ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation
What is ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation?
ISO 17024 accreditation refers to the certification of a body that assesses and certifies individuals against specific criteria. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed the ISO 17024 standard to set requirements for the competence and impartiality of organizations providing certification for individuals in various professions or industries.
Key points about ISO 17024 accreditation:
Certification of Individuals:
ISO 17024 focuses on organizations that certify the competence of individuals, such as professionals, technicians, or skilled workers. These certifications demonstrate that individuals meet certain standards in their respective fields.
Standardized Criteria:
The standard establishes a set of requirements to ensure that the certification process is consistent, fair, and based on internationally recognized criteria. This helps in promoting a standardized approach to certification across different organizations and industries.
Accreditation Body Oversight:
ISO 17024 accreditation involves a third-party accreditation body assessing and accrediting the certification body. This process verifies that the certifying body meets the specified standards for competence, impartiality, and effective certification processes.
Impartiality and Independence:
One of the crucial aspects of ISO 17024 accreditation is the requirement for certifying bodies to demonstrate impartiality and independence. This ensures that certification decisions are not influenced by external pressures and are made objectively based on established criteria.
Competence of Personnel:
The standard mandates that certifying bodies have processes in place to ensure the competence of their personnel involved in the certification process. This includes individuals responsible for assessment, decision-making, and technical aspects related to the specific certification.
Documentation and Management System:
ISO 17024 requires certifying bodies to establish and maintain a documented management system. This system includes procedures, records, and policies that support the effective implementation of the certification process.
Continual Improvement:
Like many ISO standards, ISO 17024 emphasizes the importance of continual improvement. Certifying bodies are encouraged to regularly review and enhance their processes to adapt to changes in technology, industry practices, and regulatory requirements.
ISO 17024 accreditation is sought by certifying bodies to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards in certifying individuals. It enhances the credibility and acceptance of certifications on a global scale, assuring stakeholders that the certification process is conducted in a systematic, consistent, and impartial manner.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation
ISO 17024 accreditation offers several benefits to certifying bodies, individuals seeking certification, and the industries or professions involved. Here are some key advantages:
Credibility and Trust
Accreditation according to ISO 17024 increases the credibility and trust associated with certified individuals. Stakeholders, including employers and consumers, are more likely to trust certifications from accredited bodies, as they adhere to recognized standards for competence and impartiality.
Global Recognition
ISO 17024 accreditation enhances the international recognition of certifications. Certifying bodies that comply with this standard demonstrate that their certification processes meet global benchmarks, making the certifications widely accepted and respected.
Consistency and Fairness
The standard promotes consistency and fairness in the certification process. Certification bodies following ISO 17024 guidelines ensure that assessments are conducted consistently, leading to fair and objective decisions regarding individuals' competence.
Impartiality and Independence
ISO 17024 places a strong emphasis on impartiality and independence. Accredited certifying bodies demonstrate that their certification decisions are free from bias or external influences, reinforcing confidence in the integrity of the certification process.
Competence Assurance
Certification bodies accredited under ISO 17024 are required to demonstrate the competence of their personnel involved in the certification process. This assurance of competence contributes to the reliability and validity of the certifications granted.
Market Access and Competitiveness
Accreditation facilitates market access for certified individuals by ensuring that their qualifications meet recognized standards. This, in turn, enhances the competitiveness of certified individuals in the job market, as their qualifications are globally recognized and respected.
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Who can be Accredited ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation?
ISO 17024 accreditation is designed for organizations that certify individuals against specific criteria. Here is a list of entities or types of organizations that can seek ISO 17024 accreditation:
Certification Bodies
Organizations that specialize in certifying individuals in various professions, industries, or technical fields.
Professional Associations
Associations representing specific professions or industries that wish to offer certifications to their members.
Training and Education Institutions
Organizations providing training and education services that want to certify individuals upon the completion of their programs.
Industry Regulatory Bodies
Regulatory bodies overseeing specific industries or professions that seek to establish a standardized certification process.
Government Agencies
Government entities are responsible for certifying individuals in certain fields, such as public safety or regulatory compliance.
Skill Assessment Organizations
Entities focused on assessing and certifying the skills of individuals, especially in trades or vocational areas.
Occupational Health and Safety Organizations
Organizations are involved in certifying individuals for compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Quality Assurance Organizations
Entities ensure the quality and competence of professionals in various sectors, such as quality management or project management.
Certification Programs within Companies
Large corporations or enterprises that have internal certification programs for their employees in specific roles or skill sets.
Medical Certification Bodies
Organizations certify healthcare professionals or specialized medical personnel in compliance with industry standards.
Environmental Certification Bodies
Entities certifying individuals in environmental fields, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and regulations.
Information Technology Certification Bodies
Organizations certify individuals in the field of information technology based on recognized standards and competencies.
Language Proficiency Certification Bodies
Organizations certify individuals for language proficiency or translation services.
Security Certification Bodies
Entities certify individuals in the field of security, such as cybersecurity professionals or security personnel.
Personal Fitness Certification Bodies
Organizations certify individuals in the fitness and wellness industry, ensuring competence in personal training or related fields.
Information Technology Certification Bodies
Organizations certify individuals in the field of information technology based on recognized standards and competencies.
Who can issue ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation ?
NABCB
UKAS
GAAS
IAS
RVA
DAR
GAAS
IAS
Documents Required for ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Time Frame
Task
Process
Day 1
GAP Analysis
Cost Estimates
Application to Accreditation Body
- Finding the GAP between existing system related to Accreditation Body requirements
- Application to Accreditation Body
- Based on the scope of your business & Accreditation Body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
- Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
- Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
- Awareness training for the top management and staff
- Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
- Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to Accreditation Body requirements
- Management Review Meetings
- Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Accreditation Body
Audit
N-C Closing
- Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
- Closing of any nonconformities identified by the Accreditation Body
Week 12
Accreditation Body
- Accreditation certificate issued
- Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
- Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
ISO 17024 accreditation is a formal recognition given by an accreditation body to a certification body, confirming that it meets the requirements specified in ISO 17024. ISO 17024 focuses on the competence and impartiality of organizations that certify individuals in various professions.
Organizations such as certification bodies, professional associations, training institutions, and government agencies that certify individuals against specific criteria can seek ISO 17024 accreditation.
ISO 17024 accreditation enhances the credibility and recognition of a certification body’s processes, demonstrating that it meets international standards for competence, impartiality, and effective certification.
ISO 17024 outlines requirements related to management system documentation, personnel competence, impartiality, confidentiality, and the certification process itself. It emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement.
The timeline for ISO 17024 accreditation varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the certification processes, the readiness of the certification body, and the efficiency of the accreditation body. It can take several months to complete the process.
To achieve ISO 17024 accreditation, a certification body must undergo a thorough assessment by an accreditation body. This assessment includes a review of documentation, on-site visits, and an evaluation of the certification body’s compliance with ISO 17024 requirements.
ISO 17024 accreditation is voluntary. However, in some industries or regions, certification bodies may choose to pursue accreditation to enhance the recognition and acceptance of their certifications.
Yes, ISO 17024 accreditation can be revoked if a certification body fails to maintain compliance with the standard or if there are significant issues that affect the integrity of the certification process.
ISO 17024 accreditation is typically valid for a defined period, often three to five years. Certification bodies must undergo periodic reassessments to renew their accreditation, demonstrating ongoing compliance with the standard.
Accreditation bodies are responsible for evaluating and accrediting certification bodies. They ensure that the certification bodies comply with ISO 17024, operate competently, and maintain impartiality.