Community Norms
The National Test Prep Association is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and professionalism. These community norms guide our interactions and help us create a supportive environment for all members.
Our Core Values
- ✓Respect: Treat all members with courtesy and consideration, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences.
- ✓Collaboration: Share knowledge, resources, and support to help one another succeed.
- ✓Professionalism: Maintain high ethical standards in all interactions and business practices.
- ✓Integrity: Be honest, transparent, and accountable in your communications and commitments.
Expected Conduct
Communication Guidelines
- Communicate respectfully and professionally in all forums, including online discussions, events, and private messages
- Listen actively and consider others' viewpoints before responding
- Avoid inflammatory language, personal attacks, or discriminatory comments of any kind
- Respect confidentiality when discussing client situations or sensitive business matters
- Give credit where credit is due and acknowledge others' contributions
Professional Boundaries
- Respect intellectual property - do not share proprietary materials without permission
- When soliciting or providing referrals, be transparent about any financial arrangements
- Promote your services appropriately; avoid spam or excessive self-promotion in community spaces
- Honor non-compete and confidentiality agreements with current and former employers
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and their families
Inclusivity & Diversity
- Welcome and support members from all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels
- Be mindful of language and assumptions that may exclude or alienate others
- Recognize that our community is strengthened by diverse perspectives and approaches
- Challenge bias and discrimination when you encounter it
Unacceptable Behavior
The following behaviors are not tolerated in the NTPA community:
- Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind
- Discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic
- Sharing false or misleading information deliberately
- Violating others' privacy by sharing personal information without consent
- Plagiarism or misrepresentation of others' work as your own
- Engaging in unethical business practices that harm students or other members
Reporting & Resolution
How to Report Concerns
If you witness or experience behavior that violates these community norms, please report it promptly:
- Email: admin@nationaltestprep.org
- For urgent matters: Contact the Membership Lead at admin@nationaltestprep.org
Resolution Process
- All reports are taken seriously and reviewed promptly by NTPA leadership
- Reports are handled confidentially to the extent possible while conducting a fair investigation
- Both parties may be contacted to understand the situation fully
- Appropriate action will be taken, which may include mediation, warnings, temporary suspension, or removal from the community
- Appeals of decisions can be submitted to the NTPA Board of Directors
Ethical Business Practices
As test prep professionals, we have a responsibility to our students and their families. NTPA members are expected to:
- Provide honest assessments of student abilities and realistic expectations
- Deliver services as promised and honor commitments to clients
- Be transparent about pricing, refund policies, and any potential conflicts of interest
- Maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid situations that could harm students
- Continue professional development to provide the best possible service
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing educational services
Commitment to Our Community
By participating in the NTPA community, all members agree to uphold these norms and contribute to a positive, supportive environment. We believe that holding ourselves to high standards benefits not only our community but also the students and families we serve.
Together, we can build a thriving professional community that elevates the entire test prep industry.
These community norms are reviewed annually and updated as needed. Last updated: January 2025