CSIA POLICIES

  • Cancellations and Refunds Policy: 
    ​Things happen - we get it! If you need to cancel your registration or request a refund, all requests must be submitted in writing.


    Refund Policy Updated Online on February 5, 2025 according to the new Financial Policy approved by the CSIA Board of Directors in September 2024.

    A processing fee will be applied to all refunds. Partial refunds of original charges are processed as follows: Refunds will be issued up to 100% of the original purchase amount minus a set processing fee per the refund policy below. The Institute will recharge the original credit card for the refunded amount minus the processing fee.
    The following policies apply to refunds associated with revenue collected by CSIA:

    • Application fees – Not refundable – this is a cost for processing and reflects staff time and effort. The application fees are partially refundable for a Specialist® or Master Chimney Sweep® application if they don’t get approved this is stated on the Application.

    • Certification Renewals or Application of Class Fees – Only refundable within five (5) business days provided fee amounts are paid. In the event of a double payment, CSIA will refund the additional payment to the payee’s original form of payment or apply to the next billing cycle. No fees will be deducted if there is a double payment.

    • Store Sales – The CSIA offers a 30-day return/exchange policy on most products.  The original sales receipt and product in unused condition must be presented to claim a refund. CSIA’s guarantee applies to the product price of items purchased at the CSIA Shopify retail store. 

      • Refund claims must include:

        • A purchase receipt.

        • The retail product is in good, unused, and resalable condition with all accessories, manuals, and documentation intact.

        • The buyer’s mailing address, contact phone number, and email address.

        • A brief comment as to why a refund is requested.

    If the item is returned unopened in the original box or package, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on the original method of payment.  Returns for cash or check purchases will be issued a check from the CSIA and mailed within 14 business days of the return.  Items purchased with a credit card will be credited back to the original credit card used at the time of purchase.  If the original credit card is not available for credit, a written statement of the status of the card must be provided before a refund check will be issued.
    ​
    Non-refundable items:
    •Books
    •“Discontinued” or “Sale” items.
    •CSIA Contributions issued a tax letter.
    Other Terms & Conditions:
    •All returns are subject to CSIA approval.
    •CSIA reserves the right to refuse a return or exchange.
    •CSIA is not responsible for product typographical errors.

    No CSIA employee has the authority to vary any of the CSIA’s store’s policies or the Terms and Conditions governing any sale

    Education and Training:

    • If a student/company cancels his/her attendance at a class a minimum of five (5) days before the start of a course, he/she will receive a refund of tuition less a 25% cancellation fee. ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE IN WRITING via email to CSIA.

    • If a student/company cancels his/her attendance at a class less than five (5) days before the start of a course no refund is applicable. If a student/company is a NO Show for a class, no refund is applicable. No refunds are applicable once a class has begun. In each of these instances, students/company may transfer to another course anytime within 6 months of the original course date by paying a $25.00 Transfer Fee. After six months students forfeit their tuition. No cash refunds.

    • No refunds are applicable on study aids, books, electronic systems, software programs, or Internet/Online Courses unless defective. This also applies to books that are provided to Instructors or addendum pages sent upon revisions.

    • CSIA reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course or individual class session(s), at any time, for any reason. If we cancel an entire course, students will receive a full refund of their tuition or have the option of transferring to another course anytime within six months of the original class date. After six months students forfeit their tuition. CSIA will notify students/company as early as possible to any course cancellations.

    • CSIA reserves the right to cancel any individual class session(s), at any time for any reason. Students/company will be notified of an alternate make-up session. Students/Company who cannot attend the make-up session will have the option of transferring to another class (full repeat required) self-study or online course within 6 months of the original course start date; no refunds and no additional fees will apply. CSIA will notify students as early as possible as to any class session changes.

    • CSIA reserves the right to cancel, substitute, or reschedule any instructor for any reason at any time; no monetary compensation will be applicable. A $25.00 transfer fee will be charged to transfer from one class to another at any time for any reason. One transfer is allowed. 

