Section One
Overview and Purpose of Certificate Verification
CILG's verification framework is the definitive mechanism through which employers, institutions, and professional partners may confirm the authenticity and currency of any CILG credential — protecting the integrity of the profession and the value of every genuine CILG qualification.
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1.1 Why Certificate Verification Matters
Protecting the value of genuine CILG qualifications and the integrity of the governance profession
The Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (CILG) issues formal certificates, designations, and post-nominal credentials that represent significant professional achievement. Each credential is the product of rigorous examination, assessed professional experience, and demonstrated commitment to the CILG Code of Professional Conduct. The integrity of these credentials — their trustworthiness as indicators of genuine professional competence — is one of CILG's most important institutional assets and one of its primary obligations to the profession and to the public.
Certificate verification exists to protect three distinct groups. Employers and institutions rely on CILG credentials when making hiring, promotion, and governance appointment decisions; verification ensures that the credentials they rely upon are genuine and current. Certificate holders benefit when employers and partners can easily confirm the authenticity of their credentials — protecting the investment they have made in their professional development from the damage caused by fraudulent claimants. The governance profession depends on the maintenance of credentialing standards; every fraudulent credential that goes undetected undermines the professional standing of every genuine credential holder.
CILG provides two verification channels — an Online Verification Portal for immediate, automated verification and a Manual Verification Service for complex, bulk, or sensitive verification requests — ensuring that credential verification is accessible, reliable, and responsive to the diverse needs of those who rely on it.
Instant Online Verification
Real-time credential verification through the CILG Online Verification Portal — available 24/7, no registration required, results in seconds.
Tamper-Evident Certificates
All CILG certificates incorporate multi-layer security features including unique QR codes, watermarks, embossed seals, and cryptographic verification signatures.
Live Register of Members
The CILG Public Register of Members at www.cilg.org/register is updated in real-time and displays current membership grade, status, and post-nominal entitlement.
Manual Verification Service
Dedicated manual verification for bulk requests, legal proceedings, regulatory enquiries, and sensitive institutional use-cases — handled by the CILG Credentials Team.
Fraud Reporting
CILG maintains a dedicated fraud reporting mechanism for suspected credential misrepresentation — with prompt investigation and legal referral where appropriate.
Verification Certificates
Upon request, CILG issues formal written Verification Certificates — official CILG documents confirming the authenticity of a credential for legal, regulatory, or institutional purposes.
1.2 Who Should Use This Guide
This verification guide is intended for all parties who need to confirm the authenticity, currency, and scope of CILG credentials. Primary audiences include:
👥 Primary Verification Audiences
- Employers and Recruitment Professionals: HR managers, talent acquisition specialists, and hiring managers verifying the credentials of job applicants, existing employees, or contractors who claim CILG qualifications or membership designations
- Boards of Directors and Governance Committees: Nomination committees, company secretaries, and board chairs verifying the governance credentials of prospective non-executive directors, trustees, committee members, and governance advisors
- Regulatory and Supervisory Bodies: Financial regulators, professional licensing authorities, government agencies, and oversight bodies verifying credentials as part of fit-and-proper assessments or regulatory authorisation processes
- Academic Institutions: Universities, business schools, and professional development institutions verifying credentials for admission purposes, academic recognition, or professional qualification mapping
- Legal Professionals: Solicitors, barristers, attorneys, and courts requiring certified verification of professional credentials for legal proceedings, dispute resolution, or professional disciplinary matters
- Professional Procurement Teams: Organisations verifying the professional credentials of governance consultants, advisors, and service providers as part of procurement and due diligence processes
- Individual Credential Holders: CILG members who wish to obtain official written confirmation of their own credentials for professional, employment, or immigration purposes
- International Partners and Mutual Recognition Bodies: Peer professional bodies and institutions verifying CILG credentials as part of mutual recognition assessment or professional equivalency processes
Section Two
Online Verification Portal
The CILG Online Verification Portal provides instant, automated verification of all CILG credentials — available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without registration or fee. It is the fastest and most convenient verification method for routine credential checks.
