What is ISO/IEC 17024?
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 is the internationally recognized standard that specifies the general requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. It establishes a globally accepted framework to ensure that personnel certification is conducted in a consistent, impartial, transparent, and competent manner.
The standard applies to certification bodies responsible for assessing and certifying the competence of individuals through defined certification schemes based on knowledge, skills, experience, and professional competence.
By implementing ISO/IEC 17024, certification bodies enhance the credibility and international recognition of their certification programmes while providing confidence to employers, regulators, industry, and the public.
Why ISO/IEC 17024 Matters
Key Principles
✓ Impartial Certification
✓ Competence-Based Assessment
✓ Fair and Consistent Decision Making
✓ Independent Certification Process
✓ Transparent Governance
✓ International Recognition
✓ Continual Improvement
Benefits
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17024
For Professionals
• Internationally recognized certification
• Demonstrated professional competence
• Increased career opportunities
• Enhanced credibility
For Employers
• Confidence in personnel competence
• Consistent qualification standards
• Reduced recruitment risks
• Improved workforce capability
For Industry
• Harmonized competency standards
• Global recognition
• Increased public confidence
• Improved professional quality
ICM’s Commitment
ICM International Management operates its personnel certification activities in accordance with the principles and requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2012, ensuring that certification decisions are based on competence, impartiality, fairness, and transparency.
ICM is committed to maintaining internationally recognized certification schemes that support lifelong learning, professional development, and global mobility of certified professionals.
ISO/IEC 17024 represents one of the international standards implemented by ICM. As the organization continues to expand its accreditation and certification services, additional internationally recognized ISO standards may be incorporated into ICM’s management systems and certification activities.
Certification Scheme Documentation
ICM International Management develops and maintains documented certification schemes in accordance with the principles and requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2012 for the certification of persons.
Each certification scheme is supported by a structured set of documents that define competency requirements, assessment methodologies, learning outcomes, certification criteria, and ongoing competence requirements to ensure consistency, impartiality, and international best practice.
These documents are reviewed periodically to ensure continual improvement and alignment with applicable international standards. Your uploaded Certification Scheme Manual already states that the scheme integrates the Competency Matrix, Assessment Plan & Methods, and Syllabus Requirements to create a competence-based assessment structure aligned with ISO/IEC 17024 Clause 8.
Available Certification Documents
📘 Certification Scheme Manual (CSM-ICM-001)
Defines:
• Certification framework
· Certification process
• Eligibility requirements
• Assessment principles
• Certification validity
• Surveillance
• Recertification
• Appeals
• Suspension & withdrawal
• Governance
📙 Annex A – Competency Matrix
Defines:
• Competency levels
• Learning outcomes
• Entry requirements
• Scope-specific competencies
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements
The matrix establishes the competence expected at each certification level together with assessment methods and CPD requirements.
📗 Annex B – Assessment Plan & Methods
Defines:
• Assessment methodology
• Assessment weighting
• Examination formats
• Pass criteria
• Practical assessments
• Portfolio requirements
• Viva Voce
• Assessment duration
It standardizes assessment components across Levels 1–4 and aligns them with the Competency Matrix and Syllabus Requirements.
📥 Download PDF
📕 Annex C – Syllabus Requirements
Defines:
• Knowledge requirements
• Practical skill requirements
• Professional behaviours
• Hygiene & safety
• Equipment handling
• Client consultation
• Risk management
• Learning objectives
It establishes the minimum training syllabus required to achieve the competence outcomes defined for each certification scheme.
📥 Download PDF
📒 Annex E – Standardised Assessment Rubrics
Defines:
• Written examination rubrics
• Practical assessment criteria
• Portfolio evaluation
• Viva Voce assessment
• Scoring methodology
• Assessor guidance
• Consistency and impartiality controls
The rubrics ensure objective, fair, and consistent competence evaluation across all certification schemes and align with ISO/IEC 17024 Clause 8.
📥 Download PDF
ICM Commitment
ICM International Management is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) for ISO/IEC 17024:2012. The certification scheme documentation above forms part of ICM’s documented management and certification framework, supporting impartial, competence-based personnel certification within the approved scope of accreditation.
As ICM expands its international certification activities, additional scheme documents and management system documentation may be introduced to support new certification programmes and internationally recognized standards.
Certification Eligibility & Entry Requirements
1. General Eligibility Requirements
Unless otherwise specified within an individual certification scheme, applicants shall:
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the certification scheme and competency level.
