A condition of certification
Certified professionals are expected to support and observe the Code as part of maintaining the standing of their credential.
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Professional Standards
Code of Ethics
Certification is more than passing an examination. eDiscovery Certification Council certified professionals are expected to uphold standards of honesty, competence, responsibility and professional integrity.
Why ethics matter
Professional credibility depends on conduct
The Code of Ethics protects the integrity of eDiscovery Certification Council credentials and helps maintain confidence in the wider eDiscovery profession.
Professional accountability
Serious or knowing breaches may be considered through the Council’s ethics and peer-review processes.
A shared standard
The Code gives professionals, employers and clients a clear statement of the behaviour expected from certified practitioners.
The Code
Principles every certified professional should uphold
These principles summarise the professional duties expressed by the existing eDiscovery Certification Council Code of Ethics.
Protect the public interest
Protect society, public trust and the integrity of the profession.
Protect society, public trust and the integrity of the profession.
Act honourably
Act honestly, justly, responsibly and lawfully.
Act honestly, justly, responsibly and lawfully.
Serve competently
Provide diligent and competent professional service.
Provide diligent and competent professional service.
Advance the profession
Protect professional standards and the credibility of eDiscovery practice.
Protect professional standards and the credibility of eDiscovery practice.
Maintain confidentiality
Respect confidential, privileged and sensitive information entrusted to you.
Respect confidential, privileged and sensitive information entrusted to you.
Preserve integrity
Support defensible processes, evidence integrity and truthful professional representations.
Support defensible processes, evidence integrity and truthful professional representations.
Professional responsibility
When you believe the Code has been breached
Concerns should be raised responsibly and through the appropriate eDiscovery Certification Council process. Reports should be factual, made in good faith and respect confidentiality and due process.
Document the concern
Record the relevant facts, dates and supporting information without exaggeration.
Use the proper channel
Submit the concern to the Council through the appropriate contact route.
Respect due process
Do not treat an allegation as a finding. Fair review protects both the profession and the individuals involved.
Questions about professional standards?
Contact the eDiscovery Certification Council if you need guidance about the Code of Ethics or professional conduct.
Contact the Council