Standards of Professional Practice
The PMA designation is grounded in a formal set of professional standards that every charterholder is required to understand, acknowledge, and uphold. These standards are not aspirational — they are enforceable conditions of continuing standing.
Eight pillars of professional conduct
These standards define the conduct framework that every PMA charterholder must maintain throughout their active standing. Violation of any standard may trigger formal review.
Transparency
Clear, accurate disclosure of terms, fees, and material facts in all transactions.
Documentation Integrity
Proper creation, maintenance, and disclosure of transaction documentation and ownership records.
Counterparty Responsibility
Appropriate verification and due diligence on counterparties before engaging in transactions.
Professional Conduct
Acting with honesty, competence, and integrity in all professional interactions.
Risk Awareness
Identifying, disclosing, and managing risk exposures appropriately for all parties.
Continuing Competence
Maintaining current knowledge through continuing education and periodic attestation.
Regulatory Awareness
Understanding and complying with applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Accountability
Accepting responsibility for professional decisions and adhering to enforcement and review processes.
What charterholders are required to do
These are not suggestions. Failure to meet any obligation puts your charter standing at risk.
Report any material change in regulatory, legal, or professional status within 30 days
Maintain current identity and contact information in the PMA registry
Complete all continuing education requirements within each renewal cycle
Submit periodic attestation confirming ongoing compliance with the Code of Conduct
Cooperate fully with any Standards Committee investigation or review
Disclose your PMA standing status accurately to all counterparties
Remit annual renewal fees by the published deadline to maintain active standing
Report known or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct by other charterholders
Accountability is real
PMA standards carry real consequences. The enforcement framework exists to protect the integrity of the designation and the interests of counterparties who rely on it.
Formal Investigation
If concerns arise about a charterholder's conduct — through self-disclosure, counterparty complaint, or regulatory notice — the Standards Committee may initiate a formal investigation. The charterholder is notified and given the opportunity to respond.
Probation & Conditions
For less severe findings, the Committee may impose probationary conditions — including additional reporting requirements, mandatory CE, or practice restrictions. Failure to satisfy conditions escalates to suspension.
Suspension & Revocation
Serious violations result in suspension or permanent revocation of the PMA charter. The charterholder's registry status is updated to reflect the enforcement action. Revocation is permanent and documented.
Reinstatement & Appeals
Suspended charterholders may petition for reinstatement after satisfying all conditions. Revoked charterholders have no reinstatement path. All enforcement decisions may be appealed through a formal process with documented outcomes.
All enforcement decisions are documented and final subject to the appeals process. Non-disclosure of adverse history discovered after charter issuance — at any point — is grounds for immediate revocation without appeal.
The standards are real. So is the process.
If you are prepared to commit to professional standards with real accountability, the PMA qualification pathway awaits.