Typical requirements may include:
Detailed eligibility requirements are published within the relevant Certification Scheme and Competency Matrix for each certification programme. The Competency Matrix defines level descriptions, assessment methods, CPD requirements, and any entry requirements that apply to a particular certification. Refer Annex A
Before assessment, applicants shall:
Where permitted by the applicable certification scheme, candidates may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL applications are evaluated using documented procedures and objective evidence to determine whether previous education, training, work experience, or professional achievements satisfy specific certification requirements.
Eligibility through RPL does not exempt candidates from any mandatory assessment components required by the certification scheme unless expressly permitted by ICM’s documented certification requirements. Your Certification Scheme Manual incorporates level progression and RPL provisions.
ICM provides equal access to certification for all eligible applicants. Certification decisions are based solely on demonstrated competence against the published certification requirements and are made without discrimination on the basis of nationality, gender, race, religion, disability, or other protected characteristics, except where specific legal or occupational requirements apply.
ICM International Management is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) for ISO/IEC 17024:2012 – Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons. Certification eligibility and assessment requirements are established and implemented in accordance with documented certification schemes within ICM’s approved scope of accreditation.
Structure of ISO/IEC 17024:2012
Introduction
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 is structured into a series of clauses that establish the requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. Together, these clauses ensure that personnel certification is conducted with competence, impartiality, consistency, and transparency.
The standard distinguishes between introductory clauses, which provide context, and auditable clauses, which define the operational requirements that certification bodies must implement.
| No. | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Scope |
Describes which organizations or activities the standard applies to, defining the boundaries. Example: ISO 9001 applies to the quality management system of any organization; ISO 17024 applies to personnel certification bodies. |
|
2 |
Normative References |
Lists other international standards cited within this standard that form part of it. For example: ISO/IEC 17000, ISO 9000 (terms and definitions). |
|
3 |
Terms and Definitions |
Provides official definitions for technical terms used in the standard to ensure consistency, such as certification, competence, assessment, qualification, etc. |
The first three clauses are introductory and not directly auditable, but they are essential for understanding the standard.
Clause Structure
| Clause | Title | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Scope |
Defines the application of ISO/IEC 17024 to bodies operating certification of persons.
|
|
2 |
Normative References |
Lists referenced standards applicable to ISO/IEC 17024.
|
|
3 |
Terms and Definitions |
Defines terminology used throughout the standard.
|
Core Operational Requirements (ISO/IEC 17024:2012)
Clauses 4–9 contain the operational requirements that certification bodies must establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve to conform with ISO/IEC 17024:2012. Together, these clauses provide the framework for impartial, competent, and internationally recognized personnel certification.
| Clause | Title | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
4 |
General Requirements |
Establishes requirements relating to legal status, impartiality, confidentiality, liability, financial responsibility, and non-discriminatory certification practices. |
|
5 |
Structural Requirements
|
Defines the organizational structure, governance, roles, responsibilities, authority, and impartiality arrangements necessary to ensure independent certification decisions. |
|
6 |
Resource Requirements |
Specifies competence requirements for personnel, examiners, assessors, decision-makers, outsourced services, and other resources used to operate the certification process.
|
|
7 |
Record & Information Requirements |
Establishes requirements for document control, certification records, confidentiality, information management, and communication with applicants, certified persons, and stakeholders.
|
|
8 |
Certification Scheme Requirements |
Defines the requirements for certification schemes, including eligibility, competency requirements, assessment methods, examination, certification decisions, surveillance, recertification, suspension, withdrawal, and appeals. |
|
9 |
Management System Requirements
|
Requires the certification body to implement and maintain an effective management system that supports continual improvement through internal audits, management reviews, corrective actions, and quality management processes. |
Submit company/individual background and certification project details.
Complete the application form and attach all required documents.
Review of basic information, quality manual, or resume.
Conduct interviews, practical tests, or document evaluations according to scheme requirements.
Issue certificate and registration number (valid for typically 2 years).
Certification decision made by the Certification Decision Committee.
Assessment report submitted by the assessor.
How ICM Implements ISO/IEC 17024
As an IAS-accredited ISO/IEC 17024 Certification Body, ICM has established documented policies, procedures, certification schemes, and management systems that satisfy the operational requirements of Clauses 4–9. These documented processes support competence-based assessment, impartial certification decisions, and continual improvement within ICM’s approved scope of accreditation.
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