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In a professional world where international standards increasingly govern quality, safety, risk management and compliance, professional certifications have become an essential lever of recognition. Among the most renowned certification bodies, PECB (Professional Evaluation and Certification Board) It requires its rigour, international recognition and the quality of its certification process. But how to become PECB certified? What are the prerequisites, steps to follow, and good practices to adopt? In this article, we guide you step by step through the PECB certification process.
1. Choose the standard for your domain
The first step is to identify ISO Standard (or other reference) that corresponds to your area of expertise or your professional goals. PECB offers certifications in many areas, including:
- ISO/IEC 27001 – Information security
- ISO 9001 – Quality management
- ISO 22301 – Business continuity
- ISO 14001 – Environmental management
- ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety
- ISO 37001 – Combating corruption
- ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy protection
- ISO 31000 – Risk management
Each field offers several levels of certification (Introduction, Foundation, Lead Implementationer, Lead Auditor, Manager...), depending on the experience and objectives of the candidate.
2. Take formal PECB training
Although PECB certification can be obtained without compulsory training, it is highly recommended to participate in a official course provided by an accredited PECB partner. These courses offer:
- One in-depth understanding requirements of the standard
- The concrete examples implementation or audit
- One Targeted preparation for official review
- Enriching interactions with certified trainers and other professionals
The duration of training varies from 2 to 5 days depending on the level (e.g. 5 days for a Lead Implementer or Lead Auditor).
3. Pass the certification examination
At the end of the training, the candidate passes a PECB official revieweither as a face-to-face or online via a secure platform. The main features of the examination are:
- Duration : 2 to 3 hours according to the certification
- Format : MCQ, development issues, case studies
- Language : often available in French, English and other languages
- Completion threshold : generally set at 70 %
PECB provides test preparation guides, and the questions are aligned with the content taught during the training.
4. Apply for certification
To pass the exam is only one step: to obtain certification, the candidate must then submit a formal request to PECB, together with certain supporting evidence:
- Certificate of passing on examination
- An updated CV
- Evidence of professional experience in the field concerned (e.g. projects, audits carried out, functions performed)
- Professional references (sometimes requested by level)
- Signature of the code of ethics PECB
PECB analyses the entire file to verify that the candidate is satisfied with the competence criteria required.
5. Obtain PECB certification
Once the file is validated, PECB issues a official certificate with a period of validity of three years. This certificate is registered, numbered, and verified online via the PECB database.
The best known certificates include:
- PECB Certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
- PECB Certified ISO 9001 Lead Implementer
- PECB Certified ISO 22301 Manager, etc.
Each certification is a proof of competence which can be valued worldwide with employers, clients or partners.
6. Maintain certification (CPD)
PECB certification is not for life. For maintain its validity, the holder shall:
- Accumulate hours of continuing training or practical experience in the certified field (called "CPD" – Continuing Professional Development)
- Submit an annual report to PECB, including activities carried out
- Respect the PECB Code of Ethics
This requirement ensures that certified professionals remain current and competenteven several years after their examination.
7. Renew or evolve its certification
At the end of three years, certification may be:
- Renewal on request, if all CPD conditions are met
- Evolved to a higher level (e.g. from Foundation to Lead Auditor)
- Scope to another ISO standard via new training or examinations
This dynamic process allows professionals to continuous progress, depending on the evolution of their career or market needs.
In conclusion
The PECB certification is much more than a diploma or badge to add to its CV: it is a genuine recognition of international competence, acquired through a rigorous and structured process. By following the steps – from training to certification, through examination and submission – professionals can strengthen their credibility, expand their career opportunities and actively contribute to the compliance and performance of organizations.
