IBACTP® Cookie Policy

Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, smartphone, tablet, or other device when you visit a website.

Cookies may allow a website to recognize a browser or device, remember preferences, maintain a session, support security, measure performance, and improve the user experience.

Cookies may store or be associated with information such as:

• A unique identifier;
• Session status;
• Account preferences;
• Language selection;
• Consent choices;
• Website activity;
• Device or browser information;
• Approximate location derived from an Internet Protocol address; and
• Authentication or security information.

Cookies do not necessarily identify you by name. However, cookie identifiers and related device information may constitute personal information under applicable privacy law.

In addition to cookies, IBACTP or its authorized service providers may use similar technologies, including:

2.1 Local Storage

Local storage allows a website to store information within your browser. It may be used to remember preferences, maintain application settings, or support website functionality.

2.2 Session Storage

Session storage temporarily stores information during a browsing session. The information is generally removed when the browser tab or window is closed.

2.3 Pixels and Web Beacons

Pixels and web beacons are small files or pieces of code that may help determine whether a webpage or email has been viewed or whether a link has been selected.

2.4 Software Development Kits

Applications or embedded services may use software development kits to support authentication, analytics, security, communications, or other functionality.

2.5 Device and Browser Identifiers

Online services may use identifiers associated with a browser, device, application, or account to support security, fraud prevention, preferences, and analytics.

2.6 Log Files

Servers automatically create records concerning visits and system activity. Logs may include Internet Protocol addresses, browser types, pages accessed, dates, times, errors, and security events.

2.7 Embedded Technologies

Videos, maps, social-media features, payment forms, testing systems, digital badges, or other embedded third-party content may place or access cookies when you interact with them.

References in this Policy to “cookies” generally include these similar technologies where applicable.

IBACTP may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Operate websites and portals;
• Maintain secure sessions;
• Authenticate users;
• Protect candidate and credential-holder accounts;
• Process forms and transactions;
• Remember preferences;
• Store cookie-consent choices;
• Provide certification and training services;
• Support examination registration;
• Prevent fraud and unauthorized access;
• Detect technical errors;
• Measure website performance;
• Understand how services are used;
• Improve content and navigation;
• Measure communications and campaigns;
• Provide embedded content;
• Support accessibility;
• Maintain service availability; and
• Meet legal, security, and compliance obligations.

IBACTP will not use nonessential cookies where prior consent is required unless you have provided the required consent.

IBACTP may use the following categories of cookies.

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly necessary cookies are required for a website or service to operate properly.

They may be used to:

• Maintain a secure session;
• Authenticate an account;
• Prevent cross-site request forgery;
• Protect against fraud;
• Balance website traffic;
• Maintain shopping-cart contents;
• Process forms;
• Store consent choices;
• Support account recovery;
• Prevent duplicate submissions;
• Protect examination registration; and
• Maintain essential website functionality.

Because these cookies are necessary to provide a requested service or secure the website, they generally cannot be disabled through the IBACTP cookie-preferences tool.

You may block them through your browser, but parts of the website or portal may no longer function correctly.

4.2 Functional and Preference Cookies

Functional cookies help remember selections and improve convenience.

They may remember:

• Language;
• Region;
• Time zone;
• Accessibility settings;
• Display preferences;
• Previously selected certification categories;
• Form progress;
• Login preferences; and
• Other user-selected settings.

If you disable functional cookies, some personalized features may not operate as expected.

4.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

Analytics cookies help IBACTP understand how visitors use websites and online services.

They may collect information about:

• Pages visited;
• Time spent on a page;
• Navigation paths;
• Referring websites;
• Links selected;
• Browser and device types;
• General geographic region;
• Technical errors;
• Page-loading performance;
• Abandoned forms; and
• General usage patterns.

IBACTP may use this information to:

• Improve website design;
• Simplify navigation;
• Identify technical problems;
• Understand which content is useful;
• Evaluate service performance; and
• Improve certification and training information.

Where required by law, analytics cookies will be activated only after you provide consent.

4.4 Marketing and Advertising Cookies

If used, marketing cookies may help IBACTP:

• Measure promotional campaigns;
• Understand how a visitor reached the website;
• Determine whether communications were effective;
• Limit repeated advertising;
• Present content based on expressed interests; and
• Measure interactions with advertisements.

Marketing cookies may be placed by IBACTP or an authorized advertising, social-media, or campaign-measurement provider.

IBACTP will obtain consent before activating marketing cookies where required.

Disabling marketing cookies will not necessarily eliminate all advertising. It may make advertising less relevant or prevent IBACTP from measuring campaign effectiveness.

