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Technical field

Personnel certification

Personnel certification determines whether a person meets the requirements of a scheme, usually through examination of knowledge, skill or both. Accreditation of the certification body attests competence to operate that scheme.

An engineer working at an instrumented test rig in a workshop
The photograph illustrates the kind of setting associated with this work. It does not show AKZERT staff, AKZERT premises or an accredited body.

ISO/IEC 17024

ISO/IEC 17024 specifies requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. The scheme defines the competence to be certified, the prerequisites, the assessment methods and the conditions for maintaining and withdrawing certification.

Fairness of the assessment is essential. The body needs a valid method, consistent administration and security of examination materials. Impartiality is at risk where the same organization trains a candidate and then certifies that candidate without a separation sufficient to protect the decision.

The scope of accreditation names the schemes or the categories of person. A certificate held by an individual is evidence about that person under that scheme. It is issued by the certification body.

Certification of a person is not a license to practice under national law, unless the law itself gives the certificate that effect. This page does not describe any such license.

Matters ordinarily examined

  • The scheme states the competence and the assessment method.
  • Examinations are valid, reliable and securely administered.
  • The decision to certify is separated from interests that would compromise it.
  • Certificates identify the person, the scheme and the period of validity.
  • Arrangements exist for suspension or withdrawal when requirements are no longer met.

Questions

Is a training certificate the same as certification of a person?

Attendance at training, or a certificate issued by a training provider, records that training. Certification of a person, in the sense of ISO/IEC 17024, is a decision that the person meets the scheme, based on assessment. They are different attestations.

Does accreditation replace the examination of the candidate?

No. The certification body examines the candidate. Accreditation considers whether that body is competent and impartial in operating the scheme. Each candidate is still assessed.