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🌐 Recommended Method
Online Verification Portal
Instant automated credential verification — no registration required
Portal URL
https://cilgglobal.org/cilg/user/
Enter any CILG certificate number, membership ID, or post-nominal designation to instantly verify credential authenticity and current status.
- Navigate to the portal at the URL above
- Enter the CILG Certificate Number or Membership ID in the search field
- Optionally enter the credential holder's full name to narrow results
- Click "Verify" to run the real-time database check
- Review the verification result and download or print the result page if required
📱 Also Available
QR Code Verification
Scan the QR code printed on any physical CILG certificate
Method
Scan QR code on CILG certificate with any smartphone camera
Every CILG certificate issued from 2020 onwards carries a unique QR code that links directly to the credential's verification record in the CILG database.
- Obtain the physical CILG certificate or a clear digital image of it
- Locate the QR code printed in the lower-right corner of the certificate
- Open the camera application on any iOS or Android smartphone
- Point the camera at the QR code — a verification link will appear automatically
- Tap the link to open the live verification record in your browser
2.1 Step-by-Step Portal Verification Guide
A detailed walkthrough of the online verification process for first-time and regular users
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Step 01 · Access
Navigate to the CILG Verification Portal
Open any modern web browser and navigate to https://cilgglobal.org/cilg/user/. No login, registration, or account creation is required. The portal is accessible from all devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. The portal operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays.
💡 Tip: Bookmark the portal URL for quick access on future verification requests. Always navigate directly to the URL — do not follow verification links in unsolicited emails, as these may be fraudulent imitations.
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Step 02 · Input
Enter the Credential Identifier
In the verification search field, enter one or more of the following: the CILG Certificate Number (printed on the face of all CILG certificates, formatted as CILG-XXXX-XXXXXXXX); the CILG Membership ID (displayed on the CILG membership card and in the member's online profile); or the credential holder's full registered name combined with their known membership grade or post-nominal (e.g., "John Smith ACILG"). For the most precise results, use the Certificate Number or Membership ID.
📋 Note: Certificate Numbers are printed on the face of all CILG certificates in the format CILG-[YEAR]-[UNIQUE ID]. They are also visible in the member's CILG Members' Portal profile. If you cannot locate the certificate number, ask the credential holder to provide it directly from their Portal profile, or contact the CILG Credentials Team.
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Step 03 · Search
Submit the Verification Request
Click the "Verify" or "Search" button to submit the query to the CILG credentials database. The system performs a real-time lookup against the live CILG member and certificate records. The search typically returns results within two to three seconds. If no result is returned within ten seconds, check the internet connection and try again. If repeated searches return no results, the credential may not exist in the CILG database — which may indicate a fraudulent claim.
⚡ The verification portal queries the live CILG database in real time — there is no data lag or refresh delay. Results reflect the credential's status as of the moment the search is submitted.
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Step 04 · Review
Interpret the Verification Result
The verification result page displays the credential's current status and details. Review all displayed information carefully against the credential being verified. The result page will show one of three primary status indicators: VERIFIED — ACTIVE (the credential is genuine and the holder is currently in good standing); VERIFIED — SUSPENDED/LAPSED (the credential exists but the member's standing is currently impaired — see Section 4 for implications); or NOT FOUND / VERIFICATION FAILED (no matching credential exists in the CILG database — see Section 6 for reporting).
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Step 05 · Record
Save or Print the Verification Result
For employment, regulatory, or institutional purposes, save a record of the verification result. Options include: using the browser's "Print" function to print or save-as-PDF the result page; downloading the result using the "Download Result" button where available; or taking a dated screenshot of the result page. For formal legal or regulatory purposes where a signed written confirmation is required, use the Manual Verification Service described in Section 3.
📝 Best practice: Record the date and time of the verification search along with the result, and retain this record in the relevant personnel or compliance file. The verification portal does not retain individual search records on behalf of the verifying party.
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Step 06 · Act
Respond to the Verification Outcome
Use the verification result to inform the relevant employment, governance, regulatory, or procurement decision. If the result confirms active, good-standing membership, the credential is genuine and current. If the result indicates a suspended, lapsed, or impaired status, contact the credential holder to understand the circumstances — or contact the CILG Credentials Team at verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org for further information. If no matching credential is found and fraud is suspected, report it using the process in Section 6.