    • Registration/reservations will NOT be held past the stated class start time. Late arrivals will have the option of transferring to a self-study course or to another course. The $25.00 transfer fee will be waived. Non-registered, walk-in students will be accommodated AFTER all pre-registered students/company have been seated.


    Conferences*:
    Cancellation free of charge is only possible until 15/07/2025, in case of cancellation until 30/07/2025 a cancellation fee of 50% of the participation fee will be charged. For later cancellations, a refund of the participation fee is not possible.

    Requests for conference cancellation submitted more than 10 days prior to the event will receive a refund of registration less an admin fee of $100. Any refund request submitted less than 10 days prior to the conference a refund will not be granted and can be used as a credit for the next CSIA Conference.

    *In case of a total event cancellation by CSIA due to COVID-19, all money paid will be refunded in full or applied to another CSIA class or CSIA conference.

  • Overview
    To ensure the integrity and value of our Continuing Education Units (CEUs), CSIA has established the following attendance policy for all in-person courses. This policy is designed to guarantee that participants receive the full educational benefit of our programs and meet the required contact hours for CEU accreditation. By enrolling in a CSIA course, participants acknowledge and agree to adhere to this attendance policy.

    Attendance Requirements
    Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions of their enrolled course. Due to the intensive nature of our programs, attendance is crucial for successful completion and receipt of CEUs.

    Absence Allowance
    The allowable absences depend on the length of the course. Below is the breakdown of permissible absences:

    • Courses up to 1 day: Full attendance is required. No absences are allowed.

    • Courses lasting 2-3 days: Participants may miss up to 1 hour without penalty.

    • Courses lasting 4-5 days: Participants may miss up to 2 hours without penalty.

    • Courses lasting 6-10 days: Participants may miss up to 4 hours without penalty.

    • Courses lasting more than 10 days: Participants may miss up to 10% of the total contact hours without penalty.

    Consequences of Excessive Absences
    If a participant exceeds the allowable absence time, they will not be eligible to receive the full CEUs for the course. The CEUs awarded will be adjusted proportionately based on the hours attended. In some cases, excessive absences may result in no CEUs being awarded.

    Make-Up Sessions
    In certain cases, and at the discretion of the instructor, make-up sessions may be arranged for participants who miss sessions. Make-up sessions must be completed within a specified time frame, and participants must cover any associated costs. Approval for make-up sessions is not guaranteed and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

    Documentation and Notification
    Participants are responsible for notifying the course instructor or education coordinator of any anticipated absences as soon as possible. Documentation for absences (e.g., medical certificates) may be required for consideration of make-up sessions or special accommodations.

    Final Verification
    At the end of the course, attendance records will be reviewed, and CEUs will be awarded based on the verified attendance. Participants will receive a certificate of completion indicating the CEUs earned.

    Appeals
    Participants who believe there has been an error in their attendance record or CEU award can appeal in writing to the CSIA administration within 10 business days of the course conclusion.

  • Introduction

    The CSIA Course Content Policy ensures effective course design, teaching, and student learning while prioritizing safety and professionalism. Instructors are required to implement planned course designs and maintain a focus on safety, as outlined in the course description.

    Course Design Essentials

    To design effective courses, instructors must:

    • Plan Logistics: Consider timing, student demographics, and situational constraints.

    • Define Objectives: Establish clear learning objectives and outcomes for students.

    • Assess Learning: Develop assessments aligned with objectives to evaluate student progress.

    • Select Strategies: Choose appropriate instructional methods, including hands-on activities.

    • Safety Protocols: Ensure students use safety gear during hands-on experiences.

    Teaching Guidelines

    1. Syllabus Development:

    • Write and review syllabi for content alignment with CSIA policies.

    • Include expectations, objectives, and policies to avoid misunderstandings.

    2. Instruction:

    • Practice delivering the course to stay on track and maintain clarity.

    • Engage students through lectures, discussions, labs, and case studies.

    • Foster an inclusive, productive learning environment.

    3. Risk Management:

    • Perform safety checks and report hazards immediately to CSIA staff.

    • Ensure compliance with CSIA’s safety standards.

