This standard also prohibits plagiarism in the preparation of material.

Plagiarism involves copying or using substantially the same materials as those prepared by others without acknowledging the source of that material.

The only exception is copying factual information, as published by several recognized financial institutions, as well as statistical information.

• Always attribute quotations, projections, data, model/product ideas, and methodologies to their sources.
  
• This standard applies to written materials, oral, visits with clients, use of audio/video, and electronic data transfer.
  
• You can use recognized sources (S&P, Moody's) of factual information (information that is already in the public realm) without acknowledgement.
  
• Situations to which this Standard applies also depend on whom the member is representing.
  
• You should keep copies of materials used in preparing research reports.

In ethical terms, a member or candidate indulging in plagiarism is not conducting himself or herself with integrity. By plagiarizing, he or she is not only stealing the ideas of others, but also exposing himself or herself to violations of other standards by making recommendations that may not have a reasonable basis and may not avoid material misrepresentations.