2.2 Understanding Verification Results
A guide to interpreting what the portal displays and the professional implications of each result status
| Status Displayed | Meaning | Data Shown | Action Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ VERIFIED — ACTIVE | The credential is genuine, the certificate number is valid, and the member is currently in good standing with all obligations met | Full name, membership grade, post-nominal, grade confirmation date, CPD status, and public register listing link | Accept the credential as genuine and current. Proceed with confidence |
| ⚠️ VERIFIED — SUSPENDED | The credential is genuine but the member's standing is currently suspended — most commonly due to subscription arrears or CPD non-compliance | Full name, grade, suspension reason category (not full detail), and suspension date | Contact the credential holder to understand circumstances. Suspension may be temporary. Contact CILG Credentials Team for further detail |
| ⚠️ VERIFIED — LAPSED | The credential was genuine at the time of issue but the membership has since lapsed. The member is no longer an active CILG member | Full name, grade at time of lapse, lapse date, and original certificate issuance date | The credential reflects the level achieved at the date of issue but should not be accepted as evidence of current active membership. Clarify with the credential holder |
| ⚠️ VERIFIED — UNDER INVESTIGATION | The credential is genuine and the member is active, but a disciplinary investigation is currently in progress | Status notation only — no detail of the investigation is disclosed | Exercise caution in high-stakes governance appointments. Contact CILG Credentials Team directly for relevant further information |
| ❌ NOT FOUND | No matching credential exists in the CILG database for the identifier entered | No data — negative result only | Re-check the identifier for typographical errors. If the credential remains unverified after a corrected search, treat the claim as unverified. Report suspected fraud per Section 6 |
| ❌ TERMINATED | The member's membership has been terminated by CILG following a disciplinary finding or other significant breach of membership obligations | Full name, termination date, and notation that post-nominal may not be used | Do not accept the credential as current. The individual is no longer a member of CILG and may not use the CILG post-nominal |
Section Three
Manual Verification Service
CILG's Manual Verification Service provides formal written verification of credentials for legal proceedings, regulatory submissions, bulk institutional checks, and other purposes where the Online Portal result alone is insufficient. All manual verification requests are handled personally by the CILG Credentials Team.
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3.1 When to Use Manual Verification
Manual verification is the appropriate channel for formal, sensitive, or complex credential confirmation needs
The Online Verification Portal is sufficient for the majority of routine credential checks. However, the Manual Verification Service should be used in the following circumstances:
📋 Use Manual Verification When
- A formal written Verification Certificate is required — signed by a CILG authorised officer on official CILG letterhead — for legal proceedings, regulatory submissions, immigration applications, or formal institutional decisions
- You are verifying credentials for a legal or regulatory purpose where the portal result alone may not be accepted as sufficient documentary evidence by a court, regulator, or formal institutional process
- You need to verify multiple credentials in bulk — for example, verifying the CILG credentials of an entire board, governance team, or shortlisted candidate pool simultaneously
- The Online Portal does not return a clear result and you have reason to believe the credential may be genuine despite the failed search (for example, an older certificate issued before the digital verification system was implemented)
- You are verifying credentials for a credential holder who is deceased and require posthumous confirmation for estate, pension, or insurance purposes
- You need to verify historical credentials — qualifications or membership designations from periods more than five years prior to the date of enquiry
- You are a journalist, researcher, or academic institution conducting a formal study of governance credentialing and require verified data about CILG credential issuance (subject to CILG data protection obligations)
- You are a peer professional body or MRA partner conducting a formal equivalency or mutual recognition assessment and require authenticated credential data
3.2 How to Submit a Manual Verification Request
Email Verification Request
Primary channel for all manual verification requests
verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org
Response Time (Standard): 3–5 business days
Response Time (Urgent — declared at time of request): 24–48 business hours (surcharge applies)
Formal Written Verification Certificate: Issued within 5–7 business days of request confirmation
Email responses are sent from @cilgglobal.org domain only. Verify the sender address before acting on any verification email.
