ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

By IT ADMIN ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

Overview of ISO 17065
ISO/IEC 17065:2012 sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of bodies certifying products, processes, and services. It ensures that certification bodies operate in a manner that fosters trust in the certification process, focusing on consumer safety and quality assurance.

Key Components of ISO 17065:

  1. Impartiality: Certification bodies must act without bias, ensuring that evaluations and decisions are independent.
  2. Competence: Personnel involved in certification must possess the necessary technical expertise.
  3. Transparency: Processes should be transparent, and the certification body must provide clear information on its certification process.
  4. Confidentiality: Certification bodies must safeguard sensitive information.

Overview of ISO 17024
ISO/IEC 17024:2012 specifies criteria for the operation of a certification body for individuals. It aims to standardize the processes for personnel certification, ensuring that certified professionals meet certain competency levels, which is critical in sectors like safety, security, and technical competence.

Key Components of ISO 17024:

  1. Examination Process: Ensures that individuals are tested for the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs.
  2. Impartiality: Like ISO 17065, certification bodies must act impartially and avoid conflicts of interest.
  3. Ongoing Competence: The standard requires mechanisms to verify that certified individuals maintain their competencies over time.
  4. Management of Complaints: Systems must be in place to handle complaints or disputes regarding certification decisions.

Integration of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024

Rationale for Integration:
Combining the principles of ISO 17065 (focused on products, processes, and services) and ISO 17024 (focused on personnel certification) can streamline operations for certification bodies that assess both products and the competence of individuals who handle those products. This is particularly valuable in industries like food safety, medical devices, and renewable energy, where both product quality and personnel competence are critical.

Key Benefits of Integrated Accreditation:

  1. Operational Efficiency: By harmonizing the accreditation processes for product and personnel certification, organizations can reduce duplication of audits, streamline documentation, and simplify reporting requirements.
  2. Holistic Certification: An integrated approach allows certification bodies to offer holistic certification services, verifying both the quality of the product and the competence of the individuals handling it.
  3. Consistency in Standards: Certification bodies can ensure a more consistent application of standards across both product certification (ISO 17065) and personnel certification (ISO 17024), fostering greater trust and reliability in the certification process.
  4. Cost Efficiency: Organizations can benefit from reduced accreditation costs as they can undergo a single audit for both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 requirements, leading to better resource allocation.

Challenges of Integration:

  1. Complexity in Implementation: Managing two standards simultaneously can create operational complexity. Certification bodies must develop robust processes to ensure both product/service certification and personnel certification comply with respective ISO standards.
  2. Training and Competence: Personnel involved in certification must be trained and competent in the requirements of both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. This may necessitate additional training and oversight.
  3. Alignment of Processes: The certification body must align its product and personnel certification processes to avoid potential conflicts or inconsistencies in how it evaluates products and individuals.

Steps to Achieve Integrated Accreditation:

  1. Gap Analysis: Certification bodies should perform a detailed gap analysis to identify areas where their current processes for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 overlap and where additional work is needed to integrate the two systems.
  2. Develop Integrated Procedures: Establish integrated procedures that meet the requirements of both standards. This includes ensuring that internal audits, management reviews, and impartiality mechanisms are suitable for both product and personnel certification.
  3. Train Personnel: Staff involved in certification should be trained in the requirements and practical application of both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. This ensures that they can competently assess both products/services and individual competence.
  4. Certification and Surveillance Audits: Certification bodies should work with accreditation bodies to undergo integrated audits. Surveillance audits should also verify ongoing compliance with the integrated system.
  5. Continual Improvement: Implement systems to continuously monitor and improve the integrated accreditation process, taking into account feedback from clients, audits, and changes in industry regulations.

Case Example of Integrated Accreditation

Industry: Renewable Energy Certification
A renewable energy certification body certifies solar panels (ISO 17065) and the competence of technicians installing the panels (ISO 17024). By integrating both accreditations, the body can:

  • Certify that the solar panels meet technical standards (product certification under ISO 17065).
  • Certify that the technicians installing the panels are competent and trained (personnel certification under ISO 17024).

This integrated approach allows the certification body to provide a full assurance package to its clients, ensuring both product reliability and skilled installation services.

Conclusion

Integrating ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 accreditation offers certification bodies a comprehensive framework for ensuring both product quality and personnel competence. While the integration process may present some challenges, it also brings significant benefits in terms of operational efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced trust in the certification process. Certification bodies that manage both product and personnel certification should consider integrating these standards to streamline their operations and deliver greater value to their clients.

What is required ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

Requirements for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

To achieve integrated accreditation under ISO/IEC 17065 (product, process, or service certification) and ISO/IEC 17024 (personnel certification), certification bodies need to meet the specific requirements of each standard while creating harmonized processes that align with both.

