Chartered in 1976, the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) is a non-profit, nationwide, professional association of 250 full-time experienced independent educational consultants. From its headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area, IECA publishes an annual directory of qualified consultants and provides inquiring clients with the names of local member consultants.

IECA members are pledged to maintain the highest ethical standards in working with students and families. When you choose an educational consultant who is a member of IECA, you are assured that the consultant is experienced and competently trained and is committed to honest and ethical practices.

Initially, prospective IECA members must qualify as provisionals. After satisfying IECA requirements, they may be granted active member status.

Members maintain a high level of competence through school site visits (encompassing approximately 20% of their time), attendance at IECA and other professional conferences and workshops, professional education, and consultation with IECA colleagues.

• The consultant's primary obligation is to represent each client accurately based upon a professional evaluation of the circumstances and requirements of the case.
• The consultant strives to include all family members in the educational planning.
• The consultant has an obligation to discuss with the family, as early as feasible, fees and financial arrangements.
• The consultant shall neither solicit nor accept compensation from any school, college, or institution for placement of the client.
• The consultant shall respect the integrity of the consulting relationship and of all relevant information.
• The consultant shall present to the client the most appropriate choices, representing each one fairly, and shall make clear the client's responsibilities in dealing with any schools, colleges, or institutions.
• The consultant shall not discriminate against clients on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or national or ethnic origin.