Responsible Marketing Policy

American Professional School is committed to marketing its competency-based education (CBE) professional credential programs in a manner that is honest, transparent, and fair. This policy sets out the standards APS applies to its marketing communications.

1. Purpose

This policy provides clear guidance on how American Professional School (APS) markets its programs and services. It supports APS’s commitment to delivering high-quality professional learning while ensuring that marketing communications are accurate, transparent, and consistent with applicable law and good business practice.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all marketing communications created by or on behalf of APS. Marketing includes, but is not limited to:

  • Website content and landing pages
  • Email communications and newsletters
  • Social media posts and advertisements
  • Brochures, one-pagers, and downloadable materials
  • Presentations, webinars, and promotional events
  • Partnership or affiliate promotions

This policy also applies to partners, contractors, and affiliates who market APS programs on APS’s behalf.

3. Core Principles

APS commits that its marketing communications will be honest, transparent, truthful, and compliant with applicable law. In particular, APS will:

  • Not make misleading or unsubstantiated claims about its programs, credentials, outcomes, or recognition
  • Present information in a clear and balanced way so that prospective learners can make informed decisions
  • Clearly distinguish between industry credentials and traditional college or university degrees
  • Avoid implying that an APS credential guarantees employment, promotion, licensure, or any specific outcome controlled by an employer or licensing body
  • Use data, statistics, or testimonials only when they are accurate, current, and properly sourced
  • Respect applicable advertising and consumer protection standards
  • Avoid content that is derogatory, defamatory, or offensive
  • Not knowingly place advertising in media or on platforms that promote extremist views or explicit content

4. Claims About Credentials and Outcomes

APS credentials are competency-based vocational diplomas and Certified designations issued by American Professional School, a Montana-based professional development organization. Marketing materials must accurately reflect that:

  • Credentials are awarded only after a learner demonstrates the required competencies
  • Industry credentials are different from college degrees and do not award college credit
  • Hiring, promotion, and professional licensure decisions remain with employers and licensing bodies
  • Verification of issued credentials is available through the APS Open Credential Verification Tool

Any statement about employer recognition, skills alignment, or professional value must be supportable and must not overstate the credential’s effect.

5. Use of Data, Testimonials, and Endorsements

When APS uses data, statistics, learner testimonials, or third-party endorsements in marketing:

  • The information must be accurate and current at the time of use
  • Sources must be verifiable
  • Testimonials must reflect genuine experiences and must not be presented in a misleading way
  • Any material connection (such as compensation or free enrollment) must be disclosed where required by applicable law

6. Proprietary Interests and Conflicts

Where instructional personnel have a proprietary interest in materials or tools used in a learning event, APS will follow the Conflicts of Interest and Proprietary Interest Disclosure Policy. Required disclosures must appear in relevant marketing materials and at the beginning of the learning event.

7. Partners and Affiliates

Partners, contractors, and affiliates who market APS programs must adhere to this policy. APS reserves the right to review and approve marketing materials produced on its behalf and to require corrections or withdrawal of materials that do not meet these standards.

8. Review and Compliance

Marketing materials are reviewed for accuracy and consistency with this policy before significant campaigns or new program launches. The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for compliance with this policy. The Academic Quality Lead reviews claims that relate to program content, competencies, or credential outcomes.

APS periodically reviews its marketing communications to confirm they remain accurate, current, and aligned with these principles.

9. Related Policies

This policy operates in conjunction with the Conflicts of Interest and Proprietary Interest Disclosure Policy, the Intellectual Property and Copyright Policy, the Terms of Service, and the Privacy Policy.

10. Contact

Questions about this policy should be directed to:

American Professional School
Email: contact@americanprofessionalschool.org