Definition
What is the ISO/IEC 17024 standard?
The ISO/IEC 17024 standard sets out the requirements for bodies operating certification schemes for persons (auditors, project managers, welders, IT professionals, healthcare professionals, etc.). It is the global benchmark for accrediting certification bodies that certify individuals.
The standard covers impartiality, confidentiality, structural requirements, scheme requirements (developed by a separate scheme committee), examination requirements (validation, fairness, security), surveillance of certificants, and management system requirements of the body itself.
The 2026 version of ISO 17024 was published in 2026 and modernises the standard around digital examinations, remote proctoring, scheme governance, and competence validation in fast-moving fields like cybersecurity, AI, and project management.
Who is ISO/IEC 17024 for?
The standard targets certification bodies certifying individuals: project management bodies (PMI), cybersecurity certifications ((ISC)², ISACA), welding certifications (AWS, IIW), auditor certifications (IRCA, Exemplar Global), healthcare certifications, and many others.
Why get certified?
ISO 17024 accreditation gives international recognition to a personal certification scheme, conditions acceptance by employers and regulators, structures fair and valid examinations, and ensures continuing competence of certified individuals.
Version
ISO/IEC 17024:2026
Certified
Accredited by IAS, ANAB, UKAS
Validity
Varies by accreditation
Avg. timeline
12 to 18 months