4.5 Security and Fraud-Prevention Cookies

Security cookies may be used to:

• Detect suspicious login attempts;
• Identify unusual activity;
• Prevent account abuse;
• Protect payment transactions;
• prevent automated attacks;
• Support identity verification;
• Maintain examination security; and
• investigate unauthorized access.

Some security cookies are strictly necessary and may operate without optional consent where permitted by law.

4.6 Social-Media Cookies

IBACTP websites may include links, buttons, feeds, or embedded content from social-media platforms.

When you interact with these features, the relevant platform may collect information about:

• Your device;
• Your account with that platform;
• The webpage visited;
• Your interaction with the feature; and
• Other activity governed by that platform’s policies.

Social-media platforms may recognize you even when you do not actively select a button if embedded content is loaded automatically.

Where appropriate, IBACTP will prevent nonessential social-media technologies from loading until consent is provided.

4.7 Video and Multimedia Cookies

Embedded video, webinar, audio, or multimedia providers may use cookies to:

• Deliver content;
• Remember playback settings;
• Measure views;
• support captions;
• Maintain streaming performance; and
• Connect activity with an account held with the provider.

If you decline these cookies, embedded content may not load. IBACTP may provide a direct link or alternative method of access where practical.

4.8 Payment and Transaction Cookies

Payment providers may use cookies to:

• Process transactions;
• Detect fraud;
• Maintain payment sessions;
• verify account or card information;
• comply with security requirements; and
• prevent unauthorized transactions.

Payment-provider cookies may be essential to complete a purchase.

4.9 Training, Examination, and Credential Cookies

Learning platforms, testing systems, proctoring services, and digital-badge providers may use cookies to:

• Authenticate candidates;
• Maintain course progress;
• Record training completion;
• Schedule examinations;
• Maintain testing sessions;
• Protect examination integrity;
• Support identity verification;
• Issue digital credentials; and
• Verify certification status.

These technologies may be governed by additional notices from the relevant provider.

5.1 First-Party Cookies

First-party cookies are placed directly by the IBACTP website or online service you are using.

They may support:

• Authentication;
• Security;
• Session management;
• Preferences;
• Consent management;
• Form processing; and
• Service functionality.

5.2 Third-Party Cookies

Third-party cookies are placed or accessed by an external provider whose services are integrated into an IBACTP website.

Third-party providers may include:

• Website-hosting providers;
• Analytics providers;
• Payment processors;
• Learning-management systems;
• Examination platforms;
• Proctoring providers;
• Video-conferencing services;
• Digital-badge providers;
• Customer-support platforms;
• Email service providers;
• Social-media platforms;
• Advertising providers; and
• Cybersecurity and fraud-prevention services.

A third party’s use of information is governed by its own privacy and cookie policies when it acts independently.

IBACTP evaluates providers and requires appropriate contractual and security protections when the provider processes information on IBACTP’s behalf.

Cookies may be classified by how long they remain on your device.

6.1 Session Cookies

Session cookies generally remain only while your browser or session is open. They may be deleted after you:

• Close the browser;
• Sign out;
• Complete a transaction; or
• End the relevant session.

6.2 Persistent Cookies

Persistent cookies remain for a defined period or until you delete them.

They may be used to:

• Remember preferences;
• Store consent choices;
• Recognize a returning browser;
• Support security;
• Measure longer-term usage; or
• Reduce repeated prompts.

Cookie duration depends on the purpose and provider.

IBACTP will not retain a cookie longer than reasonably necessary for its stated purpose. A current cookie-preferences tool or cookie inventory should identify the duration of each active cookie.

IBACTP will maintain a current inventory of cookies and similar technologies used on its production websites.

The inventory should identify:

• Cookie or technology name;
• Provider;
• Domain;
• Purpose;
• Category;
• Whether it is first-party or third-party;
• Duration;
• Information collected; and
• Whether consent is required.

Because websites and providers may change, the interactive cookie-preferences tool available on the website should be treated as the most current source of information about active cookies.

A typical inventory may be presented in the following format:

Cookie or Technology

Provider

Purpose

Category

Duration

Session identifier

IBACTP

Maintains a secure website or account session

Strictly necessary

Session

Consent preference

IBACTP or consent provider

Records cookie selections

Strictly necessary

Up to 12 months

Security token

IBACTP or security provider

Prevents fraud and unauthorized requests

Strictly necessary

Session or limited persistent period

Language preference

IBACTP

Remembers language or regional selection

Functional

Limited persistent period

Analytics identifier

Approved analytics provider

Measures website use and performance

Analytics

As shown in the preference center

Campaign identifier

Approved marketing provider

Measures campaign effectiveness

Marketing

As shown in the preference center

This example does not mean that every listed technology is active. The production cookie inventory must reflect the technologies actually deployed.