What to Include in Your Request
Required information for all manual verification requests
Mandatory information:
- › Full legal name of the credential holder (as it would appear on the CILG certificate)
- › CILG Certificate Number and/or CILG Membership ID (if known)
- › The specific credential(s) to be verified and the approximate year of issue
- › The purpose of verification (employment, regulatory, legal, etc.)
- › Your full name, organisation, role, and contact details
- › Whether a formal written Verification Certificate is required
- › Whether this is an urgent request
Helpful supporting information: A copy of the certificate being verified (if available) will significantly accelerate processing.
3.3 Manual Verification Fees
| Service Type | Description | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Verification | Email confirmation of credential authenticity and current status — suitable for most employment and governance purposes | Free | 3–5 business days |
| Urgent Verification | Prioritised email response — for time-sensitive employment, governance, or regulatory decisions | USD 25 per credential | 24–48 business hours |
| Formal Verification Certificate | Official CILG letterhead certificate confirming credential authenticity, signed by an authorised CILG officer — for legal, regulatory, or court purposes | USD 50 per certificate | 5–7 business days |
| Apostille-Ready Verification | Official Verification Certificate prepared for apostille authentication — for international use requiring US State Department or state-level notarisation | USD 75 per certificate + government apostille fee | 7–10 business days |
| Bulk Verification (5+ credentials) | Simultaneous verification of five or more credentials submitted in a single request — for board reviews, institutional audits, or large-scale talent processes | USD 15 per credential (minimum 5) | 5–7 business days |
| Historical Credential Verification | Verification of credentials issued more than five years prior to the enquiry date — may require archive research | USD 35 per credential | 7–10 business days |
| Self-Verification Certificate | For CILG members requesting official written confirmation of their own current credentials — for CV, employment, immigration, or professional profile purposes | Free (members); USD 25 (lapsed members) | 3–5 business days |
💳 Fee Payment
- Fees for paid verification services are invoiced by CILG upon confirmation that the request has been received and will be processed. Payment is required before the Verification Certificate is issued
- Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer via a secure payment link sent with the invoice
- Verification fees are non-refundable once the verification has been completed, regardless of the result
- Bulk verification requests of 20 or more credentials should contact corporate@cilgglobal.org to discuss volume pricing arrangements
Section Four
CILG Certificate and Credential Types
CILG issues credentials across five principal categories — each with a distinct reference code format, physical and digital security features, and specific scope of professional recognition. Understanding the credential type is essential for accurate verification.
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4.1 Qualification Certificates
Issued on successful completion of each level of the CILG Professional Qualification Framework
Level 1
Foundation Certificate in Leadership and Governance
CILG-L1-CERT-[YEAR]-[XXXXXXXX]
Awarded on passing all 5 Level 1 modules (minimum 50% per module). Entry-level qualification. Basis for Affiliate Membership (AfCILG).
Level 2
Certificate in Leadership and Governance (Knowledge Level)
CILG-L2-CERT-[YEAR]-[XXXXXXXX]
Awarded on passing all 5 Level 2 modules. Professional knowledge-level qualification. Prerequisite for Level 3.
Level 3
Diploma in Leadership and Governance (Skills Level)
CILG-L3-DIP-[YEAR]-[XXXXXXXX]
Awarded on passing all 5 Level 3 modules and meeting experience requirements. Basis for Associate Membership (ACILG).
Level 4
Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Governance
CILG-L4-ADIP-[YEAR]-[XXXXXXXX]
Awarded on passing all 5 Level 4 modules including Viva Voce. Basis for Full Membership (MCILG).
Level 5
Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance
CILG-L5-CP-[YEAR]-[XXXXXXXX]
Awarded on completing all Level 5 modules including Capstone and Oral Defence. Basis for Fellowship (FCILG).
