Certification governance
A formal, enforceable governance model for all U-ASDLC certification modules and levels — covering validity, renewal, revocation, digital badges, verification, and compliance.
Certification governance framework (applies to all modules & levels)
The intent is global credibility, zero/low-cost operations initially, and an easy path to scale.
1. Certification validity policy
Purpose: Ensure certifications remain relevant in a fast-moving AI & SDLC landscape.
Standard validity period
- All U-ASDLC certifications: 24 months
- Validity starts from the exam pass date or final practical assessment approval.
Why 24 months
- Aligns with industry norms (AWS, Scrum, SAFe, ISC²)
- Matches AI tooling and SDLC evolution cycles
- Prevents lifetime certification dilution
2. Renewal policy
Purpose: Keep practitioners current without forcing full re-certification.
Renewal options (choose one)
1) Continuing education (preferred)
- Complete 12–20 CPUs (Certification Progress Units)
- CPUs via new modules, tool updates, published case studies, or approved community contributions
2) Delta exam
- Short, focused exam on new agent patterns, updated governance rules, and toolchain evolution
3) Practical revalidation
- Submit updated orchestration architecture, agent workflow demo, and governance checklist alignment
Renewal grace period
- 90 days after expiration
- After grace, certification becomes Inactive.
3. Certification status states
Each certification exists in one clear state.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Active | Fully valid and verifiable |
| Inactive | Expired but renewable |
| Suspended | Temporarily invalid (under review) |
| Revoked | Permanently invalid |
| Retired | Certification version sunset |
All states are publicly verifiable.
4. Revocation & suspension policy
Purpose: Protect the credibility of the certification brand.
Grounds for suspension
- Proven plagiarism
- Exam integrity breach
- False claims of certification
- Misrepresentation of work
- Violation of AI governance ethics
Grounds for revocation
- Repeated violations
- Fraudulent identity or credentials
- Commercial misuse of certification branding
- Selling or leaking exam materials
Due process
- 1Incident logged
- 2Evidence review
- 3Candidate notified
- 4Appeal window (14 days)
- 5Final ruling documented
Outcome transparency
- Revoked certifications remain listed as revoked (no silent removals)
5. Digital badge system
Purpose: Modern, portable proof of competence.
Badge standard
- Open Badges compliant
- Metadata includes holder name, certification level, module scope, issue date, expiry date, and verification URL
Where badges can be used
- CVs / portfolios
- GitHub READMEs
- Personal websites
- Employer verification portals
Badge types: levels
- Foundation
- Practitioner
- Professional
- Architect
- Master
Badge types: modules
- Agent governance
- Orchestration design
- AI-driven SDLC
- Compliance & risk
- Toolchain implementation
Stackable badges
- Combined into higher-level credentials
- Visible progression path
6. Verification & registry
Purpose: Zero-trust verification with no manual emails.
Public certification registry
- Unique Certification ID
- QR-code verification link
- Status indicator (Active / Expired / Revoked)
- Issued modules & levels
Verification data exposed
- Name
- Certification title
- Level
- Validity window
- Badge links
Privacy-safe
- No exam scores
- No personal data beyond name
7. Module-specific governance rules
Purpose: Respect increasing responsibility by level.
Foundation & practitioner
- Renewal every 24 months
- Lower CPU requirement
- Optional delta exam
Professional & architect
- Mandatory renewal
- CPUs plus practical proof
- Governance and ethics reaffirmation
Master level
- Annual activity review
- Contribution requirement
- Peer or board validation
- Can be retired rather than expired
8. Certification versioning
Purpose: Prevent outdated certifications being misused.
- Certifications include a version number (e.g. U-ASDLC Architect v1.2).
- Major version changes trigger retirement of older versions with controlled upgrade paths.
9. Governance authority structure
Initially (lean / zero-budget)
- Certification owner (program owner)
- Independent reviewer (trusted SME)
- Automated registry and audit logs
Later (scale-up)
- Certification board
- External advisors
- Industry reviewers
- Employer advisory council
10. Legal & trust positioning
Key statements included in ToS and certificates.
- Certification confirms competence, not employment eligibility
- Certification does not replace legal compliance
- Governance rules are enforceable
- Misuse is grounds for revocation
Final outcome
- Credible (clear rules, enforcement, renewal)
- Modern (digital badges, public verification)
- Scalable (works solo to global)
- Defensible (audit trail and due process)
- Commercial-ready (employer-friendly)
Use this governance model everywhere
Link it from course pages, certificates, and public verification.