A CSA designee has an obligation to keep his/her professional training, skills, and knowledge current and comprehensive in order to competently provide professional services to clients. Such competency must be maintained and enhanced over time as a result of changes in legal, regulatory, and professional standards and processes. CSA's who sell products must meet the same standards with respect to product knowledge and suitability.

Most CSA's hold one or more professional registrations, licenses, or credentials. All CSA designees must comply with the rules and regulations that govern the registrations, licenses and/or credentials they hold. CSA designees are often affiliated with companies and/or employers that have their own rules for ethical business conduct; CSA's have an obligation to comply with these rules as well. Disciplinary action taken against a CSA designee by any regulatory or administrative body can carry the same weight as violations of this Code, and therefore may result in suspension or revocation of the CSA designation. A CSA designee who performs services, or offers to perform services, that are beyond the scope of his or her professional license and/or credential may be subject to Board action. The CSA credential is a broad-based, value-added designation that enhances the registrations, licenses and credentials a professional already holds. The credential bestows on the individual who earns it a deeper understanding of seniors and the issues important to them, but it is neither designed nor intended to be a substitute for professional credentials.

A CSA designee shall not lie, cheat, or steal. A CSA designee must accurately and completely communicate to clients and potential clients, both orally and in business materials, his or her professional licenses, credentials, and other business qualifications. Further, a CSA designee shall not omit from business materials or discussions - or otherwise disguise in technical, legal, or industry specific terminology ("jargon") - information that the CSA designee's client or potential client would need to fully comprehend proposed products or services.

 CSA designee shall act in a trustworthy manner. This means that the CSA designee shall promptly and courteously address a client's questions and concerns; shall perform professional services to achieve the best interests of the client; and shall be dependable, honoring personal and professional promises made.  

 A CSA designee shall conduct his or her professional activities fairly and impartially, using the same standard of care in performing business activities. Further, the CSA designee shall disclose all potential or perceived conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with providing professional services to clients, prospects, and business associates. A CSA designee shall safeguard client, potential client, and business associate information, maintaining complete confidentiality unless such party has specifically released the CSA from such duty, or in the event that such information is required to be divulged in response to proper legal mandate.

 A CSA designee shall serve the public, clients or patients, potential clients or patients, business associates, and employers with the highest degree of professionalism, exercising due diligence and acting in good faith in all matters; exhibiting appropriate demeanor and behavior in all business settings and transactions; maintaining good customer relationships with respectful, timely, and accurate service; following best practices in maintaining the books, records, and documentation of his or her business or practice; and upholding the standards of the CSA designation and of any other licenses or credentials he or she holds