Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Ascent ("the app") is a CAPM® exam-preparation app published by Zach Shallbetter. This policy explains what the app collects, why, and the choices you have. We designed Ascent to need as little of your data as possible — you can study without creating an account or giving us your name or email.
What we collect
- Study progress & learning data. Your lesson progress, quiz answers, streaks, and readiness scores, so the app can pick what to review next and sync your progress across your devices.
- An anonymous device identifier. A randomly generated ID is created on your device to associate your synced progress. It is not your name, email, or Apple ID. If you choose to link an account in a future version, that identifier replaces the anonymous one.
- Usage & diagnostic data. Aggregated, non-identifying events (for example, "a lesson was completed" or "the app launched") and crash/performance diagnostics, used to find bugs and improve the app.
- Purchase records. When you buy the CAPM Pass or gem packs, Apple processes the payment. Apple shares a purchase receipt with the app to unlock content. We never see or store your card number or billing details.
- Game Center identifier (optional). If you opt into leaderboards, Apple's Game Center provides a player identifier used to show rankings. You can disable Game Center in iOS Settings.
What we do not collect
- We do not require, and by default do not collect, your name, email address, phone number, or precise location.
- We do not use third-party advertising networks, and we do not sell or rent your data to anyone.
How your data is used
- To save and sync your study progress across your devices.
- To personalize which questions you see next (spaced repetition and readiness scoring).
- To operate optional leaderboards via Game Center.
- To diagnose crashes and improve the app's content and performance.
Service providers
We use a small number of providers strictly to operate the app:
- Apple — App Store distribution, in-app purchases, Game Center, and crash diagnostics (per Apple's privacy policy).
- Vercel and Neon — hosting and the database that stores your synced, anonymized progress.
These providers process data on our behalf and are not permitted to use it for their own purposes.
Data retention & deletion
Synced progress is kept while the app is in use so it can be restored on your devices. You can request deletion of your synced data at any time by emailing us at the address below; we will delete the records associated with your device identifier. Deleting the app from your device removes the locally stored copy.
Children
Ascent is intended for individuals pursuing a professional certification and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Changes to this policy
If we make material changes, we will update this page and revise the "last updated" date above.