Is it possible to be both the EDGE Expert and Auditor on a project?

The EDGE framework strictly enforces separation of roles to maintain integrity and avoid conflicts of interest during the certification process. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols explicitly address this issue: "An individual cannot serve as both the EDGE Expert and EDGE Auditor on the same project. This separation ensures independence in the audit process, as the Expert’s role as a consultant advising the project team could bias the Auditor’s objective assessment of the project’s compliance with EDGE standards" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.3: Conflict of Interest). Option A, no, an EDGE Expert cannot be the EDGE Auditor on the same project, directly reflects this rule. Option B (no, even if the Certifier agrees to special terms) adds an unnecessary condition, as the protocols do not allow exceptions: "No exceptions are permitted for an individualto serve in both roles on the same project, regardless of agreements or special terms" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.3: Conflict of Interest). Option C (yes, in all cases) is incorrect, as it contradicts the conflict-of-interest rules: "Allowing dual roles in all cases would undermine the impartiality required for certification" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.1: Certification Process). Option D (yes, if no other Auditors are available) is also incorrect, as availability does not override the conflict-of-interest prohibition: "Even if no other Auditors are available, the roles must remain separate; the Client must find a different Auditor or delay the audit" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.1: Audit Process). The EDGE User Guide reinforces this principle: "The separation of Expert and Auditor roles ensures a fair and unbiased certification process, protecting the credibility of EDGE certification" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.4: Working with EDGE Experts). Thus, it is not possible to be both (Option A).