Becoming certified
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Certification Requirements (PDF)
Return Path has updated the Certification Requirements. The document includes comprehensive infor...
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Certification for Mandated Mail Requirements (PDF)
Validity for Email—Certification for Mandated Mail provides an expedited path to the Certificati...
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Getting Certified
What is Return Path’s Certification program? Return Path Certification is the industry’s most uni...
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What is Certification? (video)
This video gives you a thorough explanation of Return Path's Certification.
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ASP Certification Requirements (PDF)
Application Service Provider (ASP) Certification certifies entities who are contracted to send tr...
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Application Service Provider (ASP) Certification FAQ
What is ASP Certification? Application Service Provider (ASP) Certification certifies entities wh...
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Which mailbox providers and security vendors accept Validity Certification?
Due to confidentiality agreements with participating partners, we cannot share any type of list. ...
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Certification quick reference guide
The Certification program helps make sure your email is delivered to your subscribers’ inboxes. G...
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What is Validity Certification?
Validity Certification is the industry’s most unique and powerful allowlist, providing benefits a...
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How does the Certification application process work?
The Certification application process involves a review of your eligibility and performance to de...
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What is a certifiable business model?
Certified senders must be a part of a company that has a certifiable business model. Read the req...
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What are the Certification compliance metrics and thresholds for IP Certification?
As a Certification member, you are expected to stay within your thresholds for the Certification ...
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What is Smart Compliance and how does it work?
Smart Compliance is how the Validity Certification program manages benefits at our mailbox provid...
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What are the Certification security requirements?
Take adequate, industry-standard steps to keep your systems and databases secure so you can prote...
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How long does it take to certify my IP addresses after they are accepted into Certification?
After you are accepted into the Certification program, your newly certified IP addresses are plac...
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As a certified sender, how do I represent myself truthfully and accurately?
Return Path, along with its data partners, expects certified senders to be easily reachable and p...
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As a certified sender, what do I have to know about clear and conspicuous disclosure?
Clear and conspicuous disclosure is a term used in the email industry to describe how a sender sh...
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As a certified sender, why do I need a SPF record?
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) gives you the ability to better confirm that your email is legitima...
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What are acceptable and unacceptable ways for Certified senders to gather email addresses?
Certified senders must only send email to subscribers who have opted in to receive it. Acceptabl...
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As a certified sender, what customer support do I have access to?
Return Path offers support and knowledge to help senders remain certified and become even better ...
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As a certified sender, why do I need subscribers to opt in?
Successful email marketers get permission to send emails to their subscribers and potential custo...
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Why can't my IP groups span more than three netblocks for Certification?
Unless your company has extensive operational needs, certified senders should only need one or tw...
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As a certified sender, why do I have to use dedicated IP addresses and dedicated DKIM domains?
To be accepted into Return Path's Certification program, a company's business model must meet cer...
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As a certified sender, why do I need abuse and postmaster role accounts?
Abuse and postmaster accounts are called role accounts. A role account is an email address that i...
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As a certified sender, what do I need to know about unsubscribe mechanisms?
An unsubscribe mechanism is a way for subscribers to opt out of receiving your emails. Different ...
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As a certified sender, what do I need to know about consent for Forward-to-a-Friend (FTAF) emails?
Forward-to-a-Friend (FTAF) emails are those forwarded from a subscriber on your list to a contact...
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As a certified sender, what are the requirements for my WHOIS record?
Certified senders need to have an up-to-date, accurate, and transparent WHOIS record. A WHOIS rec...
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As a certified sender, what do I do if my business or email program significantly changes?
You must notify Return Path in advance if your business goes through a significant change, such a...
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What is good performance and how do I maintain it for the Certification program?
Senders with good performance are those that stay within the stated thresholds of the Certificati...
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Why do I need to be a legally registered and established business to be certified?
Legally registered, established businesses are sound, secure companies. Certified sender mailing ...