Web Site Certification Standards

To receive certification for your Web Site, the site must receive specified points from the requirements below. All mandatory requirements must be met.

Mandatory Requirements

1. The web site must not contain pornography or foul language, and not be abusive, degrading, hateful, or offensive in nature.
2. The web site must not advocate or support violence, terrorism, or any unlawful, illegal, or immoral acts.
3. The web site and company must be in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
4. The web site must not redirect visitors to other web sites without informing the visitor of the redirection.
5. The web site must not download files to the visitor's computer automatically without the visitor's consent.
6. If the web site provides for on-line ordering, a secured ordering page is provided. (E-Commerce Site Only)

General Requirements (34 Points Required)

All Web Sites must meet the Mandatory Requirements above and receive 34 points from the following General requirements.

1. Navigation through the web site is easy and intuitive. (5 points)
2. The web site loads in a reasonable time. This will be tested on both dialup and high-speed broadband connections. (2 points)
3. The web site does not lock visitors into the web site by disabling the "back" or "home" buttons or by use of any other means, such as scripting languages. (3 points)
4. The web site does not require visitors to download files or programs. (3 points)
5. If the Web Site is built not to work with all browsers, this is prominently posted on the entry page. (3 points)
6. Pages on the web site are professional and not cluttered. (2 points)
7. The Web Site does not display more than one pop-up window. These pop-up windows must also meet the certification requirements. (3 points)
8. The information presented on the Web Site is accurate and true, unless otherwise stated. (3 points)
9. The Web Site provides company contact information, such as address, phone, and e-mail contacts. Contact e-mail addresses are not hosted on "free" e-mail services. (3 points)
10. The Web Site does not take part in unsolicited e-mail advertising (spam). (5 points)
11. If the web site collects e-mail addresses for a newsletter or e-zine, the Web Site provides opt-in and opt-out mechanisms, and does not force or trick visitors to join. (5 points)
12. If the Web Site collects personal information from it's visitors, such as addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses, the Web Site displays a privacy policy. The privacy policy clearly explains how the visitor's personal information and privacy will be protected and disclose the collection, tracking methods, and use of personal information collected. (5 points)

E-Commerce Site Requirements (16 Points Required)

E-Commerce Web Sites must meet the Mandatory Requirements above, 34 points from the General requirements, and receive 16 points from the following E-Commerce Specific Requirements.

1. The web site displays its customer service or product support policy and include dispute resolution procedures. (5 points)
2. The Web Site displays its refund/return policy. The refund/return policy includes the product/service satisfaction guarantee/warranty and provide the procedures and time periods for refund processing. (5 points)
3. Products and services are clearly described. Advertising is clear, accurate, and complete. (3 points)
4. Product pricing is clearly posted. All terms, conditions, fees, costs, and surcharges are disclosed. Hidden fees are not be buried in small print or other pages. (4 points)
5. If the Web Site offers products, then a Shipping and Fulfillment policy is covered on the site. (3 points)
6. If the Web Site sells downloadable products, then the size of the download is disclosed. (2 points)

Web Sites Catering to Children

Web Sites that cater to children must meet the Mandatory Requirements above, 34 points from the General requirements, and meet all requirements below.

1. Web Site content is "age" specific.
2. Links provided on the Web Site do not link to other Web Sites that do not meet these standards.
3. If the Web Site collects information from children, the Web Site discloses the type of information collected and how the information will be used. The Web Site must obtain the parent's consent via the parent's e-mail address prior to using this information. Parents must be sent the information collected for review. Parents must be allowed to revoke the child's access to the site as well as their consent given above.