Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Welcome to the Terms of Service (TOS) for the American National Council of Accreditation Standards® (ANCAS®). When we refer to "ANCAS®" or we use pronouns like "we", "us" or "our", we are referring to American National Council of Accreditation Standards® as well as its alliances, affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, consultants, officers, or directors. When we refer to the "User" or, where applicable, the "Certified Organization", we are talking about you, and we will also use words like "you" and "your" to refer to you. Who "you" are can get more complicated if you are using our services on behalf of an organization (legal entity). In that case, you are representing to us that you have the authority to bind your organization to this TOS and that you agree to be legally bound by this TOS on behalf of the legal entity (and "User", "Certified Organization", "you", and "your" then refer to the legal entity). If you aren't sure what this means or whether you are authorized to bind your organization (legal entity) to this TOS, you should ask others in your organization to get clarification about authority.
This TOS is a binding contract between you and ANCAS®, and it covers all of the offerings, websites (such as ancas.org), products (such as certifications for enterprises), services, features, content, applications, and other things we offer to users like you.
This website was designed by ANCAS®. By visiting ANCAS®'s website or using any products and services provided on this website, you accept that you are 18 years or older, and you accept this Terms of Service statement. We reserve the right to make changes to our website, products, services, and these disclaimers, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy at any time by posting on this website without any other notice. Your access or use of this website or use of our products and services after any changes have been posted will constitute your agreement to the modified Terms of Service and all changes.
You consent to us using and processing any personal data supplied or collected in connection with your use of this website for the purposes, ways, and means as stated in the Privacy Policy of this website.
Our offerings, websites, products, services, features, content, and applications may not be reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, or otherwise exploited for any commercial purpose that is not expressly permitted by ANCAS®. ANCAS® reserves the right to refuse service, terminate accounts, or cancel contracts or orders at its discretion, including, without limitation, if ANCAS® believes that the user's conduct violates applicable law or is harmful to the interests of ANCAS®.
Our offerings, websites, products, services, features, content, and applications are provided by ANCAS® on an "as is" basis. We do not offer any warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to accuracy, completeness, merchantability, non-infringement of third-party rights, or fitness for a particular purpose. ANCAS® does not guarantee the operation of our website or the accuracy or completeness of any offerings or content provided. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ANCAS® will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, ANCAS® will not be liable to you or any third parties, including but not limited to investors, partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, customers, or other direct or indirect associates of a certified organization or individual. This includes any liability for direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, such as lost profits, personal injury, wrongful death, or other tangible or intangible losses. This limitation applies regardless of any theory of liability—whether warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), statute, or any other legal principle—and even if ANCAS® has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
An enterprise certification from ANCAS® does not make any representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, as to the operation of the certified organization or the accuracy, correctness, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of the certified organization's products and services. Furthermore, ANCAS® cannot be held responsible if any third parties fail to recognize or only partially approve our products. Similarly, ANCAS® is not liable for any claims brought by third parties due to unmet compliance, quality, safety, security, or other requirements associated with you or your organization. This includes any situation where the non-acceptance of our products is used as evidence in any legal or contractual disputes, including those related to products, services, or employee and provider liability. You agree that ANCAS® has no liability for any damages to you or any other parties you may be associated with, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
ANCAS® provides certification programs, consulting, and coaching services that are available for purchase. ANCAS® uses third-party providers (Paypal, Stripe) to process your online payments. ANCAS® does never obtain and store your payment information, such as your credit card or bank account numbers. Therefore, ANCAS® does not possess any liability for the payment transaction you conduct with third parties. For more information about Paypal, Stripe, their "Terms and Conditions" and "Privacy Policy" statement, please visit https://www.paypal.com and https://www.stripe.com. If your payment method fails or your account is past due, you agree to pay all amounts due on your account upon demand and reimburse us for all reversals, chargebacks, claims, fees, fines, penalties, and other liability incurred by us (including costs and related expenses) that were caused by or arising out of payments that you authorized or accepted.
You have the right to a full refund of your registration fee if you do not meet our certification criteria, as we at ANCAS® prioritize your peace of mind throughout the certification process. At ANCAS®, we understand that the certification process can be challenging. Our certifications are designed to streamline the process by managing all necessary steps to ensure compliance, allowing your business to focus on what matters most: serving your clients and achieving impactful outcomes. All businesses that operate with integrity and in alignment with professional and public interests are eligible to pursue enterprise certifications through ANCAS®. Should our validation process determine that your organization (legal entity) does not meet the criteria for certification, ANCAS® will issue a full refund of your registration fee without further inquiry. Our priority is a transparent and fair assessment, ensuring that only eligible entities receive our endorsement.
All content included in our offerings, websites, products, services, features, content, and applications, including but not limited to texts, graphics, logos, images, books, checklists, reports, manuals, audios, videos, and software, is the property of ANCAS®. The compilation (meaning the collection, arrangement, and assembly) of all content is the exclusive property of ANCAS®. All software used on this website is the property of ANCAS®. All the content, compilation, and software are protected by international copyright laws. Any other use, including the reproduction, modification, distribution, transmission, republication, display, or performance of the content on this website may be permissible provided prior written consent of ANCAS® is obtained through written request made to ANCAS®.
If any provision of this TOS or the application thereof is held in whole or in part unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of that provision and of the entire agreement will be severable and remain in full force and effect.
American National Council of Accreditation Standards®, ANCAS® and other marks, logos, and service names are trademarks of ANCAS®. ANCAS®'s trademarks must not in any way be used in connection with any product or service that is not related to ANCAS®, unless a prior written license is obtained from ANCAS®. All other trademarks not owned by ANCAS® that appear on this website are their respective owners' property, who may or may not be connected to or sponsored by ANCAS®.
ANCAS® respects the rights of others. In our offerings, websites, products, services, features, content, and applications, we exhibit utmost care and attention to ensure this respect during our day-to-day operations. However, if you have the impression that any of your properties have been used by ANCAS® in a way that violates your rights, please email your feedback to support@ancas.org to enable us to cooperatively address your concerns.
ANCAS®'s website may contain hyperlinks to websites unrelated to ANCAS®. Such hyperlinks are provided for your reference and convenience only. ANCAS® should not be taken as endorsing the operator or the content of such a third-party website. You may use such links only at your own risk, and you are solely responsible for all consequences of such use.
Very truly yours,
American National Council of Accreditation Standards® (ANCAS®)
1400 Jefferson Dr SW
Washington D.C.
20004 United States