Accreditation criteria: ISO/IEC 17024:2012
Personnel Certification Bodies
Standard
ISO/IEC 17024:2012
At a glance
Who it's for
- Professional certification bodies
- Welder and NDT personnel certification
- Auditor and assessor registration bodies
- Health, safety and IT credentialing programs
Key requirements
- Documented certification schemes with job/task analysis
- Valid and reliable examination processes
- Security of examination materials
- Surveillance and recertification rules
Benefits of accreditation
- Professional credibility: independent evidence of competence in personnel certification
- Stakeholder trust: build trust with employers, clients and regulatory bodies through accredited personnel certification
- Career advancement: support professional development and career opportunities for certified individuals
- Skills validation against recognized industry standards
Overview
What does a personnel certification body do?
A personnel certification body is an organization entrusted with the assessment and certification of individuals' competencies, skills and knowledge against predetermined criteria or standards within specific professions or occupations. These criteria may include industry best practices, regulatory requirements or internationally recognized standards.
Personnel certification bodies serve a critical function in validating the proficiency and expertise of professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, engineering, information technology and project management. By conducting rigorous assessments and examinations, these bodies ensure that certified individuals possess the necessary qualifications to perform their roles competently and safely.
The certification process typically involves evaluating candidates' education, training, experience and performance through written examinations, practical assessments, portfolio reviews or other appropriate methods. This comprehensive evaluation maintains professional standards, promotes public confidence in certified practitioners and supports career advancement.
Criteria
ISO/IEC 17024:2012
ISO/IEC 17024 outlines requirements for the establishment, implementation and maintenance of a certification program, ensuring that certification bodies operate impartially, effectively and transparently. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 demonstrates that a personnel certification body has established rigorous processes for evaluating candidates' qualifications, conducting fair and reliable assessments and granting certification based on objective criteria. The standard covers the development of certification schemes, the competence of personnel involved in certification activities, the management of conflicts of interest and the maintenance of certification records.
Process
Your 6-step path to accreditation
- 01
Application
Personnel certification bodies initiate the accreditation process by submitting an application form along with documentation demonstrating compliance with ISO/IEC 17024, typically including certification policies, procedures and evidence of technical competence.
- 02
Assessment
ACBNA conducts an assessment to evaluate the certification body's compliance with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements, including a review of documentation, interviews with personnel and observation of certification activities.
- 03
Review by accreditation committee
The assessment findings are reviewed by the accreditation committee, which determines whether the certification body meets the accreditation criteria. The committee may request additional information or clarification before making a decision.
- 04
Committee decision
Based on the assessment findings and recommendations, the accreditation committee makes a decision regarding accreditation status. Accredited bodies receive a certificate and are listed on ACBNA's official registry.
- 05
Annual surveillance
Accredited certification bodies undergo regular surveillance assessments, including document reviews, assessments of certification processes and observations of assessment activities.
- 06
Reaccreditation at 4 years
Accreditation is valid for four years. To maintain accreditation, certification bodies must undergo reaccreditation at the end of this period, involving a comprehensive reassessment of operations, management system and compliance with ISO/IEC 17024.
Scope
Accreditation scope domains
The industries and sectors in which personnel certification bodys operate.
Information technology professionals
IT roles including software development, network administration, cybersecurity and database management.
Healthcare practitioners
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and medical technicians, ensuring competency in patient care and medical procedures.
Project management professionals
Project planning, execution, monitoring and stakeholder management across various industries.
Human resources practitioners
Recruitment, training, performance management, employee relations and organizational development.
Financial services professionals
Finance, accounting, investment banking, risk management and financial planning.
Engineering professionals
Civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, covering design, analysis and project management.
Education and training specialists
Curriculum development, pedagogy, assessment and adult learning principles.
Legal professionals
Lawyers, paralegals, legal assistants and legal consultants, covering legal research, writing, advocacy and ethical practice.
Environmental and sustainability practitioners
Environmental management, sustainability strategy, green building, renewable energy and corporate social responsibility.
Supply chain and logistics professionals
Supply chain management, logistics, procurement, inventory management and transportation.
Quality management professionals
Quality assurance, quality control and quality management systems, ensuring adherence to standards and continuous improvement.
Marketing and advertising professionals
Strategic planning, market research, digital marketing and campaign management.
Occupational health and safety specialists
Workplace safety, risk assessment, accident prevention and compliance with occupational health regulations.
Hospitality and tourism professionals
Hotel management, event planning, travel agency operations and guest services.
Manufacturing and production professionals
Production management, quality assurance, quality control, lean manufacturing and supply chain optimization.
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