When required by applicable law, IBACTP will request your permission before placing or accessing nonessential cookies.

The cookie banner or preferences tool may allow you to:

• Accept all cookies;
• Reject nonessential cookies;
• Select specific categories;
• Review provider information; and
• Change a previous selection.

Strictly necessary cookies may remain active because they are required to provide a requested service or secure the website.

Your cookie choice may be stored so the website can remember it.

If you clear browser storage, change browsers, use another device, or visit another IBACTP domain, you may need to provide your preferences again.

You may change your preferences at any time through the Cookie Settings or Manage Cookies link displayed on the IBACTP website.

Changing preferences generally applies prospectively. It may not delete information already collected while a cookie was active.

You may also manage cookies through your browser.

Common browser options may allow you to:

• View stored cookies;
• Delete cookies;
• Block all cookies;
• Block third-party cookies;
• Delete cookies when the browser closes;
• Receive a warning before a cookie is stored; or
• Create exceptions for selected websites.

Browser instructions vary by provider and version. Review your browser’s help or privacy settings for current instructions.

Blocking or deleting cookies may affect:

• Account login;
• Session continuity;
• Form submission;
• Shopping carts;
• Payment processing;
• Certification registration;
• Training progress;
• Examination scheduling;
• Credential verification;
• Language preferences;
• Embedded videos;
• Accessibility settings;
• Security controls; and
• Website performance.

IBACTP is not responsible for functionality lost because a user blocks a technology required to provide the requested feature.

Some browsers and extensions send privacy-preference signals, such as Global Privacy Control.

Where required by applicable law and technically applicable, IBACTP will treat a qualifying signal as a request to opt out of sale, sharing, or targeted advertising for the relevant browser or device.

Because these signals are generally browser- and device-specific, you may need to enable the signal separately on each browser and device.

Some browsers provide a “Do Not Track” setting.

There is not a universally accepted technical standard governing how every website must respond to all Do Not Track signals.

IBACTP will respond to browser-based signals when required by applicable law. You should use IBACTP’s cookie-preferences tool for the most direct control over optional cookies.

IBACTP emails may contain pixels, tracking links, or similar technologies that help determine:

• Whether an email was delivered;
• Whether it was opened;
• Whether a link was selected;
• Whether an email address is active; and
• Whether a communication campaign was effective.

IBACTP may use this information to:

• Improve communications;
• Reduce irrelevant messages;
• Measure engagement;
• Maintain mailing lists; and
• Identify delivery problems.

You may reduce some email tracking by:

• Disabling external images;
• Using privacy settings in your email application; or
• Unsubscribing from promotional messages.

Unsubscribing from marketing does not prevent essential certification, examination, account, security, renewal, or transactional communications.

Candidate and credential-holder portals may use cookies that are essential to:

• Sign users in;
• Authenticate sessions;
• Prevent unauthorized access;
• Maintain account security;
• Protect forms;
• Save temporary progress;
• Enforce session timeouts; and
• Detect suspicious activity.

Disabling these cookies may prevent portal access.

Users should sign out after using a shared or public computer and should not allow browsers to save passwords on untrusted devices.

Examination and proctoring providers may use cookies and related technologies to:

• Verify candidate identity;
• Conduct system checks;
• Authenticate an examination session;
• Maintain testing continuity;
• Monitor technical conditions;
• prevent fraud;
• protect examination content; and
• document security incidents.

Examination technologies may operate under an additional privacy or cookie notice displayed by the relevant provider.

Where required, candidates will receive notice before examination monitoring begins.

A candidate who blocks essential examination cookies may be unable to launch or complete an examination.

Training platforms may use cookies to:

• Authenticate participants;
• Record module progress;
• Maintain course sessions;
• Deliver videos or laboratories;
• Save learning preferences;
• Record completion;
• Support quizzes and assessments; and
• Provide instructor feedback.

A training provider operating independently may apply its own cookie and privacy policies.

Payment services may place essential cookies to:

• Maintain a payment session;
• Process a transaction;
• Authenticate payment information;
• Detect fraud;
• Prevent duplicate payments;
• Support refunds; and
• Meet payment-security requirements.

IBACTP does not control a payment provider’s independent cookie practices. Review the payment provider’s privacy and cookie notices when completing a transaction.

IBACTP websites may include links or features connected to platforms such as professional networking, social-media, or video-sharing services.

