Appeals

Eligibility Appeals

 

A candidate whose eligibility has been denied by ACAT may appeal the decision to the ACAT Vice President within thirty (30) calendar days after notification of the adverse decision. The candidate must submit the appeal in writing (email is acceptable), and explain in detail: 1) The nature of the request and the specific facts and circumstances supporting the request, and 2) all reasons why the action or decision should be changed or modified. The candidate must also provide accurate copies of all supporting documents. Eligibility appeals will be reviewed by the ACAT Vice President and responded to in writing within 15 business days of the postmarked appeal request letter.

If the issue cannot be resolved by the ACAT Vice President, the appeal is referred to the Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors is final.

Examination Appeals

 

 Complaints or appeals may be submitted in writing prior to the examination and up until thirty (30) days after examination administration. Written appeals must be submitted with supporting documentation or evidence to the ACAT Vice President.

The burden of proof is borne by the applicant. The decision of the Board is final. Complaints or appeals are not considered after the thirty (30) days have expired. Because of the thorough review and analysis of each question during the examination construction procedures, there are no appeal procedures to challenge individual examination questions or answers. Because of the secure nature of these examinations, ACAT will not disclose examination questions. Candidates responses to particular test questions (correct or not correct) will not be disclosed.

The Vice President will review the appeal request and obtain additional information from the testing vendor or test site proctor as needed.


Renewal Appeals

 

The recertification decision will be based solely on materials submitted by, or on behalf of, the certificant.

Appeals regarding recertification eligibility or status must be submitted in writing to the Vice President within thirty (30) calendar days after notification of the adverse decision. The candidate must submit the appeal in writing (email is acceptable), and explain in detail: 1) The nature of the request and the specific facts and circumstances supporting the request, and 2) all reasons why the action or decision should be changed or modified. The candidate must also provide accurate copies of all supporting documents. The Vice President will review the appeal within 15 days. If the issue can be resolved at the staff level, the Vice President will make a determination and will notify the ACAT Board of the result. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Vice President he/she will refer the appeal to the Board. The appeal will also be referred to the Board if the candidate does not accept a determination by the Vice President. Within thirty (30) days, the Board will appoint an ad hoc Appeals Committee to review the appeal. The committee will review the appeal and make a determination within 30 days. A decision issued by the Appeals Committee may be appealed to and heard by the full Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors is final.