ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Conformity Assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Conformity Assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 is an internationally recognised standard which outlines the general professional criteria for organisations that certify individuals against specific requirements. This standard was established to ensure a consistent, globally recognised approach to personnel certification, enhancing trust, competence, confidence and credibility in professions across industries.
What is ISO/IEC 17024:2012?
It is an international standard titled “Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.” The standard ensures that certification bodies:
- Operate impartially and competently and consistently as a certification body.
- Follow a structured and transparent certification process, including application, evaluation, examination, decision-making, surveillance, and recertification.
- Maintain confidentiality and manage complaints and appeals effectively.
- Develop valid and reliable assessments of individuals’ competencies.
The standard applies across all sectors such as construction, healthcare, IT, security, and skilled trades, providing a consistent framework for the “certification of individuals.”
Why does an organisation need ISO/IEC 17024:2012?
The standard enables organisations, whether a government body, educational institution, or independent certifying organisation, adhering to ISO/IEC 17024:2012 to:
- Demonstrate professional credibility and competence.
- Align itself with international benchmarks and gain global recognition.
- Ensure a fair, objective, and transparent certification process of individuals.
- Meet legal, regulatory, and industry-specific requirements.
- Support employers in verifying skills and knowledge of certified individuals.
- Establish a quality-assured system that inspires public confidence.
What are the benefits of implementing ISO/IEC 17024:2012?
For Certification Bodies:
- Enhanced credibility and trust, greater market access and competitive advantage.
- Consistent and regulatory-compliant certification practices.
For Certified Individuals:
- Greater employability and career mobility, especially internationally, recognition of verified competencies, and increased confidence from employers and stakeholders.
For Employers and Industries:
- Assurance of certified, qualified professionals.
- Reduced operational risk in critical tasks and functions.
- Support for workforce development and succession planning and skills standardisation.
For Society and Regulators:
- Promotes public safety and trust in professional roles and credentials.
- Encouragement of a skilled, competent labor force across various sectors and regions.
How do I implement ISO/IEC 17024:2012 in an organisation?
ISO Consulting and Implementation:
We have a range of professional Consultants, Engineers, and registered Auditors to assist in implementing and maintaining any ISO Management System. Our industry expertise includes services, telecommunication, manufacturing, construction, engineering services, fast-moving consumer goods, mining, power generation, state-owned companies, and government-run organisations. A good Consultant takes the time to truly understand the processes of your organisation.
Therefore, they can approach the implementation of ISO requirements accordingly. The cost of hiring a Consultant and the time spent to implement your ISO Management System will definitely pay off in the long run.
WWISE has a 4-Phase Approach:
- Phase 1: Gap Analysis Audit and Information Gathering
- Phase 2: ISO Documentation, Risk Assessment, and Process Mapping
- Phase 3: Implementation and Coaching
- Phase 4: Certification
WWISE provides a turnkey solution which includes templates, one-on-one coaching, on-the-job training, and mentorship. As a consulting firm, we do not provide certification services. However, we will guide you through the certification process and ensure that your organisation becomes certified.
Why Choose WWISE to Assist your Organisation:
Certification Process:
An organisation can get certified to a requirement standard. You can implement the standard and get certified by a third party.
