Code of Ethics

1. Purpose

The CNADCA™ Code of Ethics establishes mandatory ethical, professional, and conduct requirements for all CNADCA™ certified companies, technicians, officers, and representatives.

This Code is intended to:

• Protect clients, occupants, and the public

• Eliminate deceptive, unethical, or predatory practices

• Promote technically defensible, evidence-based HVAC assessment and cleaning

• Preserve the credibility and integrity of CNADCA™ standards and certification

Adherence to this Code is a condition of certification.

2. Fundamental Ethical Principles

CNADCA™ certified entities shall conduct all professional activities in accordance with the following principles:

3. Truthful Representation and Advertising

CNADCA™ certified companies and technicians shall ensure that all advertising, marketing, and representations are accurate, verifiable, and not misleading.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• False or exaggerated claims of contamination, health risk, or regulatory non-compliance

• Misrepresentation of certification scope or authority

• Implying government endorsement, regulatory approval, or medical outcomes

• Using CNADCA™ certification to imply guarantees of indoor air quality or health benefits

4. Evidence-Based Assessment and Recommendations

All professional opinions, recommendations, and proposed services shall be based on documented assessment findings, including:

• Visual inspection results

• Observable system conditions

• Identified contamination or accessibility limitations

• Risk-based considerations appropriate to occupancy

Speculative, fear-based, or unsubstantiated recommendations are prohibited.

Where limitations exist, they shall be disclosed to the client.

5. Pricing Integrity and Scope Transparency

CNADCA™ certified entities shall conduct pricing and scope definition with transparency and fairness.

The following practices are prohibited:

• Bait-and-price or bait-and-switch practices

• Artificially low advertised pricing intended to gain access to premises

• Scope escalation not supported by documented findings

• Pressure tactics or coercive sales practices

All scope changes or additional costs shall be documented and approved by the client prior to execution.

6. Professional Competence and Training

CNADCA™ certified entities shall:

• Maintain competency appropriate to the services offered

• Ensure technicians are trained in applicable standards, safety practices, and equipment use

• Decline or refer work that exceeds their qualifications or scope of certification

Certification shall not be used to justify work beyond technical competence.

7. Compliance with Laws and Standards

CNADCA™ certified entities shall comply with:

• Applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations

• Occupational health and safety requirements

• CNADCA™ standards, policies, and certification conditions

• Manufacturer instructions and limitations

Non-compliance shall not be concealed or misrepresented.

8. Conflicts of Interest

CNADCA™ certified entities shall:

• Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest

• Avoid financial or personal incentives that compromise objectivity

• Not accept compensation contingent on exaggerated findings or unnecessary work

Professional judgment shall remain independent and defensible.

9. Client Communication and Documentation

Communication with clients shall be:

• Clear, factual, and professional

• Free of misleading, coercive, or alarmist language

• Supported by documentation where available

All assessment findings, recommendations, scope definitions, and approvals shall be documented and retained as part of the project record.

10. Use of CNADCA™ Name, Trademarks, and Standards

CNADCA™ certification, trademarks, and standards shall be used only in accordance with CNADCA™ policies.

It is prohibited to:

• Misuse CNADCA™ branding to imply regulatory authority

• Represent non-compliant work as CNADCA™-approved

• Allow uncertified personnel to represent CNADCA™ certification

11. Reporting and Cooperation

CNADCA™ certified entities shall:

12. Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

Violation of this Code of Ethics may constitute non-conformance with CNADCA™ certification requirements and may result in:

• Corrective action requirements

• Suspension of certification

• Revocation of certification

• Public disciplinary notice, where applicable

Disciplinary actions shall be administered in accordance with CNADCA™ governance and due-process procedures.

13. Ethical Obligation Statement

All CNADCA™ certified companies and technicians acknowledge that ethical conduct is integral to professional competence and that preservation of public trust is essential to the credibility of the HVAC cleaning and indoor air quality profession.
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‍Technical Intent Statement

The intent of this Code of Ethics is to establish clear, enforceable expectations for professional conduct, eliminate deceptive practices, and ensure that CNADCA™ certification represents technical credibility, integrity, and public trust.