Founding Program

Design Partner Program

ACF's founding cohort of early operators. 10 slots. Free Tier 1 + Tier 2 certification, 30% permanent discount, and a founding registry listing.

What design partners receive

The Design Partner Program is a founding cohort of early operators who engage during the ACF v1.0 launch period to refine the certification process, provide feedback on test methodology, and help shape the standard.

Design Partners receive:

  • Free Tier 1 + Tier 2 certification ($1,098 value)
  • 30% permanent discount on all future certifications
  • Founding listing in the public registry with "Design Partner" badge
  • Early access to new test suites and module previews before public release
  • Input rights on standard revision proposals
  • Priority auditor assignment — no queue wait

7 slots remaining. The program is limited to 10 slots. Once filled, it will not reopen.

Program Status

Total slots10
Filled3
Remaining7
Typical response1–2 business days
StatusAccepting Applications
Apply Now →

What we ask in return

Design partners commit to three things. That is all.

  1. 1

    Complete one certification cycle

    Complete at least one full certification cycle within 90 days of program acceptance. This is the core commitment — the feedback only matters if you've run the process.

  2. 2

    Provide structured feedback

    Complete a structured feedback survey after your certification cycle, plus an optional 30-minute call with the ACF team. Your input directly shapes the standard.

  3. 3

    Allow public reference

    Allow ACF to publicly reference you as a founding design partner. You retain approval rights over any specific public statement before it is published. No surprise announcements.

There is no exclusivity requirement. Design partners may hold certifications or participate in other AI trust programs simultaneously.

7 slots remaining.

Email registry@acfstandards.org with the subject "Design Partner Application."