RFC-PCS-0006

 

PCS Certification Program and Certification Mark Usage

Status: Draft

Intended Status: Standards Track

Updates: RFC-PCS-0001, RFC-PCS-0002, RFC-PCS-0003, RFC-PCS-0004, RFC-PCS-0005

Expires: TBD

 

1. Abstract

This document defines the Persistra Cognitive Standard (PCS) Certification Program, including certification levels, certification processes, certification marks, and permitted usage.

 

The PCS Certification Program establishes a uniform mechanism for verifying, communicating, and maintaining conformance with PCS specifications.

 

2. Motivation

As PCS adoption grows, it becomes necessary to:

• Provide objective proof of PCS conformance
• Enable procurement and compliance validation
• Prevent misleading or false claims of PCS compatibility
• Ensure interoperability and architectural integrity

 

Certification marks provide a clear, enforceable signal of compliance without mandating a specific implementation.

 

3. Scope

This document governs:

• Certification eligibility and process
• Certification levels (PCS-L1 through PCS-L4)
• Certification mark usage and restrictions

This document does not mandate participation in the PCS Certification Program.

 

4. Definitions

• Certification Authority (CA): The entity authorized to grant PCS certification

• Certified Implementation: An implementation that has passed PCS-CTS

• Certification Mark: A registered mark indicating PCS compliance

• Conformance Suite: PCS-CTS as defined in RFC-PCS-0004

• Normative language follows RFC 2119.

 

5. Certification Authority

5.1 Authority Designation

Persistra Inc. is the initial and sole Certification Authority for PCS.

 

The Certification Authority is responsible for:

• Administering certification testing
• Issuing certification marks
• Maintaining certification records
• Revoking certification where necessary

 

5.2 Delegation

The Certification Authority MAY delegate testing or auditing functions to approved third parties.

 

Final certification decisions remain with the Certification Authority.

 

6. Certification Levels

PCS certification corresponds directly to PCS conformance levels:

Level Description

• PCS-L1Persistent cognitive state and session continuity
• PCS-L2Deterministic policy enforcement and governance
• PCS-L3Cross-model cognitive continuity (CMCC)
• PCS-L4Federated and distributed cognitive state

 

An implementation MAY be certified at one or more levels.

 

7. Certification Process

7.1 Application

Applicants MUST submit:

• Implementation description
• Declared PCS level(s)
• PCS-CTS execution artifacts
• Version identifiers

 

7.2 Testing

Certification requires successful execution of:

• PCS-CTS corresponding to declared level(s)
• CMCC tests for PCS-L3 or higher

 

7.3 Attestation

Upon successful testing, the Certification Authority SHALL issue:

• A certification attestation
• Authorization to use applicable certification marks

 

8. Certification Marks

8.1 Mark Definitions

Authorized certification marks include:

• “PCS-L1 Certified”

• “PCS-L2 Certified”

• “PCS-L3 Certified”

• “PCS-L4 Certified”

Marks MAY include graphical or textual variants.

 

8.2 Permitted Use

Certified implementations MAY:

• Display applicable PCS certification marks
• Reference certification in documentation and marketing

 

Usage MUST accurately reflect the certified level.

 

8.3 Prohibited Use

Certification marks MUST NOT be used:

• Without valid certification
• For uncertified versions or configurations
• In a misleading or comparative manner
• To imply endorsement beyond certification

 

Unauthorized use constitutes trademark infringement.

 

9. Certification Validity and Renewal

9.1 Validity Period

PCS certification is valid for a defined period (e.g., 12 months).

 

9.2 Re-Certification

Re-certification is REQUIRED when:

• PCS version changes materially
• Implementation changes affect PCS behavior
• Certification expires

 

10. Revocation

The Certification Authority MAY revoke certification if:

• Conformance is no longer maintained
• Certification marks are misused
• Material misrepresentation occurs

 

Revocation SHALL require removal of certification marks.

 

11. Fees

Certification MAY involve fees determined by the Certification Authority.

Fees MAY vary based on:

• Organization size
• Certification level
• Scope of evaluation

 

Fee structures SHOULD be transparent and non-discriminatory.

 

12. Relationship to Patents

12.1 Certification vs Licensing

• PCS certification does not grant patent licenses.
• Patent licensing, where required, is separate and governed independently.

 

12.2 Disclosure

Implementers are responsible for ensuring appropriate patent licenses for PCS implementation.

 

13. Security and Auditability

Certified implementations SHOULD:

• Preserve PCS-CTS audit artifacts

• Support independent verification

• Protect provenance and policy records

 

14. Governance

The PCS Spec Editor maintains authority over:

• Certification criteria interpretation
• Certification mark definitions
• Program updates
• Changes to certification rules SHALL be published.

 

15. IANA Considerations

This document defines no IANA actions.

 

16. Conclusion

The PCS Certification Program enables trustworthy adoption of persistent cognitive systems while preserving architectural freedom.

 

Certification provides clarity without mandating implementation, and trust without surrendering control.

 

End of RFC-PCS-0006