Effective date: May 5, 2026 · Last updated: May 5, 2026
The credibility of an ATC credential rests entirely on the integrity of the examination process. This policy sets out the rules every candidate must follow, the role of the ATC-approved training provider that administers the examination, and the consequences of any breach.
1. The Integrity Agreement
Every candidate must sign the ATC Examination Integrity Agreement before sitting for any ATC examination. The Agreement is non-negotiable and is required for each first attempt within a 90-day window.
By signing, the candidate affirms:
- That all eligibility information provided is true and complete.
- That the candidate will not, before, during, or after the examination, copy, photograph, transcribe, or share examination items with any person.
- That the candidate will not solicit, accept, or offer assistance during the examination.
- That the candidate understands false statements or misconduct may result in invalidation of the result, revocation of any credential earned, and a permanent bar from ATC examinations.
2. Permitted Materials
Unless explicitly permitted on the examination instructions, the following are not allowed during the examination:
- Communicating with any other person about the examination content during the timed attempt.
- Consulting notes, books, study aids, or code books (unless explicitly listed as open-book).
- Using a second screen, screen recorder, or any tool that captures or transmits examination items.
- Receiving real-time assistance from any person, AI tool, or service.
- Allowing another person to take the examination on the candidate's behalf.
Candidates may use: a quiet environment free of interruption, a non-programmable calculator where the examination permits one, and any reference material expressly listed as permitted on the examination instructions.
3. The Training Provider's Role
ATC examinations are administered through ATC-approved training providers. The training provider:
- Verifies the candidate's identity against a government-issued photo ID before the examination begins.
- Confirms the candidate has completed the published prerequisites for the credential.
- Releases the examination to the candidate through the ATC-approved testing platform.
- Reports any observed irregularity to the registrar within five (5) business days.
- Attests, on submission of the candidate's result, that the examination was administered in accordance with this policy.
The training provider's attestation is part of the credential record. Submission of a false attestation may result in loss of the provider's ATC-approval status.
4. Examples of Misconduct
- Sharing answers, hints, or paraphrased questions with any other candidate, before, during, or after the examination.
- Using unauthorized notes, code books, or AI tools during the timed attempt.
- Photographing, screen-recording, or transcribing examination content in any form.
- Logging into the examination as another candidate, or having someone log in on your behalf.
- Soliciting or offering examination content online, in any forum, in any language.
- Submitting forged training-hour documentation, identification, or eligibility evidence.
5. Consequences
If the registrar finds, on a preponderance of the evidence, that a candidate has breached this policy:
- The candidate's examination result for that attempt is invalidated.
- Any ATC credential earned via that attempt is revoked, and the public registry is updated to reflect the revocation.
- The examination fee is forfeited.
- The candidate is barred from future ATC examinations for a period determined by the severity of the breach, up to and including a permanent bar.
- In cases involving distribution of examination content, ATC may pursue civil remedies, including injunctive relief and damages.
6. Appeals
A candidate found in breach may appeal to the ATC Standards Committee within fourteen (14) days of the registrar's finding. Appeals must be in writing and must include any evidence the candidate wishes to submit. The Committee's decision is final.
7. Reporting
If you witness or suspect a breach of this policy, please contact the registrar. Reports may be submitted anonymously and are investigated by the registrar's office.
8. Why This Matters
Every employer who relies on an ATC credential, every candidate who studies hard and earns one, and every workforce partner who recommends ATC to their students depends on the integrity of the examination process. This policy is strict because the credential is only as valuable as the standard behind it.