    Learning Principles

    Effective learning is built on the following:

    1. Prior Knowledge: Students' existing knowledge can aid or hinder learning.

    2. Knowledge Organization: Accurate connections between concepts enhance retrieval and application.

    3. Motivation: Students' drive to learn is shaped by their environment and perceived value of the course.

    4. Mastery Development: Skills must be practiced and applied in appropriate contexts.

    5. Goal-Directed Feedback: Practice coupled with targeted feedback improves performance.

    6. Learning Climate: A positive intellectual and emotional environment supports student growth.

    7. Self-Direction: Students should learn to monitor and adjust their learning strategies.

    Teaching Principles

    CSIA instructors are expected to:

    1. Use knowledge of students to inform course design and teaching.

    2. Align objectives, assessments, and instructional activities.

    3. Clearly articulate expectations and policies to students.

    4. Prioritize essential knowledge and skills over excessive content.

    5. Recognize and address "expert blind spots" to aid student understanding.

    6. Adopt teaching roles that align with learning goals.

    7. Continuously refine courses based on feedback and reflection.

    Policy Compliance and Intellectual Property

    Non-compliance with the CSIA Course Content Policy is reviewed by the CEO, who may take disciplinary actions if necessary. CSIA retains exclusive rights to all course designs and trademarks. Instructors are prohibited from reproducing or claiming intellectual property rights over CSIA-developed materials.

    By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the CSIA Course Content Policy.

    Instructor Name (Print):_________________________________

    Instructor Signature:____________________________________

    Date:________________

  • Please be advised that all scheduled classes are contingent upon reaching a minimum number of participants. Should the minimum enrollment not be met, we reserve the right to cancel the class. We are committed to providing you with as much notice as possible, ideally no later than three weeks before the class start date, to allow ample time for adjusting travel arrangements.
    ​
    In the event of cancellation, registered participants will be informed immediately. Any class fees paid will be fully refunded or, if preferred, applied to a future class. Please note that we are not responsible for any costs associated with changing travel plans, as we strive to provide sufficient notice for such adjustments.

    We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

  • Equality is valued at the Chimney Safety Institute of America. We believe that CSIA can be a powerful platform for social change and that one of our higher purposes is to drive Anti-Discrimination and Equality for all.

    Creating a culture of Diversity and Equality is not just the right thing to do, it is also a smart and fair thing to ensure. Diverse organizations, such as CSIA, are more innovative and better positioned to succeed in trades and within the communities we serve.
    ​
    We strive to create workplaces that reflect the national and global communities served and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We stand by the principles and practices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

  • Click here for more information on the G.I. Bill and CSIA military benefits.

  • This policy aims to address intellectual and proprietary interests relevant to the Chimney Safety Institute of America Education (CSIA®).

    CSIA has developed and implemented an education program that enables individuals within the chimney and venting industry to extend their knowledge and become a Certified Technician®. CSIA is an organization that wants to create, design, and deliver superior education content for both in-person learning events and content through an eLearning platform, SureFire. CSIA has set forth the following principles with regard to instructor proprietary interests.

    CSIA shall disclose, in advance of any learning event, any instructor’s proprietary interest in any product, instrument, device, service, or material to be discussed during the learning event and the source of any third-party compensation related to the presentation.

    CSIA shall reference instructor proprietary interests appropriately in instructional materials it publishes. If no such proprietary/monetary interests exist, CSIA shall publish a disclaimer in marketing or instructional materials. CSIA retains the right to review and approve branding associated with any proprietary interests. Instructor/instructor’s employer branding will be limited.

    ​Instructors shall not promote the exclusive use of any commercial product in published training materials or during training. Instructors’ discussion of their proprietary interests during instruction will be limited to relevant contexts and include consideration of alternative products or companies that are comparable to the instructor’s.

    If an instructor acquires a proprietary interest after marketing materials have been produced and distributed for a learning event affected by this policy, the instructor shall provide and document written disclosure to the CSIA Director of Education.

    Immediately upon being assigned to present a learning event, an instructor must disclose any existing proprietary interests relevant to the instructional assignment. Disclosure will be made to the CSIA Director of Education.