1. Organizational Structure and Impartiality

  • Impartiality: The certification body must demonstrate impartiality in both product and personnel certification processes. There must be no conflict of interest between product certification (ISO 17065) and personnel certification (ISO 17024).
  • Governance: Certification bodies must maintain an appropriate structure to support the activities of both product and personnel certification. This includes governance policies, conflict-of-interest management, and an impartiality committee that oversees both areas.

2. Competence of Personnel

  • Staff Competence: Certification bodies must ensure that the personnel involved in both certifications are competent in their respective areas. For ISO 17065, they must understand the technical aspects of the products or services being certified. For ISO 17024, they must be proficient in evaluating individuals based on the criteria set for competence certification.
  • Training: Ongoing training programs must be in place to ensure personnel are up-to-date on the standards and best practices for both product and personnel certification.

3. Certification Process and Procedures

  • Defined Procedures: Both standards require well-documented procedures for certification. The certification body must have integrated procedures that align the processes of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. These include:
    • Evaluation criteria
    • Application and audit processes
    • Decision-making processes
    • Surveillance activities for maintaining certification validity
  • Testing and Evaluation:
    • For ISO 17065, procedures should define how products, processes, or services are tested and evaluated for compliance with specific standards.
    • For ISO 17024, the certification body must establish a clear process for evaluating individual competence, including written exams, practical assessments, or interviews.

4. Management Systems

  • Integrated Management System: The certification body must establish a management system that covers both the requirements of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. The system should:
    • Facilitate documentation and control over all operations.
    • Ensure consistency in applying certification criteria for both standards.
    • Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability across the organization.
  • Record Keeping: Detailed and secure record-keeping procedures must be in place for both types of certification, documenting the evaluation, decision-making, and ongoing surveillance processes.

5. Risk Management

  • Risk Assessment: The certification body must implement a risk assessment process to identify potential risks associated with both product and personnel certification activities. This includes ensuring that risk management processes mitigate the possibility of conflicts of interest and errors in certification.

6. Legal, Regulatory, and Industry Compliance

  • Compliance with Legal Requirements: Certification bodies must ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements for both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. This includes:
    • Product certification compliance with relevant national or international regulations.
    • Personnel certification compliance with industry-specific regulations and professional standards.

7. Complaint and Appeal Processes

  • Complaints Management: The certification body must have integrated processes for managing complaints related to both product and personnel certification. The system should be transparent and easily accessible, ensuring complaints are resolved impartially and promptly.
  • Appeals Process: There must be a clear, impartial process for handling appeals against certification decisions, whether they pertain to products/services (ISO 17065) or personnel (ISO 17024).

8. Continuous Improvement and Internal Audits

  • Internal Audits: Both ISO standards require regular internal audits to evaluate the effectiveness of the certification processes. Certification bodies must integrate audit activities to assess the compliance of both product and personnel certification processes.
  • Management Review: Regular management reviews should be conducted to assess the performance of both systems, identify areas for improvement, and ensure alignment with the accreditation requirements.
  • Corrective Actions: The certification body must establish processes for corrective actions when non-conformities are identified in the certification process or management system.

9. Surveillance and Recertification

  • Surveillance Audits: Certification bodies are required to conduct regular surveillance audits for maintaining both product and personnel certifications. This ensures that certified products and individuals continue to meet the set standards.
  • Recertification: Procedures must be in place for the recertification of both products/services and personnel, with specific criteria defined for continuing compliance.

10. Accreditation Body Coordination

  • Accreditation Process: The certification body must coordinate with accreditation bodies responsible for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 certifications to ensure they are meeting all accreditation criteria. This includes:
    • Submitting documentation and evidence of compliance.
    • Undergoing periodic audits from the accrediting authority.
    • Addressing any non-conformities identified during accreditation audits.

Steps for Achieving Integrated Accreditation

  1. Gap Analysis: Perform a detailed analysis of the existing systems to identify gaps in compliance with ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. This includes evaluating existing certification processes for products and personnel to ensure alignment.
  2. Develop Integrated Processes: Create or modify processes to integrate the requirements of both standards into one cohesive system, focusing on harmonized documentation, audit, and surveillance mechanisms.
  3. Train and Equip Staff: Ensure personnel are adequately trained in both standards and that they are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to assess products, processes, and personnel competence effectively.
  4. Conduct Internal Audits: Regularly audit the integrated system to ensure continued compliance with both ISO standards and identify opportunities for improvement.
  5. Undergo Accreditation Audits: Work with the accreditation body to undergo audits for both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024, ensuring that the integrated system meets all the necessary criteria.
  6. Maintain Continuous Compliance: Implement ongoing surveillance, audits, and management reviews to maintain accreditation and continuously improve the system’s performance.

