Terms of Service

Access to and use of CIML's services, website, Member Portal, programmes, certifications, and publications is conditional upon your acceptance of and compliance with these Terms. These Terms apply to all visitors, members, applicants, and any other parties who interact with CIML's services in any capacity.

By submitting a membership application, paying any fee, or using the Member Portal, you represent that:

• You are at least 18 years of age or have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement;
• All information you provide to CIML is accurate, complete, and current;
• You will comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and these Terms;
• You have the authority to bind any organisation on whose behalf you are acting, where applicable.

The Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership (CIML, USA) is a premier professional membership organisation dedicated to the advancement of excellence in management and leadership worldwide. CIML is legally registered and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the State of Oklahoma.

CIML functions as a recognised professional and membership organisation, delivering professional certifications, structured membership programmes, and cultivating leadership and managerial expertise across diverse sectors, globally.

CIML offers various grades of professional membership, from Affiliate Membership (entry-level) through to Fellow grade. Each grade carries specific eligibility requirements, rights, and obligations. By applying for or holding membership, you agree to the following:

3.1 Eligibility & Application

• Membership is open to qualified individuals who meet the specific criteria for the grade applied for, as outlined in CIML's Membership Grade guidelines.
• CIML reserves the right to approve, defer, or decline any membership application at its sole discretion, without being required to provide reasons.
• Applicants must ensure that all supporting documentation and information submitted with an application is authentic, accurate, and current. Submission of false or misleading information is grounds for immediate disqualification or termination of membership.

3.2 Rights of Members

• Use of the applicable post-nominal designations conferred by the relevant membership grade.
• Access to CIML's Member Portal, professional network, events, CPD resources, and publications as applicable to your membership grade.
• Participation in CIML's Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes and activities.
• Receipt of CIML's newsletter, publications, and updates on industry developments and Institute activities.

3.3 Obligations of Members

• Payment of all applicable membership fees and annual subscription charges in a timely manner.
• Adherence at all times to CIML's Code of Conduct and professional ethics standards.
• Maintaining the professional standards and competencies associated with your membership grade.
• Notifying CIML promptly of any material change in professional circumstances, qualifications, or status that may affect eligibility for membership.
• Participation in CPD activities as prescribed or recommended for your membership grade.

3.4 Membership Upgrade

Members seeking to upgrade their membership grade must meet the eligibility criteria for the target grade and submit a formal upgrade application, along with the requisite documentation and applicable fees. Upgrades are subject to assessment and approval by CIML. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee approval.

CIML offers a comprehensive portfolio of professional certifications and structured qualification frameworks designed to validate expertise, advance careers, and build globally recognised credentials. The following terms apply to all certification and qualification programmes:

• Eligibility: Applicants must satisfy the specific academic, professional, or experiential prerequisites for each certification or qualification level before enrolment is confirmed.
• Assessment: All assessments, examinations, and submissions must represent your own original work. Any form of academic misconduct, plagiarism, or misrepresentation will result in disqualification and may lead to membership termination.
• Certification Validity: CIML certifications are awarded upon successful completion of all requirements and payment of applicable fees. Certifications remain valid subject to continued compliance with CIML's CPD requirements and membership obligations.
• Certification Verification: All CIML-issued certificates may be verified through the official Certificate Verification portal at cimlglobal.us. Any certificate presented fraudulently or by a non-member will be treated as a serious breach and referred to the appropriate authorities.
• Non-Transferability: Certifications and qualifications awarded by CIML are personal to the recipient and may not be transferred, assigned, or shared with any other individual or entity.

