INDEPENDENT CERTIFICATION OF HUMAN-MADE CREATIVE WORK
Conducted as a limited assurance engagement under ISAE 3000 (Revised).
I. THE DEFINITION
A creative work is human-made when the generative creative decisions are executed by a human being as the primary creative agent. Generative AI as a primary production mechanism disqualifies the work.
II. THE ARCHITECTURE
The HC Mark operates two certification tiers. Tier 1 verifies a specific work. Tier 2 certifies an ongoing practice via the V-Score Protocol. Both produce limited assurance conclusions.
III. THE EVIDENCE
Every certification requires a minimum of two independent evidence sources. Single-source certification is prohibited. AI detection scans function solely as triage instruments, never as evidence.
IV. THE VALIDATION PROCESS
Deviation from this six-phase sequence invalidates the certification.
IDENTITY VERIFICATION
Government-issued ID check. Every certificate is linked to a verified, identifiable human being.
SUBMISSION & TRIAGE
Highest quality file submitted. AI detection scan applied strictly as a triage instrument, never as evidence.
LEGAL DECLARATION
Timestamped, identity-linked statement of human authorship transferring legal liability to the applicant.
EVIDENCE VERIFICATION
Qualified Assessor verifies consistency of submitted process documentation against the finished work.
SAF-02 ASSESSMENT
Mandatory structured examination requiring documented reasoning and specific feature citations where required.
ISSUANCE & SEAL
Limited assurance conclusion generated. Permanent evidence file sealed. Certificate and digital badge issued.