IASE Africa CPD Marks and Trademarks Guidelines
The IASE Africa CPD Marks and Trademarks Guidelines set out the official rules governing how CPD Providers and approved training organisations may use IASE-issued CPD designations, certificates, badges, seals, and related visual identifiers within the African region.
These guidelines exist to protect the integrity, credibility, and public trust associated with CPD Provider Recognition and CPD Program Approval administered by IASE Africa, and to prevent misrepresentation or implied endorsement.
Why the IASE CPD Trademark Guidelines Exist
The value of CPD accreditation depends on accuracy, consistency, and trust.
Without clear rules governing how CPD recognition is represented:
stakeholders may be misled,
accreditation status may be overstated,
and the distinction between CPD accreditation and professional certification or qualification may become blurred.
The IASE CPD trademark guidelines ensure that:
CPD recognition is communicated accurately,
no implied endorsement or certification is suggested,
and all providers represent their status in a fair and transparent manner.
Who These Guidelines Apply To
These guidelines apply to:
Organisations recognised as IASE Recognised CPD Providers
Organisations delivering IASE-Approved CPD Programs
Any organisation or individual authorised to use CPD-related marks issued by IASE Africa
Compliance with the IASE Africa CPD Marks and Trademarks Guidelines is a mandatory and ongoing condition of CPD Provider Recognition and CPD Program Approval.
What the Guidelines Cover
The guidelines govern the use of:
CPD status wording (e.g. IASE Recognised CPD Provider)
CPD certificates issued by IASE Africa
Digital and printed CPD badges and seals
Approved wording formats used in marketing and communications
References to IASE Africa made in connection with CPD accreditation
They do not govern:
IASE Global certification marks (such as ISB® or ISF®), which are governed separately
General brand or marketing use unrelated to CPD
Member or certificant branding outside CPD accreditation
Mandatory Attribution Wording
To ensure consistent and accurate representation of CPD recognition, the Use of Marks / Trademark Guidelines prescribe mandatory attribution wording that CPD Providers must use when referring to their status.
These requirements are set out in Appendix C of the Guidelines and apply wherever CPD Provider Recognition or CPD Program Approval is referenced, including websites, proposals, and marketing materials.
CPD Providers are required to use the wording in Appendix C exactly as written.
Modified, abbreviated, or paraphrased versions are not permitted.
The full mandatory wording is contained in the official Marks & Trademarks Guidelines document.
Appendix C forms part of the binding Use of Marks / Trademark Guidelines and must be complied with as a condition of CPD recognition.
Geographic Scope of CPD Recognition
CPD Provider Recognition and CPD Program Approval issued by IASE Africa:
apply within the African region only, and
are valid only for the scope and period specified in the accreditation decision.
Any representation suggesting global recognition, international accreditation, or cross-border regulatory standing is expressly prohibited.
CPD recognition must not be presented as global accreditation or as having effect outside Africa.
This distinction is critical to maintaining regulatory clarity and public trust.
Use of IASE Africa and IASE Global Names
CPD Providers are recognised by IASE Africa, not by IASE Global.
Accordingly:
CPD Providers may reference IASE Africa only in connection with their CPD recognition or approved programs.
CPD Providers may not use the IASE Global name or logo, nor imply endorsement or approval by IASE Global.
Any institutional relationship between IASE Africa and IASE Global does not extend branding, endorsement, or representational rights to CPD Providers.
This ensures that CPD accreditation is communicated accurately and without misrepresentation.
Fair and Responsible Representation
The IASE CPD trademark guidelines allow recognised providers to:
distinguish themselves from providers that are not IASE-recognised,
accurately state their CPD accreditation status,
and reference approved programs in proposals, websites, and course materials.
However, CPD Providers may not:
compare their CPD status with other IASE-recognised providers in a way that implies ranking or superiority,
suggest certification, qualification, or partnership status,
or continue using CPD marks after recognition has expired, been suspended, or withdrawn.
Monitoring, Compliance, and Enforcement
IASE Africa actively monitors the use of CPD marks to ensure compliance.
Where there is reasonable concern about misuse or misrepresentation:
IASE Africa may review marketing or promotional materials,
corrective action may be required,
and CPD recognition may be suspended or withdrawn where necessary.
Failure to comply with the IASE Africa CPD Marks and Trademarks Guidelines constitutes non-compliance with the CPD Accreditation Policy and may result in suspension or withdrawal of recognition.
Download the Official Guidelines
The full Use of Marks / Trademark Guidelines document is the authoritative policy governing CPD mark usage.
All CPD Providers are responsible for familiarising themselves with the full policy and ensuring ongoing compliance.
In the event of any inconsistency, the online version of the Guidelines published on this page shall prevail.
Need Clarification or Permission?
If you require:
clarification on permitted use,
approval for specific representations,
or guidance on the correct application of CPD marks,
Please contact IASE Africa before publishing or distributing materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use of Trademarks Guidelines
What are the IASE CPD trademark guidelines?
The IASE CPD trademark guidelines define how recognised CPD Providers and approved training organisations may use CPD-related wording, certificates, badges, seals, and visual identifiers issued by IASE Africa. They ensure CPD recognition is represented accurately and without misrepresentation.
Who must comply with the IASE CPD trademark guidelines?
All organisations recognised as IASE CPD Providers, as well as organisations delivering IASE-Approved CPD Programs, must comply with the IASE CPD trademark guidelines as a condition of their accreditation.
Can CPD Providers refer to IASE Global in their marketing?
No. CPD Providers do not have a direct relationship with IASE Global and may not use the IASE Global name or logo, or imply endorsement or approval by IASE Global. Any permitted reference must be indirect, factual, framed through IASE Africa, and approved in writing.
Is IASE CPD recognition valid globally?
No. CPD Provider Recognition and CPD Program Approval issued by IASE Africa apply within the African region only and must not be presented as global accreditation.
Can a recognised CPD Provider compare itself to non-recognised providers?
Yes. Recognised CPD Providers may distinguish themselves from providers that are not recognised by IASE Africa, provided such statements are factual and non-misleading. However, CPD Providers may not compare themselves with other IASE-recognised providers in a way that implies ranking or superiority.
Does IASE Africa review marketing materials before publication?
IASE Africa may require prior review of specific marketing or promotional materials where there is reasonable concern regarding misuse or misrepresentation of CPD recognition. CPD Providers remain responsible for compliance at all times.
What happens if a CPD Provider misuses CPD marks?
Misuse of CPD marks constitutes non-compliance with the CPD Accreditation Policy and may result in corrective action, suspension, or withdrawal of CPD recognition.