    Violations of this policy will not be tolerated, and users will be banned from accessing and assisting in the delivery of our educational programs if evidence of a violation is obtained. CSIA Learners are encouraged to report incidents of non-compliance with this policy via email or Contact Us on our website.

  • BYLAWS OF THE CHIMNEY SAFETY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

    ARTICLE I: NAME, SEAL AND OFFICES, MEMBERS

    SECTION 1. NAME. The name of this corporation is The Chimney Safety Institute of America (“Institute”).

    SECTION 2. SEALS, TRADEMARKS, AND OTHER INDICIA. The Institute shall have a seal of such a design as the Board of Trustees of the Institute (“Board of Trustees”) may adopt. If the Institute is required to place its corporate seal on a document, it shall suffice to place the word “(seal)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to sign the document on behalf of the Institute. The Institute shall have the sole right to control completely the use of the seal, and such other trademark or other indicia as the Institute may adopt, as it deems appropriate.

    SECTION 3. OFFICES. The principal office of the Institute shall be at a location designated by the Board of TRUSTEES of the Institute. The Institute may have such other offices as the Board of Trustees of the Institute may appoint from time to time. The Institute shall maintain in the District of Columbia a registered office and a registered agent whose office is identical to the registered office.

    SECTION 4. MEMBERS. The Institute shall not have any members. However, the Institute shall have the following categories of stakeholders: a) Certified Advocates b) Business, Commercial, and Product Advocates c) Consumer Advocates

    ARTICLE II: TRUSTEES

    SECTION 1. NUMBER; CLASSES. The affairs of the Institute shall be controlled and administered by a Board of Trustees, which shall be composed of a minimum of seven (7) and a maximum of eleven (11) members. The Trustees shall be divided into two classes designated as Term 1 or Term 2 Trustees. The number of Term 1 Trustees shall be three (3) or four (4) or five (5) and the number of Term 2 Trustees shall be four (4) or five (5) or six (6).

    SECTION 2. SELECTION. The Chairman of the Institute shall nominate proposed members to the Board of Trustees after a slate of candidates has been submitted by the Nominating Committee. All nominations are subject to election by a majority vote of all of the Board of Trustees.

    SECTION 3. TERM OF OFFICE. The term of office of each Trustee of the Institute shall be for two (2) years unless said Trustee resigns or is removed, except for the Chairman who will serve a five (5) year term: 2 years as Chairman-Elect, 2-years as Chairman, and 1-year as Past Chairman. A Term I Trustee’s term shall expire at the annual meeting occurring in the next odd-numbered calendar year following an election. A Term II Trustee’s term shall expire at the annual meeting occurring in the next even-numbered calendar year following the election. The term “Trustees” is a collective reference to the Board of Trustees. The term “Trustee” is a singular reference to any member of the Board of Trustees. Any Trustees of the Institute may serve successive terms, but no more than three (3) successive terms with a two (2) year waiting period before processing through the Nominations Committee.

    SECTION 4. REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION. A Trustee may resign from the Board of Trustees at any time. A Trustee shall be deemed to have resigned immediately upon the appointment of his or her successor. Any Trustee may be removed, with or without cause, by a 3/4ths vote of all of the members of the Board of Trustees, not including the Trustee sought to be removed. All Trustees must be present to vote for the removal of a Trustee with or without cause. Any Trustee who is absent from three successive meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Institute without approval from the Chairman of the Board shall be considered as resigning his or her position on the Board of Trustees. A Trustee who concurrently serves as an officer, and who is removed as an officer under Article III, Section 4, shall continue to serve as a Trustee subject to resignation or removal under Article II, Section 4. Active military or governmental department-requested duty for the United States of America is exempt from this provision.

    SECTION 5. VACANCIES. If a vacancy occurs on the Board of Trustees of the Institute, a successor may be appointed per the provisions outlined in Article II Section 2, hereof. A Trustee so appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of his predecessor's office, subject to Article II, Sections 3 and 4.

