Effective Date: October 2, 2025

 

1. Introduction

The Accreditation Commission for Integrative Sciences (“ACIS”), including its credentialing division, the International Board of Trichology & Holistic Medicine (“IBTHM”), and its institutional division, the Accrediting Council for Holistic Trichology & Herbal Sciences (“ACHTHS”), (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it through this Privacy Policy.

This Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you:

• Visit our website (www.aciscommission.org) or related subdomains;

• Submit applications for certification or accreditation;

• Enroll in or renew membership, continuing education, or professional listings; or

• Communicate with us via email, phone, or forms.

By accessing or using our website or submitting personal data, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

 

2. Scope

This Policy applies to:

• Visitors, applicants, certificants, accredited institutions, reviewers, and continuing education providers associated with ACIS, IBTHM, and ACHTHS.

• All online and offline data collection related to ACIS services, including applications, payments, renewals, and directory listings.

This Policy does not apply to third-party websites linked from our site. Those are governed by their own privacy policies.

 

3. Information We Collect

We may collect several types of information, including:

A. Information You Provide Voluntarily

You may provide this information when applying, registering, or communicating with us:

• Full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address

• Date of birth (for identity verification)

• Academic, licensure, and professional credentials

• Payment and billing information (processed securely through third-party processors)

• Institutional information (name, address, accreditation status)

• Uploaded documents (transcripts, resumes, CE certificates, licenses, etc.)

• Feedback, testimonials, or survey responses

B. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Website, we automatically collect certain technical data through cookies and analytics tools, such as:

• IP address, browser type, operating system, and device information

• Date and time of visit, referral URL, and pages viewed

• Session duration and clickstream data

This data helps us improve website performance, track analytics, and detect security risks.

C. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Educational institutions verifying credentials

• Payment processors

• Accreditation reviewers or auditors

• Professional associations for verification or reference purposes

 

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and evaluate certification and accreditation applications

• Verify credentials and qualifications

• Administer renewals, CE tracking, and member directories

• Maintain accurate records and communicate updates

• Provide administrative support, reminders, and announcements

• Conduct audits, compliance checks, or investigations

• Improve website functionality, content, and user experience

• Meet legal, ethical, and regulatory obligations

We do not sell or rent personal information to third parties.

 

5. Legal Bases for Processing (for International Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your data under the following legal bases:

• Consent: You have given consent for specific processing purposes.

• Contract: Processing is necessary for fulfilling a contractual obligation (e.g., application review).

• Legal Obligation: Processing is required to comply with applicable laws.

• Legitimate Interest: To ensure the integrity of accreditation and credentialing operations.

 

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information only as necessary to fulfill our organizational purposes:

• Internal Staff & Authorized Reviewers: To process applications, renewals, or site visits.

• Third-Party Service Providers: For website hosting, data security, analytics, payment processing, and document verification.

• Legal Authorities: When required by law, subpoena, or to protect public safety.

• Public Directory: With your consent, limited information (name, credential, institution, city/state) may appear in the ACIS or IBTHM public directory.

All third-party partners are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and comply with this Policy.

 

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Maintain certification or accreditation records;

• Comply with legal and audit obligations; and

• Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy.

After expiration or revocation, certain information may be archived for compliance verification or legal recordkeeping.

 

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience.
Cookies allow us to:

• Maintain secure login sessions;

• Analyze usage patterns; and

• Improve navigation and content relevance.

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but some Website features may not function properly without them.

 

9. Data Security

We implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect your data, including:

• Encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)

• Secure third-party payment processors

• Role-based access controls

• Regular software and vulnerability updates

• Secure backup and data recovery systems

While we take every reasonable measure, no electronic system is completely secure. By using the Website, you acknowledge and accept this inherent risk.

 

10. International Data Transfers

As a global accrediting organization, ACIS may process and store data in multiple jurisdictions.
By submitting information to us, you consent to the transfer of your data to countries where ACIS or its authorized partners operate, which may have different data protection standards than your country of residence.

All such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and contractual safeguards.

 

11. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information.

• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements.

• Restriction: Request limitation of data processing.

• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for specific uses at any time.

• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organization.

To exercise these rights, contact privacy@aciscommission.org.

We will respond to all verified requests within 30 days, subject to identification verification.

 

12. Children’s Privacy

This Website is not intended for children under 18 years of age.
We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware that such data has been inadvertently collected, we will delete it promptly.

 

13. External Links

Our Website may include links to third-party sites or CE providers.
We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content.
Users should review the privacy policies of those third-party sites before providing personal information.

 

14. Communications and Opt-Out

By providing contact information, you consent to receive emails regarding your account, certification status, renewals, and organizational updates.

You may opt out of non-essential marketing communications by following the “unsubscribe” link in any email or by contacting privacy@aciscommission.org.

 

15. Data Breach Procedures

In the event of a data breach involving your personal information, ACIS will:

• Notify affected users promptly via email or public notice (where required);

• Cooperate with regulatory authorities; and

• Take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

 

16. Policy Updates

We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal, operational, or technological changes.
The “Last Modified” date at the top of this page indicates the latest revision.
Your continued use of the Website after any update signifies your acceptance of the revised Policy.

 

17. Contact Information

For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Attn: Privacy
Email: info@aciscommission.org 

DMCA/Copyright Notices: Send notices to info@aciscommission.org 

 

18. Acceptance of Policy

By using this Website, submitting an application, or continuing engagement with ACIS, IBTHM, or ACHTHS, you signify your understanding and acceptance of this Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with this Policy, you must discontinue use of the Website and refrain from submitting personal data.

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