Program requirements: ISO/IEC 17024:2012
Personnel Certification Bodies
Standard
ISO/IEC 17024:2012
Program overview
Organizations covered
- Professional certification bodies
- Welder and NDT personnel certification
- Auditor and assessor registration bodies
- Health, safety and IT credentialing programs
Principal requirements
- Requirements include documented certification schemes with job/task analysis
- Requirements include valid and reliable examination processes
- Requirements include security of examination materials
- Requirements include surveillance and recertification rules
Value of accreditation
- Professional credibility — independent evidence of competence in personnel certification
- Stakeholder trust: support the confidence of employers, clients and regulatory bodies through accredited personnel certification
- Career development: support professional development and career opportunities for certified individuals
- Support for skills validation against recognized industry standards
Overview
What does a personnel certification body do?
A personnel certification body assesses and certifies individuals' competencies, skills and knowledge against predetermined criteria or standards within specific professions or occupations. These criteria may include industry best practices, regulatory requirements or internationally recognized standards.
Personnel certification bodies assess the proficiency and expertise of professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, information technology and project management. Through assessments and examinations, these bodies evaluate whether certified individuals possess the necessary qualifications to perform their roles competently and safely.
The certification process typically involves evaluating candidates' education, training, experience and performance through written examinations, practical assessments, portfolio reviews or other appropriate methods. This evaluation supports professional standards, promotes public confidence in certified practitioners and supports career advancement.
Accreditation criteria
ISO/IEC 17024:2012
ISO/IEC 17024 outlines requirements for the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a certification program, ensuring that certification bodies operate impartially, effectively and transparently. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 demonstrates that a personnel certification body has established rigorous processes for evaluating candidates' qualifications, conducting fair and reliable assessments and granting certification based on objective criteria. The standard covers the development of certification schemes, the competence of personnel involved in certification activities, the management of conflicts of interest and the maintenance of certification records.
Assessment process
Your 6-step path to accreditation
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01
Application submission
Personnel certification bodies apply for accreditation by submitting an application form with documentation demonstrating compliance with ISO/IEC 17024, typically including certification policies, procedures and evidence of technical competence.
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02
Accreditation assessment
QAC assesses the certification body's compliance with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements, through document review, personnel interviews, and observation of certification activities.
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03
Accreditation committee review
The accreditation committee reviews the findings to determine whether the certification body meets the accreditation criteria. Before deciding, the committee may request further information or clarification.
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04
Accreditation decision
The accreditation committee decides accreditation status on the basis of the assessment findings and recommendations. Accredited bodies receive a certificate and an entry in QAC’s official registry.
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05
Annual surveillance assessment
Accredited certification bodies undergo annual surveillance assessments that include document reviews, assessments of certification processes and observations of assessment activities.
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06
Reaccreditation every four years
The accreditation cycle is four years. To retain accreditation, certification bodies must complete reaccreditation at the end of the cycle through a comprehensive reassessment of operations, management system and compliance with ISO/IEC 17024.
Scope
Technical domains within the accreditation scope
The industries and sectors in which personnel certification bodys operate.
Information technology professionals
Activities include iT roles including software development, network administration, cybersecurity and database management.
Healthcare practitioners
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medical technicians, assessing competence in patient care and medical procedures.
Project management professionals
Activities include project planning, execution, monitoring and stakeholder management across various industries.
Human resources practitioners
Activities include recruitment, training, performance management, employee relations and organizational development.
Financial services professionals
Activities include finance, accounting, investment banking, risk management and financial planning.
Engineering professionals
Civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, addressing design, analysis and project management.
Education and training specialists
Activities include curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment and adult learning principles.
Legal professionals
Lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants and legal consultants, addressing legal research, writing, advocacy and ethical practice.
Environmental and sustainability practitioners
Activities include environmental management, sustainability strategy, green building, renewable energy and corporate social responsibility.
Supply chain and logistics professionals
Activities include supply chain management, logistics, procurement, inventory management and transportation.
Quality management professionals
Quality assurance, quality control and quality management systems, supporting conformity with standards and continuous improvement.
Marketing and advertising professionals
Activities include strategic planning, market research, digital marketing and campaign management.
Occupational health and safety specialists
Activities include workplace safety, risk assessment, accident prevention and compliance with occupational health regulations.
Hospitality and tourism professionals
Activities include hotel management, event planning, travel agency operations and guest services.
Manufacturing and production professionals
Activities include production management, quality assurance, quality control, lean manufacturing and supply chain optimization.
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