items and recommended best practices.
4. Photographs, measurements, and dated notes shall be retained for the engagement's documented record.

Article 4 — Conflicts of Interest

1. A CIAC shall disclose to the client any financial, familial, or professional interest that could reasonably be perceived as compromising their judgment.
2. A CIAC shall not accept undisclosed commissions, kickbacks, or referral fees from vendors whose products or services they recommend to clients.
3. A CIAC shall disclose any ownership stake in, or employment by, a remediation contractor recommended to the client.

Article 5 — Confidentiality

1. A CIAC shall hold in confidence all non-public information obtained during an engagement, and shall not disclose such information without the client's written consent — except as compelled by law or subpoena.
2. A CIAC may use de-identified case examples for teaching, publication, or peer review.

Article 6 — Professional Conduct

1. A CIAC shall treat clients, colleagues, opposing experts, and the public with professional courtesy.
2. A CIAC shall not misrepresent another consultant's work, findings, or conclusions.
3. A CIAC shall cooperate with ADAConsultant.org in any investigation of their own or another member's conduct.

Article 7 — Scope of Practice

1. A CIAC is not a lawyer and shall not provide legal advice. Providing information about the text and structure of the ADA is educational; analysis of specific legal rights and remedies is the practice of law.
2. A CIAC is not an architect or engineer and shall not stamp drawings or make structural engineering determinations outside of their licensed scope.
3. A CIAC shall refer clients to appropriate licensed professionals (attorneys, architects, engineers) when questions fall outside ADA-consulting scope.

Article 8 — Continuing Obligations

1. A CIAC shall complete the required continuing-education credits each membership year.
2. A CIAC shall notify ADAConsultant.org within 30 days of any criminal conviction, professional license revocation, or civil judgment arising from their consulting practice.
3. A CIAC shall pay annual dues to remain in good standing.