Introduction
In many areas where, purchaser, user and public confidence in the competence of individuals is extremely important, certification of persons confirms the competence of named individuals to perform specified services or duties. This is achieved through the issuing of a certificate of competence.
Certification bodies for persons or Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) are those which are involved in assessing the individuals' necessary competencies, and ensuring that these are appropriate to the work being performed.
Accreditation scheme for the CAB has been developed as per the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard to establish an internationally accepted benchmark for organizations assessing and evaluating the skills of personnel. The main objective is to raise confidence, improve productivity and give direction through enhanced skill training to the personnel.
A conformity assessment body running scheme for certification of persons must be able to demonstrate its competence to assess and certify its clients.
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 has a number of requirements for organizational structure, quality management system elements, competence of personnel, confidentiality, etc. An assessment body must also describe the certification process, how candidates are evaluated and must define periods of recertification. In addition, the CAB must be able to demonstrate how conflict of interest is managed and must have mechanisms in place to objectively evaluate the outcome of the certification process.
Certificate Vs Certification
| Certificate | Certification |
|---|---|
| Certificate is awarded after the successful completion of an educational or vocational training programs | Certification is approving professionals for their competence to practice the acquired knowledge or/and skill by an authority |
| Certificate can be obtained after a learning process | Certification is gained after completion of assessment process as per the requirements of accredited certifying body. |
| Generally, no expiry date is applicable because the certificate verifies the completion of a specific course of instruction on a certain date | Certifications must be renewed by demonstrating continued competency to reflect the knowledge updates |
| A formal recertification process ensures that the certification holder has maintained the appropriate level of competency and is up to date. |
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17024 Scheme
Benefits to certified persons
Benefits to CABs
Benefits to Industry
To apply for accreditation, Please fill up the application form here after going through the accreditation schemes' documents available here
