Refund policy

1. Scope and general position

This policy applies to examination fees and cohort fees paid to the Council. Fees paid to an approved training partner for preparation are governed by that partner's own terms; the Council is not a party to that contract and has no liability under it.

Fees are non-refundable once paid, except where this policy expressly provides otherwise. Refunds and transfers granted outside these terms are at the Council's sole discretion, are made without admission of liability, and do not create a precedent or entitlement in any other case.

2. Cancellation by the candidate

• More than 28 days before the examination window opens: transfer to a later window at no charge, or a refund less a non-refundable administration fee of 15% of the fee paid.
• 14 to 28 days before: one transfer to a later window on payment of a transfer fee. No refund.
• Fewer than 14 days before: no refund and no transfer. The place has been reserved and the assessment resourced.
• After the examination has been attempted, or after examination materials have been accessed: no refund. A result, including a fail, is the service purchased.
• Non-attendance without notice: no refund and no transfer.

Transfers are limited to one per registration and to the next twelve months.

3. Cancellation by the Council

If the Council cancels an examination and cannot offer a sitting within six months, candidates may transfer to the next available window or take a refund of the fee paid. That refund is the candidate's sole and exclusive remedy. The Council is not liable for travel, accommodation, preparation, training partner fees, lost time, or any other cost or loss arising from cancellation or rescheduling.

4. Serious personal circumstances

Where illness, bereavement, or comparable circumstances prevent a candidate from sitting, the Council may at its discretion permit a transfer without charge on receipt of independent documentary evidence satisfactory to the Council, submitted within 14 days of the examination window. Requests are handled confidentially. A decision under this section is final and is not a ground of appeal.

5. Failure, resits, and withdrawal

A resit is charged at the full standard examination fee. There is no refund, partial refund, or credit for an unsuccessful attempt: the assessment was delivered and marked. Candidates who believe an examination was incorrectly marked or improperly administered must use the appeals procedure rather than seeking a refund.

No refund of any kind arises where a credential is suspended or withdrawn for breach of the code of conduct, misuse of the certification marks, or misrepresentation, or where a candidate is excluded from an examination for misconduct.

6. Eligibility is the candidate's responsibility

It is the candidate's responsibility to confirm before paying that they meet the published eligibility requirements and that the certification is appropriate for their purpose. No refund arises because a candidate later concludes that the certification does not suit their needs, is not recognised by a particular employer or authority, or does not produce an expected outcome.

7. Chargebacks

Raise any billing dispute with the Council first. Initiating a chargeback without doing so may result in suspension of the candidate's registration and any credential held pending resolution, and the Council reserves the right to recover the chargeback amount and any associated fees.

8. How to request a refund

Write to hello@aiassurancecouncil.org with the candidate name and examination reference, within 14 days of the event relied on. Requests outside that period will not be considered. Decisions are issued in writing within 20 business days. Approved refunds are made to the original payment method within 30 days, in the currency paid; the Council is not responsible for exchange-rate movement or payment provider charges.

Contact

Questions about this policy should be addressed to hello@aiassurancecouncil.org.