4.2 Membership Designation Credentials
Post-nominal membership designations issued upon admission to each CILG membership grade
| Designation | Post-nominal | Credential Format | Basis for Issuance | CPD Compliance Shown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Member | SCILG | CILG-MEM-SC-[YEAR]-[ID] | Enrolment in Level 1 | N/A |
| Affiliate Member | AfCILG | CILG-MEM-AF-[YEAR]-[ID] | Level 1 completion + registration | Auto-checked |
| Associate Member | ACILG | CILG-MEM-AC-[YEAR]-[ID] | Level 3 + experience + upgrade approval | Auto-checked |
| Full Member | MCILG | CILG-MEM-MC-[YEAR]-[ID] | Level 4 + Viva Voce + senior experience | Auto-checked |
| Fellow | FCILG | CILG-MEM-FC-[YEAR]-[ID] | Level 5 + Fellowship entry interview + endorsements | Auto-checked |
| Honorary Fellow | HonFCILG | CILG-MEM-HF-[YEAR]-[ID] | Board of Governors nomination and award | Not required |
4.3 Professional Certification Credentials
CILG issues certificates for each of its 16 professional certification programmes. These certifications are distinct from the qualification framework and are identified by a "PC" prefix in their certificate numbers. They may be verified through the same Online Portal and Manual Verification Service as qualification certificates.
📄 Certification Reference Codes
- CILG-PC-CAIGP — Certified AI Governance Professional
- CILG-PC-CHRM — Certified Human Resource Manager
- CILG-PC-CSOL — Certified Strategic Organisational Leader
- CILG-PC-CPAGE — Certified Public Administration and Governance Executive
- CILG-PC-CPM — Certified Project Manager
- CILG-PC-CLGP — Certified Leadership and Governance Professional
- CILG-PC-CCRM — Certified Compliance and Risk Manager
- CILG-PC-CEEM — Certified ESG and Environmental Manager
- CILG-PC-CDGP — Certified Data Governance Professional
- CILG-PC-CSMP — Certified Strategic Management Professional
- CILG-PC-CPPM — Certified Public Policy Manager
- CILG-PC-CETHM — Certified Ethics and Integrity Manager
- CILG-PC-CDTL — Certified Digital Transformation Leader
- CILG-PC-CCSP — Certified Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Professional
- CILG-PC-CNLP — Certified Non-profit Leadership Professional
- CILG-PC-CWLP — Certified Women in Leadership Professional
Section Five
Data Displayed During Verification and Privacy Provisions
CILG discloses only the information necessary to confirm credential authenticity — balancing the legitimate interests of verifying parties with the data privacy rights of credential holders.
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5.1 Information Displayed by Verification Type
| Data Field | Online Portal | Standard Manual | Formal Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Registered Name | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Credential/Certificate Type | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Post-nominal Designation | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Current Membership Status | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Certificate Issuance Date | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Membership Grade Confirmation Date | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| CPD Compliance Status | ◉ Summary only | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Module Results / Grades | ✘ No | ◉ On request by holder | ◉ On request by holder |
| Employment History | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Home Address | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Disciplinary History Detail | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No |
| Disciplinary Status Annotation | ◉ If public-facing | ◉ If public-facing | ◉ If public-facing |
| CILG Examiner/Assessor Status | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Authorising Officer Signature | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✔ Yes |
5.2 Consent and Privacy Provisions
CILG's Public Register of Members and the Online Verification Portal disclose only information that CILG members have agreed to disclose as a condition of membership — in accordance with CILG's Privacy Policy and the applicable data protection laws of the jurisdictions in which CILG operates. By accepting CILG membership, all members consent to their name, membership grade, current status, and post-nominal entitlement being publicly searchable through the verification portal and the Public Register.
🔒 Privacy Protections for Credential Holders
- No contact information, home address, employment details, or personal financial information is disclosed through any verification channel
- Individual module results, examination grades, and detailed CPD records are disclosed only with the credential holder's explicit prior written consent
- Disciplinary history detail is never disclosed through the public verification portal; only public-facing status annotations (as listed in the Public Register provisions) are shown
- All verification request data submitted to the Manual Verification Service is processed in accordance with CILG's Privacy Policy and is not shared with third parties beyond the credential holder (who is not notified of individual verification requests unless they have opted into such notifications)
- Credential holders may request a "name-only" listing option through the Members' Portal privacy settings — this option displays only their name and status, without the standard profile information, in response to verification searches
- CILG does not sell, rent, or share verification request data or credential holder data with any third party for commercial purposes
Section Six
Certificate Security Features and Fraud Prevention
CILG employs multiple layers of physical and digital security features to protect the authenticity of its credentials and to make fraudulent reproduction or misrepresentation as difficult as possible to perpetrate and as easy as possible to detect.
