If you’ve ever opened ISO/IEC 17024 and felt buried under its formal language, you’re not alone. I’ve seen certification teams, trainers, and even auditors struggle to make sense of what seems like endless definitions and clauses.
That’s why I’ve created this plain-English glossary—to translate the technical language of ISO/IEC 17024 into something you can actually use in daily operations. Whether you’re setting up your certification scheme, training new staff, or preparing for accreditation, this guide helps everyone speak the same language.
At QSE Academy, we’ve spent years helping organizations interpret ISO/IEC 17024 without the jargon—and this is the cheat sheet I wish every certification body started with.
Why This Glossary Matters
ISO/IEC 17024 is powerful but precise. A single misunderstood term can lead to confusion or even a nonconformity during accreditation.
Here’s what happens when your team understands the terminology:
You interpret requirements correctly.
You communicate confidently with auditors and accreditation bodies.
You train new staff faster and more effectively.
Pro Tip: Keep a printed copy of this glossary in your certification office. It saves hours of “What does that actually mean?” conversations.
Core ISO/IEC 17024 Terms Explained in Plain English
Let’s simplify the key terms you’ll encounter most often.
Accreditation
Official recognition from an accreditation body that your certification program meets ISO/IEC 17024 requirements. Think of it as a stamp of credibility showing your certification process is competent, consistent, and impartial.
Accreditation Body (AB)
The independent organization (like UKAS, ANAB, or DAC) that evaluates and approves certification bodies against ISO standards.
Assessment
How you evaluate whether someone meets the required competence—through exams, interviews, or on-the-job performance checks.
Certification
A formal decision confirming that a person is competent for a specific role or task. It’s not a participation certificate; it’s proof of ability.
Certification Body (CB)
The organization that operates the certification process—receives applications, evaluates candidates, and issues certificates.
Certification Scheme
A documented system that defines how a specific certification works—its scope, required competence, exams, and renewal rules. Example: “ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification Scheme.”
Competence
The ability to apply knowledge, skills, and behaviors effectively in real work situations—not just theoretical understanding.
Impartiality
Freedom from bias or influence. It means decisions about certification are made based on evidence, not relationships or commercial pressure.
Appeal
A formal request from a candidate asking you to reconsider a certification decision (for example, if they failed an exam).
Complaint
Any expression of dissatisfaction from a candidate or stakeholder about your certification services.
Confidentiality
Your responsibility to protect candidate information—exam results, personal data, and records—from unauthorized access.
Surveillance / Recertification
Periodic reviews or re-assessments to make sure certified individuals stay competent over time.
Advanced and Commonly Misunderstood Terms
Some ISO 17024 terms sound simple but have very specific meanings. Here’s how to make sense of them.
Examination
The tool you use to measure competence—written, oral, or practical. It must be valid (measures what it should) and reliable (produces consistent results).
Certification Decision
The final determination—made by authorized personnel independent of the examiner—on whether to grant, suspend, or withdraw certification.
Scheme Committee / Technical Committee
A group of subject-matter experts who design, review, and update your certification scheme. Their role ensures fairness, relevance, and transparency.
Nonconformity (NC)
A requirement that hasn’t been fully met. Accreditation assessors will record NCs so you can take corrective action.
Corrective Action
What you do to fix the root cause of a nonconformity and prevent it from happening again.
Continuing Competence
Ongoing development to ensure certified individuals remain capable as technology and industry needs evolve. This might involve CPD hours, refresher training, or re-exams.
Objectivity
Making decisions based purely on evidence and data—not assumptions, emotions, or external influence.
Pro Tip: Include these terms in your Quality Manual and training slides. It keeps everyone—auditors included—aligned on language and intent.
Quick Reference Table: ISO/IEC 17024 Terms at a Glance
Term
Plain-English Meaning
Typical Record or Evidence
Certification Body
Organization certifying people
Legal registration, org chart
Certification Scheme
Rules defining a specific certification
Scheme document, competence matrix
Competence
Proven ability to perform
Exam results, assessment forms
Impartiality
Decisions free of bias
Impartiality policy, committee minutes
Accreditation
Formal recognition by AB
Accreditation certificate, audit reports
FAQs – Clarifying Common Doubts
Q1: Is accreditation the same as certification? No. Accreditation validates the certification body; certification validates the individual’s competence.
Q2: Do I need a separate scheme committee for each certification program? Yes. Each scheme needs subject-matter experts who review competence requirements, exams, and updates.
Q3: What’s the difference between competence and qualification? Qualification is education or training. Competence is the proven ability to perform tasks effectively—demonstrated through objective assessment.
Speak ISO/IEC 17024 Fluently
Once your team understands these terms, everything about ISO/IEC 17024 becomes clearer—from designing schemes to passing accreditation audits.
When people share the same language, your certification process runs smoother, your documentation improves, and your assessors communicate more confidently with accreditation bodies.
At QSE Academy, we make ISO language practical. Our toolkits and training materials break down every clause, definition, and requirement into plain English—so you can focus on implementation, not translation.
CTA: Download our ISO/IEC 17024 Plain-English Glossary PDF or explore our Complete Documentation Toolkit to make your certification program audit-ready and easy to manage.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