Selecting a social-media link may allow the platform to receive information about your visit.

If you are signed in to the platform, it may associate your interaction with your platform account.

IBACTP does not control how an independent social-media company uses cookies or personal information.

Cookie and tracking rules vary by country.

Visitors in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and other jurisdictions may be asked to provide consent before nonessential cookies are activated.

Visitors in certain U.S. states may have the right to opt out of:

• Sale;
• Sharing;
• Targeted advertising; or
• Certain profiling activities.

IBACTP will provide cookie controls appropriate to applicable legal requirements and its actual processing practices.

IBACTP services are intended primarily for adults, university students, and working professionals.

IBACTP does not knowingly use cookies to profile children under 13 for advertising.

If a program permits participation by an individual under 18, IBACTP will apply appropriate privacy safeguards and obtain parent or guardian authorization where required.

Contact IBACTP if you believe online information concerning a child has been collected improperly.

IBACTP uses reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect cookie and device information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Security measures may include:

• Encryption in transit;
• Secure cookie attributes;
• Restricted access;
• Session expiration;
• Authentication controls;
• Logging and monitoring;
• Vendor security reviews; and
• Incident-response procedures.

No internet technology is completely secure. Users remain responsible for maintaining browser, device, account, and password security.

Information collected through cookies may be combined with account, certification, training, transaction, or communication information.

When cookie information identifies or is reasonably linked to an individual, IBACTP will handle it as personal information in accordance with the IBACTP Privacy Policy.

The Privacy Policy explains:

• Categories of personal information collected;
• Purposes of processing;
• Legal bases;
• Disclosures;
• International transfers;
• Retention;
• Security;
• Individual rights; and
• Contact procedures.

IBACTP may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in:

• Website functionality;
• Cookies and tracking technologies;
• Service providers;
• Certification platforms;
• Training systems;
• Legal requirements;
• Privacy practices; or
• Organizational operations.

The revised Policy will be posted with an updated “Last Updated” date.

If a material change affects the use of nonessential cookies, IBACTP will provide additional notice or request renewed consent when required.

Questions, requests, or concerns about this Cookie Policy may be directed to:

International Board of AI, Cybersecurity & Technology Professionals (IBACTP®)IBACTP® HeadquartersAttn: Privacy Office122 W John Carpenter Fwy, Suite 325Irving, TX 75039United States

General and Privacy Inquiries: info@ibactp.orgCertification Inquiries: certification@ibactp.orgAdministrative and Partner Inquiries: admin@ibactp.org

When contacting IBACTP, do not send passwords, complete payment-card information, complete government identification numbers, or confidential examination content through ordinary email.

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We Value Your Privacy

IBACTP® uses necessary cookies to operate and secure this website. With your permission, we may also use functional, analytics, and marketing cookies to remember preferences, understand website use, and improve communications. Select “Accept All,” “Reject Nonessential,” or “Manage Cookies” to choose your preferences. You may change your selection at any time.

Buttons:

• Accept All
• Reject Nonessential
• Manage Cookies

Links:

• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy

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IBACTP® uses cookies

We use necessary cookies to operate this website. Optional cookies help us remember preferences, measure performance, and improve communications. You can accept all cookies, reject nonessential cookies, or manage your choices.

Buttons:

• Accept All
• Reject Nonessential
• Manage Choices

Necessary Cookies

Always Active

These cookies are required for website security, authentication, forms, session management, payments, account access, and essential functionality. They cannot be disabled through the preference center.

Functional Cookies

These cookies remember preferences such as language, display settings, and selected services. Disabling them may reduce website functionality.

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help IBACTP understand website use, identify technical problems, and improve content and performance. They should be optional where consent is required.

Marketing Cookies

These cookies may measure campaigns or support relevant promotional communications. They should remain disabled unless the visitor provides any consent required by law.

Social Media and Multimedia

These cookies enable embedded videos, social features, or external multimedia. Third-party providers may receive information when their content loads.

The IBACTP website should apply the following settings where legally required:

• Necessary cookies enabled by default;
• Functional cookies disabled until consent when required;
• Analytics cookies disabled until consent when required;
• Marketing cookies disabled until consent;
• Social-media and multimedia cookies blocked until consent where nonessential;
• Separate category controls;
• Equal prominence for “Accept All” and “Reject Nonessential”;
• No preselected optional categories;
• A permanent “Cookie Settings” link;
• Consent records maintained securely;
• Consent renewed when practices materially change;
• Global Privacy Control honored where required; and
• Withdrawal of consent made as easy as providing consent.