CIML charges fees for membership registration, certification programmes, qualification frameworks, and related services. The following payment terms apply to all transactions with CIML:

• Fee Schedule: All applicable fees are published on the CIML website and are subject to change. The current fee schedule is available at the Membership Fee page. Fees are denominated in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise stated.
• Payment Obligation: Fees are due and payable in full at the time of application, enrolment, or renewal, unless an alternative arrangement has been expressly agreed in writing with CIML.
• Non-Refundable Fees: Membership registration fees, application fees, and certification enrolment fees are generally non-refundable once processed, except where CIML has declined an application or where expressly stated otherwise in writing.
• Failed Payments: CIML reserves the right to suspend or terminate membership or access to services in the event of non-payment or failed payment transactions. Reinstatement may be subject to an additional administrative charge.
• Disputed Charges: Any disputes relating to charges must be raised in writing with CIML within 30 days of the relevant transaction date. Disputes raised outside this window may not be considered.

The annual subscription is the yearly fee paid by members to maintain their active status in CIML. It is distinct from the initial registration or application fee and is required each year to retain full membership privileges.

• Renewal Obligation: Members are required to renew their annual subscription before the expiry date each year. CIML will issue renewal notices in advance, but it remains the member's responsibility to ensure timely payment.
• Lapsed Membership: Failure to renew an annual subscription within the prescribed period will result in membership lapsing. Lapsed members may not use CIML designations, access the Member Portal, or represent themselves as current CIML members.
• Reinstatement: Lapsed members may apply for reinstatement subject to payment of outstanding subscription arrears and any applicable reinstatement fee. CIML reserves the right to require a fresh assessment for reinstatement where membership has been lapsed for an extended period.
• Subscription Rates: Annual subscription rates are reviewed periodically and published on the CIML website. Members will be informed of any changes in advance of their renewal date.

All CIML members, applicants, and participants in CIML-affiliated programmes are required to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity, reputation, and values of the Institute. By holding or applying for CIML membership, you agree to abide by CIML's Code of Conduct, which includes but is not limited to:

• Acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency in all professional and personal dealings.
• Treating all individuals — regardless of background, nationality, gender, religion, or profession — with respect and dignity.
• Refraining from any conduct that may bring CIML, its members, or the management and leadership profession into disrepute.
• Complying with all applicable laws and regulations in your professional practice and personal conduct.
• Not engaging in, facilitating, or concealing fraudulent, corrupt, or unethical practices.
• Accurately and honestly representing your CIML membership grade, qualifications, and credentials to third parties.
• Reporting any known or suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct to CIML without undue delay.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary proceedings, including suspension, downgrading, or termination of membership. CIML's full Code of Conduct is available at coc.html.

CIML grants its members the right to use approved post-nominal designations and credentials associated with their membership grade and certifications, subject to the following conditions:

• Designations may only be used by active, fully paid-up members in good standing with CIML.
• Members must accurately represent their membership grade and may not use designations associated with a higher grade than that which they currently hold.
• The right to use designations is personal and non-transferable. It is immediately revoked upon lapse, suspension, or termination of membership.
• Members may not alter, misrepresent, or misuse CIML designations in any manner that could mislead or deceive third parties.
• The CIML name, logo, trademarks, and branding may only be used by members and partners with express written authorisation from the Institute.

CIML provides an online Member Portal at cimlglobal.us/ciml/user/ through which members can access services, manage their membership, and verify certificates. The following terms apply to use of the Member Portal:

• Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your portal login credentials. You must not share your account with any other person. CIML is not liable for any loss or damage arising from unauthorised use of your account.
• Accurate Information: You must ensure that the information held on your portal account is kept current and accurate. CIML is not responsible for consequences arising from outdated or incorrect member-supplied information.
• Prohibited Use: You must not use the Member Portal for any unlawful purpose, to upload malicious content, to attempt to breach the security of the system, or to access data belonging to other members.
• Availability: CIML endeavours to maintain portal availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Planned maintenance windows will be communicated where reasonably practicable. CIML accepts no liability for losses arising from portal downtime.
• Termination of Access: CIML reserves the right to suspend or revoke portal access where a member's account is in breach of these Terms or where membership has lapsed or been terminated.

