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In a world in which professional competence becomes an inescapable requirement, guaranteeing the reliability of certifications becomes a priority for organizations and individuals who obtain them. It is in this context that the ISO/IEC 17024 international standardwhich sets out the requirements applicable to bodies certifying persons. By following a quality approach aligned with this standard, organizations such as PECB commit to offering certifications credible, impartial and globally recognized.
But what exactly does this standard contain? Why is it essential? And how can organizations align with its principles? Dive into an unknown but decisive norm.
What is ISO/IEC 17024?
The standard ISO/IEC 17024:2012 is an international standard published jointly byInternational Organization for Standardization (ISO) used for International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It specifies the general requirements for bodies certifying persons.
It aims to:
- Promoting a coherent approach to competency certification
- Increasing global recognition of certifications
- Ensure that certification decisions are based on objective and transparent criteria
- Building market confidence in certified professionals
In other words, this standard ensures that certification is not just a diploma, but the fruit of a rigorous, fair and controlled processes.
The pillars of ISO/IEC 17024
To be aligned with ISO/IEC 17024, a certification body must implement a true structured quality approach, based on several key requirements:
1. Impartiality and independence
The organization must demonstrate that it makes decisions without conflict of interest, particularly between its training and certification activities. Evaluators must be independent and neutral to candidates.
2. Competence of staff
All stakeholders in the process (auditors, reviewers, committees, administrative support) must have the qualifications required, regularly updated.
3. Validated evaluation process
Reviews and evaluations should be:
- Based on defined criteria
- Scientifically validated (skill analysis, difficulty levels...)
- Designed to measure real skills, not just theory
4. Transparency and documentation
The organization must provide the candidate with:
- The clear information on certification requirements
- Evaluation criteria
- Claims and appeals procedures
5. Confidentiality and security
Personal data, examination results and administrative documents must be protection and confidentiality, in accordance with existing standards (e.g. GDPR).
6. Ongoing monitoring
The competence does not assess once: the body must set up monitoring and renewal mechanisms (e.g. CPD program – continuing professional development).
PECB and alignment with ISO/IEC 17024
PECB (Professional Evaluation and Certification Board) is an emblematic example of an organism aligned with ISO/IEC 17024. AccreditationInternational Accreditation Service (IAS), PECB has established a quality management system focusing on:
- Transparent Certification Processes
- Strict eligibility and renewal criteria
- A homogeneous training frameworkwhatever language or country
- Standardised examinations, monitored by advanced technological tools (proctoring, smart cameras)
- A global database certified and verifiable professionals
This allows PECB to issue certifications reliable and recognized in more than 150 countriesand above all, to ensure that each holder of a certificate is in its field.
Why is it important for professionals?
Being certified by an ISO/IEC 17024 compliant body offers several advantages:
- Enhanced credibility : employers know that skills are rigorously verified
- International mobility : certification is recognized in several countries, without the need to re-examine a local examination
- Equal treatment : all candidates are assessed according to the same objective criteria
- Data protection ethical process
It is also a guarantee of quality for recruiters, customers and regulators.
Implement a quality approach aligned with the standard
For organizations wishing to align with ISO/IEC 17024, the following are some concrete recommendations:
- Formalize all processes : definition of roles, admission criteria, evaluation procedures, privacy policies...
- Training staff In particular, reviewers and quality managers
- Create valid assessment tools : examinations, situations, QCM built scientifically
- Establish a document management system
- Audit regularly the whole process, including by external evaluators
In conclusion
Follow a quality approach aligned with the standard ISO/IEC 17024, is to make the choice of excellence, transparency and credibility. For certification bodies, this builds a strong reputation and ensures the quality of their services. For professionals, this means that their certification is not just a paper, but a tangible proof of competence, reliable worldwide. In a world where competence makes a difference, this standard becomes a essential pillar of sustainable professional recognition.