    SECTION 6. MEETINGS. (a) The Board of Trustees shall hold meetings as needed, provided that there are at least four (4) meetings per year. One of the meetings shall be the “Annual Meeting” at which meeting the Trustees shall be elected as provided herein and the Trustees shall transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting. The Annual Meeting shall be held at the time and date as selected by the Board of Trustees. Meetings shall be called by the Chairman of the Institute, or on request of any three (3) Trustees. Any meeting may be held at any location within the continental United States or held utilizing virtual or telephonic conference calls or other communications by which all participants may freely and immediately communicate with one another (“Telephone, Virtual or Similar Communication”), and participation in such meeting shall constitute presence in person by such Trustee at such meeting. A quorum must be present for a meeting to be held. 3 (b) Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Trustees (including amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Institute (“Articles”) or these Bylaws) or of any committee may be taken without a meeting if all the Trustees or committee members consent to take the action without a meeting and to approving the specific action. Such consents shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees as the case may be. Such consent may be in the form of email communication from each Trustee. Any action taken under email consent shall be affirmed by the Board of Trustees and affirmation of the consent shall be reflected in the minutes of the next business meeting within a consent agenda item.

    SECTION 7. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Notice of all meetings shall be given to the Trustees at least five (5) days before the meeting. Notice of meetings, stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting, may be delivered personally, or by written telephonic or electronic transmission. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall include the slate of Candidate(s) for the position(s) of Trustee presented to the Chairman that has been nominated and approved by the Board of Trustees to succeed the Term 1 or Term 2 Trustees. Any Trustee may waive notice of any meeting.

    SECTION 8. QUORUM. A majority of all of the members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Trustees. If less than a majority of all of the Trustees is present at any meeting, in person or by virtual, telephone, or Similar Communication, at such meeting, a majority of the Trustees so present may adjourn the meeting, from time to time, without further notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

    SECTION 9. VOTING. All votes shall be subject to the majority vote of the Trustees in attendance in person or by virtual, telephone, or Similar Communication at any validly convened meeting at which a quorum is present unless otherwise stipulated in these Bylaws. All votes will be by roll call or other methods as determined by the Chairman and all votes will be recorded in the minutes of said meeting. Proxy and ballot voting shall not be allowed at any Institute meeting under any circumstances.

    SECTION 10. NON-VOTING. The CEO shall be a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees for advisement, governance, and operational purposes. The Board of Trustees may appoint other non-voting members from an affiliate or collaborative organization at its will.

    ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

    SECTION 1. NUMBER. The officers of the Institute (“Officers”) shall include the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, PastChairman, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Trustees may designate from time to time.

    SECTION 2. ELECTION. The Board of Trustees shall affirm and the officers of the Institute at the annual meeting, or, in the case of vacancies, as soon thereafter as convenient. Trustees eligible for office shall have served on the Board of Trustees for a minimum of nine (9) months immediately before the election. In addition, to be eligible to serve as Chairman, a Trustee shall have served as an officer for a minimum of one (1) full term under Article III Section 3, except in the case of the Chairman-Elect filling the vacated term of the Chairman under Article III Section 4. New offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the Board of Trustees. Officers shall be eligible for reappointment to the same or any different officer position.

    SECTION 3. TERM. The Chairman-Elect and Chairman shall hold office for a 2-year term. All other Officers shall hold office for one (1) year or until their successors are duly elected and installed.

    SECTION 4. REMOVAL; RESIGNATION; VACANCIES. Any Officer may be removed by the Board of TRUSTEES from any Officer position held by such person at a meeting, whenever in the Board of TRUSTEE’s judgment the best interests of the Institute will be served thereby, and without need for advance notice or hearing or other formality, including any statement of the reasons, if any, for such action. Any such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract or other legal rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any Officer may resign at any time effective upon receipt by the Secretary of the Institute of written notification from the resigning Officer. If the office of the Chairman is vacated it shall be filled for the remainder of the term by the Chairman-Elect. Vacancies in any other officer positions may be filled, for the remainder of the term, by a current TRUSTEE duly elected by the Board of TRUSTEES, within the restrictions of these bylaws.

