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Getting PECB certification is an important step in a professional's career. It attests to technical and practical skills aligned with international standards such as ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22301 or ISO 14001. But for a certification to retain its value over timeIt cannot be static. That's why PECB requires renewal every three years, provided that the Continuous Professional Development (CPD). This system ensures that certified persons remain up-to-date, competent and active in their field.
Why a renewal?
In a constantly changing regulatory environment, standards are changing, practices are modernizing, risks are changing. A certification obtained in 2020 does not necessarily guarantee that the professional is still operational in 2025unless he continues to train and apply his skills.
The process of renewal of PECB certification The aim is therefore to:
- Ensuring the updating of competences
- Encourage continued involvement in the relevant field
- Preserving the credibility of certification with employers
- Follow a quality approach aligned with ISO/IEC 17024
What is the CPD (Continuing Professional Development)?
The Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is a group of activities the certified professional performs during the three years after obtaining (or renewing) its certification. These activities must demonstrate a real and ongoing involvement in the field of competence covered by the certification.
The types of CPD activities accepted by PECB:
- Professional experience relevant (e.g. projects carried out, audits carried out, supervised implementations)
- Training (workshops, webinars, seminars, online courses)
- Teaching or training activities
- Publications (articles, blogs, books, technical case studies)
- Participation in specialized conferences or working groups
- Contribution to improvement or compliance projects
How many hours does it take to accumulate?
PECB has defined a quota of CPD hours to be respected, depending on the level of certification detained. Indicative:
| Certification level | CPD required (annual) | Total over 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation / Provisional | 10 a.m. | 30 hours |
| Lead Implementationer / Lead Auditor | 8 p.m. | 60 hours |
| Senior level / Manager | 30 hours | 90 hours |
Each CPD hour must be capable of justified by a document (certificate of training, certificate of participation, proof of activities...).
How to renew its PECB certification?
1. Annual monitoring of the CPD
The holder of a certification shall each year:
- Connect to its account on the PECB platform
- Complete and submit the Annual CPD Report
- Join supporting documents of its activities
2. Application for renewal
At the end of the three-year period, if all annual reports have been submitted and the number of HPC hours is sufficient:
- The holder may make an online renewal application
- No further examination required
- No fees apply (if the CPD is up to date)
That's where the formula makes sense: "Renewed on request, if all CPD conditions are met."
3. Special case: delayed renewal
If the CPD has not been submitted on time, PECB may:
- Allow a period of regularization
- Require overtime CPD hours
- In some cases, ask for further review if the certification has expired for too long
Good practices for fluid renewal
- Document Now each activity: keep the certificates, take notes on the projects carried out
- Plan the CPD each year, instead of waiting for the end of 3 years
- Participate in at least one CPD activity per quarter
- Follow short training or attend PECB events to enrich his portfolio
- Keep an eye on the changes in standards, to always be up to date
What are the benefits of keeping its certification active?
- Continuous enhancement of the professional profile
- Enhanced credibility with employers, partners or clients
- Access to high-level opportunities (certification audits, international missions, specialized consulting)
- Compliance with regulated market requirements
- Priority access to PECB network and resources
In conclusion
Renewing its PECB certification is a simple and fluid process, provided that he has taken seriously his commitment to continuing professional development. It is an approach that goes far beyond a simple form: it embodies a Long-term commitment to competence, quality and professional development. Thanks to the CPD program, PECB ensures that its certifications are not only qualified at the time of the examination, but that they remain qualified throughout their journey.
