Report a Potential Ethics Violation

BICSI upholds defined standards of professional conduct. Report concerns involving potential violations, including false claims of BICSI membership or credentials. 
File a Complaint

When to File an Ethics Complaint

An ethics complaint may be filed when there is concern that the BICSI Code of Ethics and Professional Obligations has been violated. Complaints may also be filed regarding false claims of BICSI membership or credentials.

BICSI members and credential holders are expected to exercise sound judgment and maintain high standards of personal and professional conduct. When conduct raises ethical or legal concerns, it should be reconsidered and, when appropriate, reported to the BICSI Ethics Committee.

Potential Ethics Violations

Concerns that may be reported include, but are not limited to:

  • Misrepresentation or inaccurate statements in customer relationships or regarding services provided
  • Misrepresentation or inaccurate presentation of educational materials or profession-related documentation
  • Misrepresentation of another individual's qualifications, abilities, or accomplishments
  • Misleading claims regarding adherence to applicable codes, laws, industry standards, or BICSI methodologies
  • Misleading statements or malicious actions that injure a colleague's reputation or physically harm a person or property
  • Misuse, unauthorized use, or misrepresentation of BICSI credentials, credential stamps, logos, trademarks, intellectual property, or other BICSI brand identifiers
  • Discrimination against an individual based on age, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religious belief

Violations of the BICSI Code of Ethics and Professional Obligations are taken seriously.

What Happens After a Complaint is Filed

Admonishment
A written warning. An admonishment is not entered into the member's or credential holder's record and is not published to membership or the general public.
Reprimand
A serious written warning. A reprimand is entered into the member's or credential holder's record for two years and is not published to membership or the general public. An appeal process is available.
Censure
A formal written expression of criticism and disapproval for a violation. A censure is entered into the member's or credential holder's record and is published to membership or the general public. An appeal process is available.
Suspension
A temporary revocation of the rights and privileges of membership and/or a credential. A suspension is entered into the member's or credential holder's record, is published to membership and the general public, and remains permanently on the individual's record. An appeal process is available.
Expulsion
A complete termination of membership, credential holder status, and/or any affiliation with BICSI. An expulsion is published to membership and the general public and remains permanently on the individual's record. An appeal process is available.
Retaliation and False Complaints
Retaliation against anyone who files a complaint with the Ethics Committee constitutes a violation of the Code of Ethics and Professional Obligations. Retaliation will be treated as unethical conduct and may be subject to disciplinary action. Knowingly filing a false complaint will also be treated as unethical conduct and may be subject to disciplinary action.

The Ethics Committee must receive sufficient information to properly review and investigate a concern. Complaints should be submitted in writing and include as much relevant information as possible.

Both member and nonmember complaints should include, at minimum:

  • The specific provisions of the BICSI Code of Ethics and Professional Obligations you believe have been violated
  • Supporting information or documentation related to any false claim of BICSI membership or credentials
  • Contact information for the individual or organization identified in the complaint and the applicable client or customer
  • The date and details of the incident
  • Relevant supporting documents, such as correspondence, advertisements, bid qualifications, specifications, or confirmation documentation
  • An explanation of any efforts made to resolve the matter
  • Any responses provided by the individual identified in the complaint
  • Your contact information
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