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6.1 Physical Certificate Security Features
All CILG certificates issued as physical documents incorporate the following security features. Verifiers presented with a physical CILG certificate should check for the presence of these features — the absence of any feature is an indicator that the document may be fraudulent:
Embossed Institutional Seal
Every physical CILG certificate bears a raised embossed seal in the lower-left corner bearing the CILG crest and the words "Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance — United States of America." The seal is tactile — it can be felt when running a finger across the surface.
Unique QR Code
Every certificate issued from 2020 onwards carries a unique, cryptographically signed QR code in the lower-right corner. Scanning this code with any smartphone camera links directly to the live verification record in the CILG database. Each code is one-time-generated and unique to a single certificate.
Security Watermark
CILG certificates are printed on security paper incorporating a multi-layer watermark pattern — the CILG initials repeated in a fine-line pattern visible at certain angles. Photocopied or digitally printed reproductions will not accurately replicate this watermark.
Authorised Signatory Signature
Every CILG certificate is signed by an authorised signatory — either the CILG President, Secretary-General, or a designated CILG Officer. The signature is applied in blue ink. Specimen signatures of authorised signatories are available on request to verified institutional verifiers.
Unique Serial Number
Every certificate carries a unique serial number printed in a high-resolution microprint format in the border area. The serial number format is CILG-[TYPE]-[YEAR]-[UNIQUE 8-DIGIT ID]. This number is the primary identifier used by the verification portal.
Gold Foil Accent
All CILG qualification and Fellowship certificates incorporate a gold foil accent on the CILG logo and the certificate border — applied by hot-stamping. This feature is metallically reflective and cannot be accurately reproduced by standard laser or inkjet printing.
6.2 Digital Certificate Security
CILG also issues digital certificates in PDF format — particularly for members who complete qualifications via online delivery. Digital certificates incorporate the following security features:
🔐 Digital Certificate Security Features
- Cryptographic Digital Signature: All CILG digital certificates are digitally signed using SHA-256 encryption. The digital signature can be verified by opening the certificate in Adobe Acrobat Reader — a green tick and "Valid Signature" message confirms an unmodified certificate
- PDF/A-3 Format: CILG digital certificates are issued in the archival PDF/A-3 format with metadata embedding the certificate's authenticity data. This metadata is not visible in normal viewing but is readable by document analysis tools
- Embedded QR Code: The same unique QR code present on physical certificates is embedded in all digital certificates — linking to the live verification record
- Issue Timestamp: Digital certificates include a cryptographically protected issue timestamp — confirming the exact date and time the certificate was generated and has not been backdated
- Tamper Evidence: Any modification to the digital certificate — including alterations to name, grade, date, or any other field — will invalidate the digital signature, displaying a red "Signature Invalid" warning in PDF readers
6.3 Suspected Fraud — Reporting and Action
⚠️ Warning — Fraudulent Credential Claims
- Fraudulent claims of CILG membership or credentials are a serious matter that CILG investigates and, where appropriate, refers to law enforcement and regulatory authorities
- Misrepresenting professional credentials — including falsely claiming CILG membership, misrepresenting membership grade, or presenting a forged CILG certificate — may constitute criminal fraud under applicable US federal and state laws
- CILG post-nominals (ACILG, MCILG, FCILG, etc.) are registered marks. Unauthorised use may give rise to civil legal action by CILG
- Individuals who have been expelled from CILG membership, or whose membership has lapsed, are not entitled to use CILG post-nominals and will be referred to legal counsel if they continue to do so
- Third-party organisations that knowingly appoint or retain individuals based on fraudulent CILG credentials may themselves be exposed to legal liability in certain circumstances
If you suspect that a person is fraudulently claiming a CILG credential or misrepresenting their CILG membership status, please report it through the following channels:
🚨 How to Report Suspected Credential Fraud
- Email the CILG Credentials Team: Send full details — including the name of the individual, the credential claimed, and the context in which you encountered the claim — to verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org with the subject line "FRAUD REPORT — [Name of Individual]"
- Provide all available evidence: Include copies of any certificates presented, screenshots of professional profiles or correspondence where the credential is claimed, and any verification results you have already obtained through the Online Portal
- CILG's response: CILG will investigate all fraud reports within 5 business days. If fraud is confirmed, CILG will issue a formal notification to the reporting party and take appropriate action — which may include referral to law enforcement, notification to relevant professional or regulatory bodies, and civil legal action
- Confidentiality: The identity of the reporting party will not be disclosed to the individual subject of the investigation without the reporting party's prior written consent, except where required by law
- False reports: Submitting a false or malicious fraud report may itself constitute a breach of applicable law. CILG reserves the right to refer confirmed false reporters to appropriate authorities
Section Seven
Guidance for CILG Credential Holders
Understanding how verification works — and cooperating proactively with the verification process — enables credential holders to protect the value of their CILG qualifications and to present them with confidence in all professional contexts.
