BSI has just published a new international standard which establishes an International benchmark for organizations managing the certification of persons.
BS EN ISO/IEC 17024 General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Schemes for Persons sets out a globally accepted process of assessment, subsequent surveillance and periodic re-assessment of the competency of bodies providing certification. It specifies general requirements to ensure that these bodies operate certification schemes for persons in a consistent, comparable and reliable manner. The standard and the process of accreditation to the standard will therefore boost confidence in the certification bodies and the people they certify.
Demonstrating sound professional ability
In response to the rapid advances in technological innovation and the growing specialization of personnel, the development of new certification schemes for persons has become all the more important as a means of demonstrating professional ability. This is likely to become increasingly significant in the light of todayís difficult global job market where a job is no longer considered a ëjob for lifeí.
Global harmonization
Accreditation to this international standard should be the basis for the recognition of relevant certification schemes, in order to increase their acceptance on national and international levels. This will harmonize the system for developing and maintaining certification schemes for persons and therefore establish an environment for mutual recognition and the global exchange of people.
New from BSI - Benchmark on Certification of Persons
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