    SECTION 5. COMPENSATION. The Officers shall not receive any compensation for their service as Officers, but the Board of TRUSTEES may, by resolution, authorize reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

    ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

    SECTION 1. CHAIRMAN. The Chairman shall cause to be called and preside at all meetings of the Board of Trustees and all meetings of the Executive Committee unless otherwise stipulated in these Bylaws. Except for the Executive Committee or as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, the Chairman shall be a member ex-officio, without the right to vote, of all other committees. The Chairman shall perform such other duties as are necessarily incident to the office of Chairman and as may be assigned by the Board of Trustees.

    SECTION 2. CHAIRMAN-ELECT. The Chairman-Elect shall assume the duties of the Chairman in the event of the Chairman's temporary disability or absence from meetings and shall succeed to the Presidency if that office shall become vacant before the expiration of the Chairman's term of office. The Chairman-Elect shall have such other duties as the Chairman or Board of Trustees may assign. In the absence of the Chairman and the Chairman-Elect, any other Trustee or Executive Committee member so designated by a majority of the other Trustees or Executive Committee members present in person or via Telephone or Similar Communication at the applicable meeting shall convene and preside at such meeting. The Chairman shall succeed to Chairman and serve a 3-year term: ChairmanElect, Chairman, and Past-Chairman.

    SECTION 3. PAST-CHAIRMAN. The Past-Chairman shall assume the duties of Chairman in the event of the Chairman’s or Chairman-Elect’s disability or absence from meetings and shall succeed in the Chairmanship of the Chairman-Elect or Chairman resign or permanently removed from the Board of Trustees. The Past-Chairman shall be an advisor to the Chairman and Chairman-Elect and hold the position of Chair of the Chairman’s Advisory Committee on Governance.

    SECTION 3. SECRETARY. The Secretary shall be responsible for the preparation and serving of all notices of meetings of the Institute, the keeping of a record of all proceedings, and the attesting and affixing of the Institute's seal to all documents requiring the same. The Secretary shall be responsible for the performance of such duties as are usual for such office or as may be duly assigned. The Secretary may delegate responsibility for his or her duties reasonably.

    SECTION 4. TREASURER. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the preparation of the Institute's annual budget and annual financial report(s). The Treasurer shall ensure that the annual financial report(s) of the Institute are properly prepared, as specified by the Board of Trustees, and signed by a competent Certified Public Accountant. The annual financial report and the annual budget shall thereafter be considered and approved by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that an account is kept of all money received and expended for the use of the Institute. Any funds collected or disbursed by the Institute shall be deposited in appropriate accounts administered through the Institute’s Administrative office. The Treasurer may delegate responsibility for his or her duties reasonably and responsibly.

    SECTION 5. OTHER DUTIES. Any Officer, including those specifically named above, shall have such duties (in addition to those specified in these Bylaws) as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees determines to be necessary or appropriate from time to time.

    ARTICLE V: STAFF

    SECTION 1. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. The Institute may employ a CEO who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees. Such a CEO shall manage and direct all the Institute's operations, programs, activities, and affairs, functioning within the framework of policy aims and programs as determined by the Board of Trustees. The CEO shall be responsible for the employment, compensation, and termination of employment of members of the Institute's staff and supporting personnel. The powers and duties of the paid staff shall be as assigned or as delegated to be assigned by the CEO. The CEO shall be responsible for the preparation of meeting notices, ballots, agendas, and legal management of meeting minutes. The CEO shall have such other duties as may be prescribed by the Chairman of the Board of TRUSTEES. The CEO shall have a non-voting position on the Board of Trustees in an advisory governance capacity only.

    SECTION 2. LEGAL COUNSEL. The Institute may retain a General Counsel whose office shall have such responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The General Counsel's office shall provide advice to the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer relative to the Institute's legal issues. The Board of Trustees, by way of the Chief Executive Officer, shall submit to the General Counsel for review all agendas, minutes, and other documents it deems to be of legal significance, required by or produced for the Institute.

    ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES

    SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES. Standing Committees are set by the Board of Trustees and must have Charters in compliance with CSIA Policies and procedures. Members are appointed by the Chairman and Board of Directors. • Executive Committee o Chairman’s Advisory Council on Governance – sub-committee • Finance Committee • Chairman’s Nominations Committee • Certification Council o Ethics Committee o Exam Committee • Continuing Education Units (CEU) Committee

    SECTION 2. VOLUNTEER COMMITTEES. The Chairman may establish volunteer committees, task forces, or advisory councils by recommendation and approval by the Board of Trustees. Committees shall be eliminated, combined, or changed through a recommendation of the Committee Chair or Chairman of the Board and approval of the Board of Trustees.

    SECTION 3. OTHER COMMITTEES. The Chairman shall appoint such additional committees, task forces, Councils, or Special assignments as may be deemed appropriate to carry on the work of the Institute. a. CHAIRPERSONS. The Chairman shall, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Institute, appoint the Chairperson to all committees, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws. b. COMMITTEE MEMBERS. Chairpersons shall, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, select the members of their committee, except as otherwise provided herein.

    SECTION 3. COMPENSATION. Members of committees shall not receive any compensation for their service as committee members, but the Board of Trustees may, by resolution, authorize reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of committee members' duties.

    SECTION 4. COMMITTEE PROCEDURES; COMMITTEE RECORDS. Members of committees must follow their Charter for policies and procedures for the specific committee except as provided otherwise in these Bylaws, in the Articles, as otherwise required by law, or as otherwise directed by the Board of Trustees.

    ARTICLE VII: FISCAL YEAR

    SECTION 1. FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the Institute shall be as determined by the Board of Trustees.

    SECTION 2. CHECKS, DRAFTS, CONTRACTS, ETC. a. CHECKS, DRAFTS, ETC. All checks, payments, and notes shall be paid as the responsibility of the Chief Executive and reported to the Finance Committee Chair and committee when in the meeting following the Financial Policies and Procedures of the Institute. b. CONTRACTS. The Board of Trustees will authorize the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, in addition to the officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Institute, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. It is incumbent upon the Chief Executive to present contracts to the Board of Trustees for review and approval regarding the acquisition of property, buildings, or purchases that require the indebtedness, loan, or guarantee by the Institute.

    SECTION 3. DEPOSITS; ACCOUNTS. All funds of the Institute, not otherwise employed, shall be handled by the Chief Executive and assigned staff members following the institute's Financial Policies and Procedures.

    SECTION 4. INVESTMENTS; GIFTS. The funds of the Institute shall be operated by the Chief Executive Officer following the Institute's Invest Policy and Financial Policies and Procedures and reported to the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees Except as otherwise required by statute, the Board of Trustees may accept on behalf of the Institute any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the general purposes or any special purpose of the Institute.

    ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

    SECTION I. BYLAWS. a. PROCEDURE. The procedure for amending, repealing, or altering these bylaws, in whole or in part, is as follows: 1. Any member of the Board of Trustees may present a suggested change to these Bylaws. The suggested change(s) must be circulated to the members of the Board of Trustees thirty (30) days before a meeting where the suggested change is to be discussed, and or voted upon. 2. Upon approval by a 2/3rds majority vote of all of the members of the Board of Trustees, such change(s) will immediately become effective.

    SECTION 2. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION. a. PROCEDURE. The procedure for amending, repealing, or altering The Articles of Incorporation of the Institute, in whole or in part, is as follows: 1. Any member of the Board of Trustees may present a suggested change to The Articles of Incorporation. The suggested change(s) must be circulated to the members of the Board of Trustees thirty (30) days before a meeting where the suggested change(s) is to be discussed, and or voted upon. 2. Upon approval by a majority vote of all of the members of the Board of Trustees, such change(s) will become effective.

    SECTION 3. UNANIMOUS CONSENT. Under Article II, Section 6(b) of the Bylaws, The Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws may be amended, repealed, or altered by unanimous written consent.