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7.1 Your Responsibility as a Credential Holder
Every CILG member and credential holder bears personal responsibility for the accurate and appropriate use of their CILG credentials. The CILG Code of Professional Conduct requires credential holders to:
✅ Credential Holder Obligations
- Accurate representation: Use only the CILG post-nominal corresponding to your current confirmed membership grade. If you hold ACILG, you may not represent yourself as MCILG or FCILG. If your membership has lapsed, you may not use any CILG post-nominal until reinstatement is confirmed
- Current standing: Maintain your membership in good standing by paying subscriptions on time and submitting annual CPD returns by the 31 January deadline. Failure to maintain good standing means you are not entitled to use the CILG post-nominal
- Verification cooperation: When an employer, client, or institution requests verification of your CILG credentials, cooperate fully. This includes providing your Certificate Number and Membership ID to the verifying party on request, and directing them to the Online Verification Portal or CILG Credentials Team
- No misrepresentation: Do not misrepresent the nature or significance of your CILG credentials — for example, representing a certification programme credential as equivalent to a full qualification, or representing a lapsed membership as current
- Certificate custody: Keep your physical CILG certificates in a safe place. If a certificate is lost, damaged, or stolen, report it to the CILG Credentials Team immediately and request a replacement certificate. Replacement fees apply
7.2 Obtaining Your Own Verification Documents
CILG members may obtain official verification of their own credentials for use in job applications, professional profiles, immigration applications, and other personal purposes. The fastest method is to direct any verifying party to the Online Verification Portal with your Certificate Number or Membership ID. For purposes requiring a signed official document, submit a Self-Verification Certificate request to verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org — this service is free for current members in good standing.
Your current Certificate Number and Membership ID are always available in your CILG Members' Portal profile at www.cilgglobal.org/members/portal. Digital copies of all your CILG certificates are also available for download from the portal. Keep these details accessible so you can provide them quickly when verification is requested.
Section Eight
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions most commonly raised by employers, institutions, credential holders, and other parties using CILG's verification services.
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How quickly can I verify a CILG credential?
▾
Online verification via the portal at https://cilgglobal.org/cilg/user/ returns a result in two to three seconds — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For Manual Verification, standard requests receive a response within 3–5 business days; urgent requests (which attract a fee of USD 25) are processed within 24–48 business hours.
Is there a fee to use the Online Verification Portal?
▾
No. The CILG Online Verification Portal is free to use for all verification purposes — without registration, login, or payment. Fees apply only for Manual Verification services where a formal written Verification Certificate is required, for urgent processing, or for bulk verification requests of five or more credentials. Refer to Section 3.3 for the full fee schedule.
What does it mean if the portal shows "VERIFIED — SUSPENDED"?
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A "Suspended" status means that the credential is genuine — the person did earn the qualification and held the membership grade — but that the membership is currently impaired, most commonly due to subscription arrears or CPD non-compliance. A suspended member is not currently entitled to use their CILG post-nominal. For employment and governance appointment purposes, you should seek clarification from the credential holder before relying on the credential. CILG cannot disclose the specific reason for suspension through the public portal but can provide further information to authorised institutional verifiers through the Manual Verification Service.
A person claims to hold FCILG but the portal shows them as MCILG — what should I do?
