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The Professional Testing Blog

Finding the Right Consultant for Accreditation

Certification bodies (CBs) seek third-party accreditation[i] for various reasons, among them:

1. evidence that the CB is meeting an independent third-party standard;
2. greater accountability for the users of the certification and proof of “doing things right;” and
3. gaining a competitive edge in a market-space where there is more than one certification.

Whatever the reason, achieving accreditation is a significant accomplishment.

Before a CB even considers applying for accreditation, it needs to take a long, hard look at its current practices.  The CB will want to meet the intent of the standard without compromising its business model and unique features.  The ideal consulting partner will help the CB make all necessary changes without unnecessary compromises.  That takes deep knowledge of the accreditation standard, broad experience with a range of certification scenarios, and a commitment to work closely with the CB.

With our own long track-record of providing top-notch consultation in personnel certification accreditation, we suggest CBs work with consultants who provide:

• Extensive knowledge across all areas of the accreditation standard—organizational structure; program governance and policy development; scheme alignment—eligibility, recertification and code of ethics; psychometric rigor in examination development and maintenance; secure and standardized examination administrations; psychometricians with breadth of experience across examination types (m/c, performance, portfolio), large and small “n’s”;  security and confidentiality requirements; personnel and contracted services; SME qualifications and selection; program management and procedures; complaints and disciplinary procedures; appeals and due process; management systems and internal audits.

• Supporting documentation such as reports on performance of the exam; comprehensive policy manual; documentation of SME selection and qualifications; scheme requirements; handbooks and applications.

• An assessment of the CBs practices relative to risks such as conflict-of-interest.

• An analysis of the CBs ability to meet each requirement, citing areas of non-compliance and recommendations to achieve compliance, with an estimate of the necessary resources and time.

• Application preparation for accreditation—ability to meet the intent of the requirements. with an understanding of the business model.

• Assurances of successful outcomes.

It is also important to know the qualifications of consultants directly related to the implementation of the accreditation standards. Professional Testing’s consultants for accreditation have, collectively, served on the NCCA Commission and Personnel Certification Accreditation Commission (ISO/IEC 17024); are assessors for ANSI; have participated extensively in the development and revision of accreditation standards, including chairing the Work Group for revisions to ISO/IEC 17024; served as the CEO of accredited certification programs; and frequently present on the topic of accreditation.  Certification programs are comprised of many moving parts, and all parts are the sum of the whole, making comprehensive experience across the complexities of a CB essential to the provision of quality consultative services.  Involvement across a diverse range of program types, industries and business models is also essential—in other words, having worked with one program does not make you an expert.

Professional Testing had several experts present on 17024 during the ATP Conference including:

Adrienne Cadle, Ph.D.

Christine Niero, Ph.D.

Cynthia Woodley, Ed.D.

Experts from Professional Testing will also offer a free webinar on ISO/IEC 17024.

[i] The two leading personnel certification accreditation standards are the International Standard ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment—General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons  administered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in the US; and the  Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs awarded by the National  Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Categorized in: Industry News, Regulatory Power