    ARTICLE IX: NON PROFIT NATURE; DISSOLUTION

    SECTION 1. NON PROFIT. The Institute shall be a non-profit corporation and shall not have the authority to issue capital stock. The Institute shall be operated and maintained by such support as may be stated in the Bylaws or as the Board of Trustees shall determine to be necessary or acceptable for the proper functioning of the Institute. Under no circumstances shall any of the net earnings or assets of the Institute inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, any Trustee or officer of the Institute, or other private persons, except that the Institute shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein.

    SECTION 2. DISSOLUTION. The Institute may be dissolved by a majority vote of all of the members of the Board of Trustees (i.e., 5 members) at any meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Institute. Notice of the intent to vote on such a matter shall be sent to each member of the Board of Trustees of the Institute not less than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days before the date of such a meeting.

    SECTION 3. DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS. Upon adoption of such resolution by the Board of Trustees, the Institute shall cease to conduct its affairs except insofar as be necessary for the winding up thereof, and shall immediately cause a notice of the proposed dissolution to be mailed to each known creditor of the Institute, and shall proceed to collect its assets and apply and distribute them as provided in the Institute’s Articles of Incorporation.

    ARTICLE X: PROCEDURAL MATTERS

    SECTION 1. PARLIAMENTARY RULES. The usual parliamentary rules, as outlined in Robert's Rules of Order (as revised), shall govern all deliberations and meetings of the Institute's Board of Trustees, when not in conflict with these bylaws.

    SECTION 2. NOTICE. Unless otherwise indicated, notice under these Bylaws shall be by mail or other modes of transmittal to the last recorded address, email address, or telephone number of the person or entity to receive notice. In addition to the waiver described in Article II, Section 7, whenever any other notice is required to be given under any applicable statute or the provisions of the Articles or the Bylaws of the Institute, a waiver in writing signed by the persons entitled to the notice, whether before or after the time stated there, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of notice.

    SECTION 3. BOOKS AND RECORDS. The Institute shall keep correct and complete books and records of its accounts and transactions and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its Board of Trustees and committees having any of the authority of the Board of Trustees. The books and records shall be in written form or in any other form that can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection and kept (together with a copy of the Articles and Bylaws) at the offices of the Institute. Minutes shall be recorded in written form but may be maintained in the form of reproduction.

    ARTICLE XI: LIMITATION ON LIABILITY

    Nothing herein shall constitute members of the Board of Trustees as partners for any purpose. No Trustee, Officer, or employee of the Institute shall be liable for any debt, liability, or other obligation to the Institute, nor shall any Trustee, Officer, or employee of the Institute be liable for his or her acts or failure to act under these Bylaws, except for any act or omission arising out of his or her willful malfeasance. All persons, corporations, or other entities extending credit to, contracting with, or having any claim against, the Institute may look only to the funds and property of the Institute for the payment of any such contract or claim, or for the payment of any debt, damages, judgment or decree or of any money that may otherwise become due or payable to them from the Institute.

    ARTICLE XII: INDEMNIFICATION

    SECTION 1. INDEMNITY; OTHER RIGHTS. The Institute shall provide for indemnification by the Institute of all of its Trustees, Officers, committee members, and employees, against expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding, in which they or any one of them is made parties, or a party, because of having been Trustees, Officers, committee members or employees of the Institute, except concerning matters as to which such Trustee, Officer, committee member or employee or former Trustee, Officer, committee member or employee shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for willful malfeasance in the performance of duty and to such matters as shall be settled by agreement predicated on the existence of such liability for willful malfeasance. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which such Trustee, Officer, committee member, or employee may be entitled, under these Bylaws, agreement, a vote of the Board of Trustees, or otherwise.

    SECTION 2. INSURANCE. The Institute may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Trustee, Officer, committee member, or employee of the Institute, or who is or was serving at the request of the Institute as a Trustee, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprises, against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Institute would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Article XII. Effective May 2022 (corrections and updates) May 12, 2021 Revision of Bylaws January 12, 2023 (corrections, review, and approval) March 28 2023 Revised and Approved June 22, 2023 Revised and Approved