Every credentialed member commits to ten principles — in writing, at examination registration. Violations are adjudicated by the CCOI Ethics & Disciplinary Committee. Disciplinary outcomes are recorded in the public verification registry.
A CCOI designee places the health and safety of consumers, patients, and coworkers above commercial interests, employer pressure, or personal advantage. When a course of action available to the designee creates risk of harm to the public, the designee declines to take it and reports the circumstance through appropriate channels.
A designee provides truthful and complete information to regulators and never knowingly aids the falsification, alteration, or destruction of records, including but not limited to METRC entries, certificates of analysis, manifests, sales records, or training documentation.
A designee neither participates in nor knowingly conceals the diversion of regulated cannabis product to or from the licensed channel. A designee with credible knowledge of diversion reports through internal compliance channels and, where required by law, to the appropriate authority.
A designee treats consumers, patients, coworkers, and the public with equal dignity regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, or medical condition. A designee neither engages in nor tolerates discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in any work setting.
A designee complies with applicable Cal/OSHA, fire-code, and chemical-handling requirements in the performance of all duties. A designee neither performs nor directs the performance of activities for which appropriate training, certification, or protective equipment is absent.
A designee protects the confidentiality of consumer, patient, employee, and proprietary business information acquired in the course of work. A designee does not disclose such information except as required by law, authorized by the data subject, or necessary to prevent imminent harm.
A designee does not disclose CCOI examination items, study aids derived from disclosed items, or any information that would compromise the security of the credential. A designee does not solicit, accept, or share information about specific examination content with other candidates or prospective candidates.
A designee accurately represents their credential, including its scope, validity period, and standing. A designee does not claim credentials, designations, or experience the designee does not hold, nor permit such misrepresentation by an employer or agent on the designee's behalf.
A designee maintains the continuing-education requirements published in the examination blueprint of the credential held, and submits to recertification at the published interval. A designee whose recertification lapses ceases to use the designation until standing is restored.
A designee with credible, first-hand knowledge of a material violation of this Code by another designee reports the matter to the CCOI Ethics & Disciplinary Committee in a timely manner. Good-faith reports are protected from retaliation; knowingly false reports are themselves a violation of this Code.
Complaints are reviewed by the CCOI Ethics & Disciplinary Committee, a standing committee of three Board members and outside counsel. Designees subject to complaint receive written notice, the right to respond in writing, and the right to appeal an adverse decision to the full Board of Governors.
A written finding delivered confidentially to the designee. Standing remains in good standing in the public registry. Reserved for first-offense, lower-severity matters.
A finding recorded in the public verification registry. Suspension renders the credential not in good standing for a defined period during which the designation may not be used.
Permanent withdrawal of the credential. The designee may not re-examine for the credential. Recorded in the public verification registry and reportable to regulators on request.
A CCOI credential is not a course completion certificate. It is a public commitment to a published standard of professional conduct, enforceable by the Institute and verifiable by anyone who asks.