CMSSA designed strict character and fitness criteria for any applicant of the DSFP certification to guarantee that an individual's past conduct would not bring about a negative impression on the profession or its certified marks. Former professionals that have been previously certified by CMSSA, who meet the Fitness Standards set in place by our organization, are eligible for reinstatement without having to pass the DSFP certification examination.

REVIEWING THE FITNESS STANDARDS

CMSSA designed strict character and fitness criteria for any applicant of the DSFP certification to guarantee that an individual's past conduct would not bring about a negative impression on the profession or its certified marks. Former professionals that have been previously certified by CMSSA, who meet the Fitness Standards set in place by our organization, are eligible for reinstatement without having to pass the DSFP certification examination.

A REVIEW OF THE FITNESS STANDARDS

The DSFP has established and recognized three categories of unacceptable behaviors that can prevent either initial certification or reinstatement for professionals seeking to maintain their credentials. Fitness Standards must be met by all individuals aiming to obtain the certifications in question.

1. Unacceptable behavior
2. Behavior that is assumed to be inappropriate;
3. Actions that conflict with the individual's ethics or integrity, as well as reflect poorly on the profession and DSFP certification marks, are strictly prohibited.

Unless a person petitions the CMSSA Ethics Committee (CEC) for a fitness determination and is granted it, any individual displaying conduct deemed unacceptable or that may bring about negative opinions will be denied certification permanently. This applies to every single applicant unless they follow CMSSA Procedural Rules, as outlined by the CEC and are approved to reapply at some point in time. Before submitting a Petition for Fitness Determination, individuals must fulfill all educational, examination and experience requirements as mandated by CMSSA. Furthermore, they must accurately provide relevant information on the ethics declaration of their Certification Application.

CONDUCT DEEMED UNACCEPTABLE

The following behavior is strictly forbidden and will result in disqualification from certification:

• Conviction of a felony related to theft, embezzlement or other economic offenses.
• Committing a felony by deliberately perpetrating tax fraud or any other type of fiscal offense can result in severe legal ramifications.
• Unless the revocation of a financial professional's license is simply due to neglecting to pay for its renewal, such revocations are severe and often have serious consequences. Financial professionals, including registered securities representatives, brokers/dealers, insurance agents or advisors, accountants, investment advisors or planners can all find themselves facing penalties if their licenses are taken away - regardless of whether it was done administratively or not.
• Anyone convicted of murder or rape, at any level, will be charged with a felony.
• Within the past five years, anyone convicted of a violent felony charge will not be eligible.
• Should any behavior that may be found on the CMSSA's "Presumptive Bar" list, or which could negatively affect a professional and their DSFP certification marks, take place; it is up to the Ethics Committee of the CMSSA to review all cases thoroughly.

CONDUCT CONSIDERED A PRESUMPTIVE PROSCRIPTION

It is expected that the following behavior be avoided:

• Submitting multiple personal or business bankruptcies.
• Unless it is a mere administrative action, such as not paying fees and thus choosing to let the license expire, revoking or suspending any non-financial professional (real estate agents, attorneys etc.) licenses can be serious business.
• Unless the suspension of a financial professional's license is administrative, meaning that it comes as a result of them not paying the necessary fees to renew their license, any decision involving suspending such an individual should be taken seriously and with caution. This could include people like registered securities representatives, brokers/dealers, insurance companies, accountants, investment advisors or financial planners.
• Have you been convicted of a felony or perjury in the last five years that was not considered to be violent?
• If you've been convicted of a violent felony other than murder or rape that happened more than five years ago, then rest assured - your past doesn't have to define you. You are in control of writing the story for what is ahead and can create a better future for yourself.

OTHER ADVERSE CONDUCT

Other behavior that could damage the credibility of a DSFP certified professional, their profession, or the associated certification marks include:

• Hearing feedback from unsatisfied customers.
• Arbitration and other civil proceedings are necessary steps to resolving conflicts without resorting to litigation.
• Felony convictions for non-violent offenses committed over five years ago.
• Serious yet minor infractions.
• Management can opt to investigate and ultimately take action as they deem necessary.