At a glance
- No refunds on membership: all direct professional membership fees, upgrades and renewals are non-refundable.
- Application and assessment fees are non-refundable once the review has started.
- Assessments cancelled 30+ days ahead are refunded in full.
- Duplicate or incorrect payments are always corrected in full.
- To request a refund, email info@thesorts.org.
Scope of this policy
This policy applies to fees paid to The Society of Teaching Specialists Inc. (“SOTS”, “SOTS USA”, “we”, “us” or “our”), a nonprofit corporation registered in the State of Colorado, USA for membership, applications, assessments, certification, CPD and events. It forms part of our Terms of Use. Nothing in it affects rights you have under consumer protection law that cannot legally be excluded.
Membership fees — no-refund policy
All direct professional membership fees are non-refundable. Once a membership fee, upgrade or renewal has been paid, it will not be refunded, in whole or in part, except in the limited cases below. Please read the eligibility criteria and choose your tier carefully before you pay.
This applies to every form of direct professional membership with SOTS – new membership in any tier (Associate, Full Member, Fellow, Senior Fellow, Distinguished Fellow and Eminent Fellow), upgrades, annual renewals and reinstatements – however it is paid.
Membership fees will not be refunded for
- Change of mind – including requests made shortly after payment;
- Unused time – there are no partial or pro-rata refunds; membership stays active until the end of the paid period;
- Unused benefits – resources, events or CPD you did not take up;
- Renewals – including renewals you forgot to cancel;
- Suspension or withdrawal – for false information, plagiarism, malpractice or a breach of the Professional Teaching Oath;
- Application review fees – these pay for assessing your route, evidence and referees and are non-refundable once submitted.
Limited exceptions
- Duplicate or incorrect payments – any amount charged twice or above the published fee is refunded in full.
- Application not accepted – if we decline your application, any annual subscription paid in advance is refunded; the application review fee is retained.
- Where the law requires it – this policy does not remove rights that cannot legally be excluded.
Alternatives to a refund
If serious illness, bereavement or genuine hardship prevents you from using your membership, contact us. At our discretion we may defer your membership for up to 12 months so that you do not lose the time you paid for. Membership cannot be transferred to another person.
Assessment and certification fees
Current amounts are provided by a SOTS advisor for your region, route and certification; see our Examination & Fees page.
| When you cancel | Refund of the assessment fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days or more before the assessment date | 100% |
| 15–29 days before | 75% |
| 7–14 days before | 50% |
| Less than 7 days before, or not attending | No refund |
| After your portfolio or evidence has been submitted for review | No refund – review work has begun |
- Re-assessment fees are non-refundable once the re-assessment has started.
- Certificate and register entry fees are non-refundable once the certificate has been issued.
- Emergencies – with evidence of serious illness, bereavement or another emergency, we will normally offer a free reschedule.
- Institutional programmes are governed by the terms of the written agreement.
If SOTS cancels or changes a service
If we cancel an assessment, event or programme, or change it in a way that does not suit you, you may choose a free transfer or a full refund of the fee for that service. We are not responsible for travel or other personal costs.
How to request a refund
- Email info@thesorts.org with the subject “Refund Request”.
- Include your name, membership or application reference, the service, payment date, amount and reason.
- Attach your receipt and any supporting evidence.
We acknowledge within 3 working days and decide within 10 working days. Approved refunds are paid to the original payment method within 10 working days.
Payment safety and disputes
Pay only through channels confirmed by SOTS. We cannot refund money paid to a third party who is not authorised by SOTS. If you dispute a charge, please contact us before raising a chargeback; benefits linked to a disputed payment may be paused while it is reviewed.
Changes to this policy
The version of this policy in force when you paid applies to that payment.
Contact us
Questions about a payment or refund?