Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure fairness and compassion for CLSS™ certificants who experience significant and unexpected life events that may temporarily affect their ability to meet renewal requirements or pay renewal fees. Birthwork Institute™ recognizes that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and this policy provides a clear process for requesting consideration under such conditions.

Overview

This policy outlines the process for CLSS™ certificants to request a hardship consideration related to renewal fees. Hardship requests are evaluated individually, with the goal of ensuring equitable treatment while maintaining the integrity of the certification process.

Requests related to exam accommodations, medical or disability access, or other testing considerations are handled under separate Birthwork Institute™ policies and are not covered by this policy.

Definition of Hardship 

A hardship refers to a serious, unplanned event or condition that significantly affects a certificant’s financial or personal stability, making it difficult to complete the renewal process on time or to pay associated fees. Examples of eligible circumstances may include:

• The death of an immediate family member
• A natural disaster or catastrophic event (e.g., fire, flood, or severe property loss)
• Deployment to active military duty,
• A serious medical or mental health condition affecting the certificant or a dependent. 

Each case will be reviewed individually to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Procedure for Requesting a Hardship Consideration 

1. Email support@birthworkinstitute.com with the subject line “CLSS Hardship Request – [Your Full Name].”
2. Include the following in your email:
   — A brief explanation of the situation
   — Any relevant documentation (optional but encouraged)
   — The type of consideration requested (e.g., fee reduction or deadline extension)
3. Requests must be submitted before the renewal deadline.
4. Birthwork Institute™ will review all requests within ten (10) business days and notify the certificant in writing.
5. All decisions are final.

Confidentiality

All hardship requests and related information are treated with strict confidentiality and shared only with those directly involved in the review process.

Fairness and Non-Discrimination 

Birthwork Institute™ evaluates all hardship requests without bias or discrimination. Each case is considered on its own merits, guided by Birthwork Institute™’s commitment to equitable and ethical certification practices.

Last updated: December 2025