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This discrepancy may indicate either a misrepresentation or a data discrepancy. First, check that you have entered the correct Certificate Number or Membership ID — typos are the most common cause of result mismatches. If the discrepancy persists after a corrected search, contact the credential holder to clarify. If you remain concerned, submit a Manual Verification request to verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org with the details. If fraud is suspected, report it using the process in Section 6.3. CILG's live database is authoritative — the portal always reflects the credential holder's current confirmed grade.
Can I verify a CILG certificate without the certificate number?
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Yes — the Online Verification Portal accepts the credential holder's full name combined with their known membership grade or post-nominal as a search query. However, name-based searches may return multiple results if more than one CILG member shares the same name. For the most precise and reliable result, always use the Certificate Number (from the face of the certificate) or the Membership ID (from the CILG Public Register or the credential holder's Members' Portal profile).
Does CILG inform credential holders when their credentials are verified?
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By default, CILG does not inform credential holders when their credentials are searched through the Online Verification Portal — this would defeat the purpose of independent verification. However, credential holders may opt into "Verification Alerts" in their Members' Portal settings — receiving a summary notification (but not the identity of the verifying party) when their credential is searched. For Manual Verification requests, CILG may contact the credential holder to confirm certain details, depending on the nature of the request and the data protection considerations involved.
How do I verify credentials for a candidate who completed their CILG qualification several years ago?
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The Online Verification Portal contains records for all CILG credentials issued since CILG's inception, including historical credentials. Enter the Certificate Number or Membership ID as normal — historical credentials will show the grade and qualification details along with the issuance date. Note that the "Current Status" shown will reflect the member's current membership status, not their status at the time of initial qualification. If the current status shows "Lapsed," this indicates the person's membership is no longer active — the credential remains genuine as evidence of the qualification achieved, but does not confirm current active membership. For credentials issued before the digital verification system was implemented (pre-2020), the Manual Verification Service may be more reliable than the portal.
What is the difference between a CILG qualification certificate and a CILG membership designation?
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A qualification certificate (e.g., Level 3 Diploma certificate) is awarded once — when the candidate passes the required assessments — and reflects the academic and professional achievement of completing that level of the qualification framework. It does not expire, although it is backdated to the date of award. A membership designation (e.g., ACILG) is the ongoing professional status conferred on admission to a membership grade — and it is conditional on continued compliance with membership obligations including CPD, subscription payment, and Code of Professional Conduct adherence. Membership designations are therefore "current" only while the member is in good standing. For most employment and governance purposes, confirming current membership status (through the portal) is more relevant than confirming historical certificate achievement.
I've discovered a fraudulent CILG certificate. What should I do?
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Report it immediately to the CILG Credentials Team at verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org with the subject line "FRAUD REPORT" and as much detail as possible — including the name of the individual, the certificate or credential claimed, the context in which it was presented, and any copy of the fraudulent certificate you hold. CILG will acknowledge your report within 2 business days and conduct an investigation. If you have already made a hiring or governance appointment decision based on the fraudulent credential, seek legal advice promptly. CILG will cooperate with any legal process relating to confirmed credential fraud.
How do I replace a lost or damaged CILG certificate?
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CILG members who need a replacement certificate — because the original has been lost, damaged, stolen, or in some cases destroyed — should submit a replacement certificate request to verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org or through the CILG Members' Portal. Include your full name, Membership ID, the certificate(s) requiring replacement, and a brief explanation of the circumstances. A replacement fee of USD 30 per certificate applies. Replacement certificates are issued with the original award date and are marked "Replacement" on the rear. They carry all the same security features as original certificates. Digital certificate downloads are always available through the Members' Portal at no charge — a replacement physical certificate fee applies only for the hard-copy document.
📬 Verification Service Contact Summary
- Online Verification Portal: https://cilgglobal.org/cilg/user/ — available 24/7, free, no registration required
- Manual Verification & Fraud Reports: verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org
- General credentials enquiries: credentials@cilgglobal.org
- Replacement certificates: verify@certificate@cilgglobal.org (subject: "Replacement Certificate Request")
- Corporate / bulk verification: corporate@cilgglobal.org
- CILG Public Register of Members: www.cilgglobal.org/register
- CILG website: www.cilgglobal.org