All content on the CIML website and within the Member Portal — including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, course materials, publications, qualification frameworks, certification criteria, and programme content — is the exclusive intellectual property of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership or its licensed content providers, and is protected by applicable copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

• You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, display, publish, or create derivative works from any CIML content without express prior written permission from CIML.
• Personal, non-commercial use of CIML website content for reference purposes is permitted, provided attribution to CIML is given and the content is not altered.
• CIML's name, logo, "Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership," and all associated marks are registered trademarks and may not be used without authorisation.
• Any intellectual property created by members specifically as part of CIML-facilitated programmes may be subject to specific intellectual property provisions communicated at the time of enrolment.

CIML provides its website, Member Portal, programmes, certifications, and all related services on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, CIML makes no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement;
• That the website or Member Portal will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from viruses or harmful components;
• The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content published on the CIML website or communicated by CIML;
• That obtaining a CIML certification or membership will guarantee any specific professional outcome, employment result, or career advancement.

CIML's certifications and credentials are professional recognition awards. While CIML strives to maintain globally recognised standards, recognition by specific employers, regulators, or institutions is outside CIML's control and is not guaranteed.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, CIML, its officers, directors, council members, employees, agents, and partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or in connection with:

• Your use of or inability to use CIML's services, website, or Member Portal;
• Any reliance placed on information or content provided by CIML;
• Unauthorised access to or alteration of your data or transmissions;
• Any loss of revenue, business, opportunity, goodwill, or data howsoever caused.

In no event shall CIML's total aggregate liability to you, for all claims arising out of or related to these Terms or your use of CIML's services, exceed the total amount of fees actually paid by you to CIML in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

CIML is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of its members, applicants, and website visitors. Your use of CIML's services is also governed by CIML's Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference and available at Privacy Policy.

By using CIML's services, you consent to the collection, use, and processing of your personal information as described in the Privacy Policy. CIML processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including those applicable in the United States.

CIML may use your contact details to send you membership-related communications, CPD updates, event invitations, and the CIML newsletter. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting CIML at info@cimlglobal.us. Please note that transactional and membership-related communications are necessary and may not be subject to opt-out while your membership remains active.

Membership may be terminated in any of the following circumstances:

• Voluntary Resignation: A member may resign from CIML at any time by providing written notice to CIML. Resignation does not entitle the member to a refund of any fees paid.
• Non-Payment: Failure to pay the annual subscription or other applicable fees within the prescribed period will result in membership lapsing and may ultimately lead to formal termination.
• Disciplinary Action: CIML may suspend or terminate membership following a disciplinary process where a member has been found to have breached the Code of Conduct, these Terms, or any applicable professional standards.
• Misrepresentation: Membership obtained through the submission of false, fraudulent, or misleading information will be voided, and the individual concerned may be subject to further action.

Upon termination of membership for any reason, the member must immediately cease using all CIML designations, credentials, and branding, and return or destroy any CIML materials as directed. Termination does not affect any rights or obligations accrued prior to the date of termination.

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, United States of America, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms, or the breach, termination, or invalidity thereof, shall be subject to the following resolution process:

1. Informal Resolution: Both parties agree to attempt to resolve any dispute informally by contacting CIML in writing at info@cimlglobal.us within 30 days of the dispute arising.
2. Mediation: If the dispute cannot be resolved informally within 60 days, either party may propose mediation through a mutually agreed mediator.
3. Litigation: If mediation is unsuccessful or declined, disputes shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, USA.

Nothing in this clause prevents CIML from seeking urgent injunctive or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction to protect its intellectual property, confidential information, or other rights.

CIML reserves the right to modify, update, or replace these Terms of Service at any time at its sole discretion. Where changes are material, CIML will endeavour to provide reasonable advance notice to members via email or through a prominent notice on the CIML website or Member Portal.

The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the most recent revisions were made. Your continued use of CIML's services or maintenance of membership after any amendments to these Terms constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the revised Terms, you should cease using CIML's services and, if applicable, submit your resignation in writing.

CIML encourages members to review these Terms periodically to remain informed of any updates. The current version of these Terms shall always be accessible on the CIML website.

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms of Service, your membership, or any aspect of CIML's services, please contact us using the details below. Our team will endeavour to respond to all enquiries within 5 working days.