As a requirement for acceptance in the E-Rate Management Professionals Association, Inc., members shall certify their understanding that any violation of one or more item in the Code of Ethics is grounds for immediate termination of their membership.

Each member shall conduct himself/herself according to the highest standard by: 

1.1. Obeying all laws governing the preparation and submission of E-rate forms and applications as regulated by the FCC, the Universal Service Administrative Company,  local, state and federal government; 

1.2. Maintaining the highest standards of honesty, integrity and confidentiality in all relationships with clients, keeping as the utmost concerns the client’s best interest; 

1.3. Maintaining current knowledge of E-Rate programs rules and regulations by attending USAC training sessions, reading  USAC’s  News Briefs, reviewing FCC appeal decisions,  participating in USAC conference calls, and participating in professional development programs provided by EMPA  as appropriate to the individual member or company;

1.4. Extending professional courtesies to all colleagues in the E-Rate management field while maintaining respect for a colleague’s practice and area of specialty; 

1.5. Working to further the goals of the E-Rate Management Professionals Association, Inc.  by setting the example for professional standards and working to improve education throughout the E-Rate management field;

1.6. Understanding that if debarred from the E-Rate program or convicted of a felony, membership in EMPA will be suspended, pending review of the EMPA Board of Directors;

1.7. Establishing agreements with clients regarding the archiving of notes, documentation, and computer files at project completion; 

1.8. Retaining all client information, records and documents prepared for submission to USAC for a period of five years from the last date of service;

1.9. Accepting only those assignments which have the potential of providing a genuine benefit to the client and for which the member possesses the requisite experience and competence to perform the tasks ;

1.10. Advising clients when the member believes their requests will not be fundable ;

1.11. Charging fees that are reasonable and commensurate with the services delivered and the responsibility accepted;

1.12. Honoring copyrights, trademarks, service marks, and other legally binding agreements;

1.13. Providing clients with a list of competent E-Rate management professionals or consultants  who would be capable of completing any outstanding work should the member become incapable of completing the contract;

1.14. Avoiding conflicts of interest or the appearance of such and immediately disclosing to the client circumstances or interests that the member believes may influence their judgment and objectivity; 

1.15. Refusing to accept commissions, remuneration, or other benefits from a third party in connection with the recommendations to a client,  and disclosing in advance any financial interests in goods or services that form part of such recommendations;

1.16. Offering to withdraw from a consulting assignment when the member believes their objectivity or integrity may be impaired;

1.17. Reporting to appropriate authorities and to USAC any occurrences of malfeasance, dangerous behavior, or illegal activities;

1.18. Refraining from inviting an employee of an active or inactive client to consider alternative employment without prior discussion with the client;

1.19. Respecting the intellectual property rights of clients, other consulting firms, and sole practitioners, and not using proprietary information or methodologies without permission;

1.20. Refraining from advertising services in a deceptive manner, misrepresenting or denigrating individual consulting practitioners, consulting firms, or the E-Rate management and consulting profession. 

1.21. Reporting any perceived violations of the Code to EMPA  and  promoting adherence to the Code by other member consultants working on behalf of the member;

1.22. Honoring all commitments, contracts, and services schedules.