Ethical conduct is essential to accreditation, certification and public confidence
The IOTEFL Code of Ethics sets out the minimum standards of conduct expected from accredited institutions, certified educators, assessors and other members operating under the IOTEFL framework.
Members are expected to act honestly, protect learners, communicate accurately and cooperate with monitoring, complaints and corrective action processes.
The standards every member is expected to uphold
These principles apply across teaching, assessment, administration, marketing, safeguarding and professional relationships.
Truthful Representation
Members must describe their qualifications, services, accreditation status, outcomes and limitations accurately and without misleading claims.
Protection of Learners
Learner safety, dignity, wellbeing and legitimate educational interests must take priority over commercial or personal advantage.
Professional Responsibility
Members should work within the limits of their competence and maintain the knowledge, skills and resources required for their role.
Equality & Respect
All learners, staff and applicants must be treated fairly and without unlawful discrimination, harassment, exploitation or retaliation.
Privacy & Data Protection
Personal, educational and professional information must be handled lawfully, securely and only for legitimate purposes.
Cooperation & Transparency
Members must cooperate with monitoring, verification, complaints, investigations and corrective action in an open and timely manner.
Expectations for accredited organisations
- Publish accurate course, fee, refund and certification information
- Use qualified staff and provide appropriate academic oversight
- Maintain fair admissions, assessment and appeals procedures
- Protect learners from unsafe, exploitative or misleading practices
- Manage conflicts of interest and commercial pressure responsibly
- Keep reliable records and provide evidence when requested
- Use IOTEFL marks and status only within the authorised scope
Expectations for certified professionals
- Represent qualifications and experience honestly
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries
- Plan and deliver education responsibly and inclusively
- Protect confidentiality and learner information
- Avoid abuse of authority, coercion, favouritism or exploitation
- Refer learners to appropriate support when needs exceed competence
- Continue professional development and reflective practice
Conduct incompatible with IOTEFL status
Serious or repeated misconduct may result in conditions, suspension, withdrawal or public status action.
False or Misleading Claims
Including fabricated qualifications, deceptive advertising, false registry claims or misuse of certification titles.
Exploitation or Harassment
Including abuse of power, sexual misconduct, intimidation, discrimination, bullying or retaliation.
Academic or Assessment Misconduct
Including falsified results, dishonest assessment, plagiarism facilitation or manipulation of learner records.
Improper Financial Practice
Including hidden charges, unfair refund practices, bribery, undisclosed commissions or fraudulent transactions.
Failure to Protect Learners
Including disregard of safeguarding concerns, unsafe delivery or failure to act on serious welfare risks.
Obstruction or Non-Cooperation
Including withholding evidence, misleading reviewers or interfering with complaints and monitoring activity.
Reporting and responding to ethical concerns
Concerns should be handled fairly, confidentially and without retaliation against a person who reports them in good faith.
Raise the Concern
Use the appropriate institutional procedure or submit a complaint to IOTEFL where relevant.
Initial Review
The concern is screened for scope, seriousness, evidence and any immediate safeguarding risk.
Response & Evidence
The member may be asked to respond, provide records and explain any corrective action already taken.
Decision & Follow-Up
IOTEFL may close the matter, require action, impose conditions or refer the case for formal status review.
Fair process and proportionality
Ethical concerns are considered in light of the available evidence, the seriousness and frequency of the conduct, the risk to learners or the public, and the member’s willingness to cooperate and remedy the issue. Nothing in this Code prevents referral to regulators, law-enforcement bodies or safeguarding authorities where required.
Contact IOTEFL about ethical standards or professional conduct
Use the complaints and appeals procedure for formal concerns, or contact the support desk for guidance on interpreting this Code.