Academy Certification Exams (“ACE,” “we,” “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of individuals who interact with our certification programs. This policy outlines how ACE communicates electronically and the safeguards in place to protect personal and account-related information.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to electronic communications between ACE and candidates, certificants, and other individuals, including but not limited to:

• Email
• Text messaging (SMS/MMS)
• Online portals and account dashboards

This policy supplements, but does not replace, any applicable privacy notices or terms of service.

General Privacy Principles

ACE follows these core principles when communicating electronically:

• Sensitive information is shared only through secure channels
• Electronic communication is limited to its intended purpose
• Identity verification is required before discussing account-specific matters
• Convenience does not override security

Email Communications

Email is used as an official method of communication and the primary way in which ACE will communicate with users.  Email communication may include:

• Registration confirmations
• Exam-related instructions
• Renewal notices
• Account notifications
• Information regarding missing documentation
• Verification or security-related messages

While email is more secure than text messaging, it is not considered fully secure. ACE will not request passwords or other highly sensitive credentials via email. Individuals are encouraged to access their secure ACE account portal for detailed account information.

Text Message (SMS) Communications

Purpose of SMS Communication

Text messaging is offered as a convenience and is primarily used for:

• Exam reminders
• General notifications
• Office announcements
• Prompts to log in to the ACE portal

Text messaging is not a secure form of communication.

SMS Opt-In Requirement

Individuals must explicitly opt in to receive ongoing text messages from ACE. Consent may be collected through account settings, registration forms, or other approved methods.

Individuals may opt out of SMS communications at any time.

Customer-Initiated Text Messages

If an individual initiates contact with ACE by text message but has not opted in to SMS communication:

• ACE may send a limited, one-time response related to the inquiry
• The response will not include sensitive or account-specific information
• No additional messages will be sent unless the individual provides explicit consent

Identity Verification for Text Communications

ACE will not discuss account-specific confidential information by text message without verifying identity.

Verification may include one or more of the following:

• A one-time verification code sent to the email address on file
• Confirmation through a secure ACE account
• Other reasonable verification measures determined by ACE

Phone number recognition alone is not sufficient for identity verification.

Prohibited Content via Text Message

ACE will not send the following via text message:

• Exam results
• Certification numbers
• Financial or payment information
• Personally identifiable information
• Login credentials or passwords

When necessary, individuals will be directed to the ACE portal, email, or phone support.

Redirect to Secure Channels

Text messaging and email may be used to initiate communication; however, resolution of sensitive or account-specific matters may require redirection to:

• The secure ACE online portal
• Verified email communication
• Telephone support

This approach protects both the individual and ACE.

Internal Access & Staff Use

ACE staff are required to:

• Use only approved communication systems
• Follow identity verification procedures
• Avoid sharing sensitive information via unsecured channels
• Document account-related communications as appropriate

Failure to follow these procedures may result in corrective action.

No mobile or messaging consent information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Policy Updates

ACE reserves the right to update this policy as communication practices, technology, or legal requirements evolve. Updated versions will be posted or otherwise made available.

Contact Information

Questions regarding this policy or electronic communications may be directed to:

Academy Certification Exams
(407) 815-5973
[email protected]