Understanding the Global Standard for Certifying People
Many organizations talk about “certification,” but few realize that not all certificates carry the same weight. What truly separates a credible professional certification from a simple course completion is the framework behind it — and that’s exactly where ISO/IEC 17024 comes in.
ISO/IEC 17024 is the international standard that defines how organizations should certify individuals’ competence. It ensures that every certification decision is impartial, consistent, and based on objective evidence.
At QSE Academy, we’ve guided certification bodies, professional associations, and training institutions through ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation worldwide. This overview distills everything you need to understand about what the standard is, why it matters, and how it builds global credibility for both certification bodies and certified professionals.
What Is ISO/IEC 17024?
ISO/IEC 17024 is the global benchmark for the certification of persons. It specifies requirements for organizations that assess and certify individuals’ competence to perform specific tasks.
Its purpose is straightforward: to ensure that certifications are issued through fair, reliable, and transparent processes. That means the certification isn’t based on favoritism, education level, or internal bias — it’s based purely on competence.
The standard rests on four key pillars:
Impartiality – Decisions must be free from conflict of interest.
Competence – Assessors, examiners, and decision-makers must be qualified for their roles.
Consistency – Certification outcomes must follow defined criteria every time.
Transparency – Processes must be documented and traceable for credibility and auditability.
Pro Tip: Think of ISO/IEC 17024 as your blueprint for transforming certification from a business activity into a recognized, trusted system of professional validation.
Why ISO/IEC 17024 Matters in Today’s Professional World
Professional credibility no longer depends solely on education or work experience. Organizations, regulators, and clients now demand proof of competence — tangible evidence that a person can perform safely and effectively.
ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation ensures that this proof is legitimate. It establishes a recognized structure for assessing, verifying, and maintaining competence across industries, from engineering to auditing and beyond.
One organization we worked with in the safety field learned this firsthand. Their internal certifications were well-designed but lacked international recognition. Once they implemented ISO/IEC 17024 and achieved accreditation, their certified professionals gained acceptance in global markets because the system now met international expectations for impartiality and reliability.
That’s the power of ISO/IEC 17024 — it transforms “we think they’re qualified” into “we can prove they’re competent.”
The Core Components of ISO/IEC 17024 Requirements
ISO/IEC 17024 may look dense at first, but its structure is logical and practical. Each section focuses on one part of a credible certification system.
a. Structure and Impartiality (Clauses 4–5)
Certification bodies must have a governance framework that prevents conflicts of interest. Impartiality committees or oversight mechanisms ensure certification decisions aren’t influenced by financial or personal relationships.
b. Resources and Competence (Clause 6)
Everyone involved — examiners, assessors, and decision-makers — must be demonstrably competent. The standard requires training, experience, and continual evaluation for these roles.
c. Certification Process (Clause 7)
This is the heart of ISO/IEC 17024. It defines each stage: application, eligibility review, examination, decision-making, and recertification. Every step must follow documented, objective criteria.
d. Management System and Records (Clauses 8–9)
Certification bodies must maintain a management system for document control, confidentiality, and continual improvement. Integration with ISO 9001 is common, but not required.
Pro Tip: Use the clause structure to build your implementation roadmap. It helps keep each responsibility clear and aligned with accreditation expectations.
Training organizations offering certification exams: Institutions that move beyond training and independently evaluate competence.
Industry associations: Groups establishing standardized competence requirements for their members.
Accreditation isn’t about size or geography — it’s about how well your processes meet the standard’s requirements. A local certification body can be just as credible as an international one if its system is impartial and well-documented.
Myth 1: Only large international bodies can get accredited. Truth: Any organization — big or small — can achieve accreditation if its certification system meets the standard’s principles.
Myth 2: ISO/IEC 17024 is just another version of ISO 9001. Truth: ISO 9001 ensures quality management; ISO/IEC 17024 ensures fair, competent certification of individuals.
Myth 3: Accreditation is too expensive or complex. Truth: Phased implementation, one scheme at a time, makes it affordable and practical.
Myth 4: Training providers can’t be impartial. Truth: They can, as long as training and certification functions are clearly separated and conflicts of interest are managed.
Pro Tip: Most misconceptions come from misunderstanding, not difficulty. The standard is practical once you align your processes to its structure.
Implementing ISO/IEC 17024 – Where to Start
Implementation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A systematic approach helps you build confidence and momentum.
Conduct a Gap Analysis: Compare your current certification practices to ISO/IEC 17024 requirements.
Develop or Update Certification Schemes: Define scope, competence requirements, and assessment methods.
Establish Impartiality Controls: Create a committee or documented process to review potential conflicts.
Document Procedures: Cover application handling, assessment, decision-making, appeals, and complaints.
Train Your Team: Ensure assessors, examiners, and decision-makers understand their roles.
Perform an Internal Audit and Management Review: Confirm system readiness before inviting the accreditation body.
Pro Tip: Start small — accredit one certification program first. Once accredited, expanding your scope becomes faster and smoother.
ISO/IEC 17024 and Other Standards
Understanding how ISO/IEC 17024 interacts with other ISO frameworks can streamline compliance and resource use.
ISO/IEC 17021-1: For bodies certifying management systems (like ISO 9001).
ISO/IEC 17065: For product certification.
ISO 9001: Provides a management backbone that complements ISO/IEC 17024’s operational requirements.
These standards share common values — competence, impartiality, and consistency — making integration both practical and efficient.
FAQs – Clarifying Common Questions
Q1:Is ISO/IEC 17024 mandatory? No, but it’s increasingly expected by regulators, employers, and clients who demand internationally recognized competence certifications.
Q2:Who grants accreditation for ISO/IEC 17024? National or regional accreditation bodies such as UKAS, ANAB, DAC, SANAS, or local counterparts operating under international arrangements.
Q3:How long does accreditation take? Typically between six and twelve months, depending on your documentation readiness and accreditation body’s scheduling.
Why ISO/IEC 17024 Is Worth the Commitment
ISO/IEC 17024 stands as the global language of competence certification. It doesn’t just tell the world that you issue certificates — it proves that those certificates are backed by fairness, evidence, and trust.
For certification bodies, it’s a gateway to recognition and credibility. For certified professionals, it’s a pathway to global acceptance and career mobility. For the public, it’s assurance that those holding certifications truly know what they’re doing.
At QSE Academy, we help organizations build ISO/IEC 17024 systems that are both compliant and practical. Through toolkits, gap analyses, and consulting support, we make accreditation achievable and sustainable.
CTA: Explore our ISO/IEC 17024 Documentation Toolkit or connect with our accreditation experts to start building your own globally recognized certification system today.
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.
