CertSmart Privacy Policy

CertSmart Pathways ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and other applicable Australian privacy laws.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (www.certsmart.com.au), enrol in our online courses, or interact with our services. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

1. What Personal Information Do We Collect?

We collect personal information that is necessary for providing our micro-credential courses and related services.

This may include:

Identification information: Such as your name, date of birth (if provided for age verification), and username.
Contact information: Email address, phone number, and postal address (e.g., for account creation, course enrolment, or support inquiries).
Payment information: Credit card details or other billing information when purchasing paid courses (processed securely via third-party providers like Stripe or PayPal – we do not store your full payment details).
Course-related information: Progress data, quiz responses, and completion records to issue certificates and badges.
Technical information: Automatically collected data like IP address, browser type, device details, and usage patterns (e.g., pages visited, time spent on site) to improve our platform and troubleshoot issues.
Marketing preferences: If you sign up for newsletters or updates, your preferences for receiving communications.

We do not collect sensitive information (e.g., health, racial, or political details) unless it is directly relevant to a course (e.g., Nutrition & Healthy Living) and you voluntarily provide it. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 without parental consent; our services are intended for users aged 15+.

2. How Do We Collect Your Information?

Directly from you: When you sign up for an account, enrol in a course, complete quizzes, or contact us via email or forms.
Automatically: Through cookies, analytics tools (e.g., Wix Analytics or Google Analytics), and server logs to understand how you interact with our site.
From third parties: Such as payment processors (for transaction confirmation) or integrated tools like Wix Online Programs for course progress.

We use cookies and similar technologies for essential functions (e.g., login sessions) and analytics (e.g., site performance). You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings, but disabling them may limit site functionality. For more details, see our Cookie Policy (if separate) or contact us.

3. How Do We Use Your Information?

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

To provide and manage our services: Including course access, progress tracking, quiz assessments (requiring 70% pass rate per module for completion), and issuing certificates and digital badges.
To communicate with you: Sending enrolment confirmations, course updates, newsletters (if subscribed), and support responses.
To process payments: Securely handling $49 course fees through third-party providers.
To improve our platform: Analysing usage data to enhance content, fix bugs, and develop new courses.
For marketing: With your consent, sending promotional emails about new courses or discounts (unsubscribe anytime).
For legal compliance: Responding to lawful requests or protecting our rights.

We do not use your information for automated decision-making that significantly affects you.

4. How Do We Disclose Your Information?

We may disclose your personal information in limited circumstances:

To service providers: Such as Wix (hosting), Stripe/PayPal (payments), or email tools (e.g., Mailchimp) who assist us and are bound by confidentiality and privacy obligations.
For business purposes: If CertSmart Pathways is sold or merged, your information may be transferred as an asset (you'll be notified).
As required by law: To comply with Australian legal obligations, court orders, or government requests (e.g., from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner).
With your consent: For example, if you choose to share your certificate or badge publicly.

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing. Disclosures may involve overseas recipients (e.g., Wix servers in the US or EU), but we ensure they comply with APP standards or equivalent protections.

5. Data Security and Retention

We implement reasonable security measures (e.g., encryption, access controls, regular audits) to protect your information from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. However, no online system is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute protection.

We retain your information only as long as necessary for the purposes described (e.g., course access and support) or as required by law (typically 7 years for financial records). Inactive accounts may be deleted after 2 years, but you can request deletion sooner.

6. Your Rights: Access, Correction, and Complaints

You have the right to:

Access your personal information (we'll provide it within 30 days, free of charge unless complex).
Correct inaccurate information (contact us to update).
Opt out of marketing emails (unsubscribe link in every email).
Request deletion (subject to legal obligations).

To exercise these rights, email learn@certsmart.com.au with your request. We'll respond within 30 days.

If you believe we've breached the APPs or handled your information improperly, please contact us first. If unsatisfied, you can complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or 1300 363 992.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted here with the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

For questions or concerns about this policy, contact:

Christian Marchegiani

learn@certsmart.com.au

CertSmart Pathways,

Sydney, NSW,

Australia