Conclusion

Achieving integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 requires a structured, well-documented approach that ensures compliance with both product/service certification and personnel certification standards. Organizations aiming for integrated accreditation must focus on harmonizing processes, training competent personnel, managing risk, and ensuring ongoing monitoring and improvement to maintain compliance with both standards.

Who is required ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

Who is Required for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation?

Organizations and entities involved in certification processes that cover both products, processes, or services (ISO 17065) and personnel (ISO 17024) may require integrated accreditation. The following groups are typically required or benefit from obtaining this accreditation:

1. Certification Bodies

  • Primary Audience: Certification bodies that certify both products and personnel. These organizations must meet the standards to ensure they are credible, impartial, and competent.
  • Scope: They certify products, processes, or services (ISO 17065), and at the same time, they evaluate and certify the competence of personnel (ISO 17024).Example: A certification body that verifies the safety of electrical equipment (ISO 17065) and also certifies the competence of electricians who install or service the equipment (ISO 17024).

2. Regulatory Authorities

  • Government Agencies and Regulatory Bodies: Some sectors require certification bodies to operate under integrated accreditation to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.Example: A government agency that regulates food safety may require certification of both food safety management systems (ISO 17065) and food safety auditors (ISO 17024).

3. Industry-Specific Certification Schemes

  • Sector-Specific Certification Schemes: Industries that need a combined approach to product quality and personnel competence benefit from certification bodies with integrated accreditation.Example: The medical devices sector requires certification of the quality and safety of devices (ISO 17065) and the competence of personnel responsible for handling and maintaining those devices (ISO 17024).

4. Professional Associations

  • Associations and Organizations: Professional associations that certify both products or services and individual competencies may need this integrated accreditation to ensure they follow international best practices.Example: An association in the construction industry certifies materials used in building projects (ISO 17065) and the qualifications of construction professionals (ISO 17024).

5. Training and Educational Institutions

  • Institutions Offering Certification Programs: Organizations providing certification for both products and personnel, especially in sectors like renewable energy or information technology, require this integrated accreditation to offer credible certifications.Example: A training institution providing certifications for solar panel technology (ISO 17065) and the competency of solar panel installers (ISO 17024).

6. Companies Requiring Certification for Internal Operations

  • Companies that Self-Certify: Large corporations that have their own internal certification processes for both products and personnel may seek integrated accreditation to ensure compliance with international standards.Example: A multinational corporation certifying its internal processes and the qualifications of its employees (e.g., for handling hazardous materials) could benefit from an integrated system.

Who Else Might Seek Integrated Accreditation?

  • Global Enterprises: Companies involved in global trade that need to ensure both product quality and personnel competence across various regions might require certification from a body with ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 accreditation.
  • Organizations in High-Risk Sectors: Sectors like healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing, where both product quality and personnel competence are crucial, often require integrated certification bodies to meet legal and safety standards.

In summary, certification bodies and organizations involved in certifying both products/services and personnel are primarily required to pursue integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 and ISO 17024, especially in sectors where compliance with international standards is crucial for market access, regulatory approval, or consumer trust.

When is required ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

When is ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation Required?

ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 integrated accreditation is required under specific circumstances, mainly related to industries and regulatory frameworks that demand the certification of both products or services and the competence of personnel involved. The integration of these two standards is typically necessary in the following scenarios:

1. Regulatory Compliance

  • When mandated by law or regulation: Some countries and sectors have legal requirements for certification bodies to be accredited under both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 to ensure the quality of products or services and the competence of individuals performing related tasks.Example: In sectors like medical devices, food safety, or construction, regulatory authorities may require certification bodies to have integrated accreditation to certify both the safety of products and the competence of auditors or service personnel.

2. Sector-Specific Certification Programs

  • When industries require combined certification: Sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and telecommunications often require certification schemes that cover both the products being used and the competence of the professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, or auditing these products.Example: In renewable energy, solar panel technology (ISO 17065) might need to be certified along with the competence of solar panel installers (ISO 17024) to ensure safety and efficiency.

3. Global Trade and Market Access

  • When certifications are required for international trade: In some industries, integrated accreditation is essential for entering international markets. This is especially relevant in highly regulated global industries where both product/service and personnel certifications are critical to meet international market demands.Example: Exporters of high-tech equipment or safety-critical products may require certification of both their products and the competence of their personnel to gain access to global markets.

4. Public Safety and Consumer Protection

  • When public safety is a priority: Industries like healthcare, food safety, and pharmaceuticals require certification bodies to have integrated accreditation to certify both product safety and personnel competence due to the significant risk to public health and safety.Example: In healthcare, medical devices must be certified for safety (ISO 17065), and medical professionals or technicians handling these devices may need to be certified for competence (ISO 17024) to ensure correct usage.

5. When Businesses Provide a Full-Cycle Certification Solution

  • When organizations offer comprehensive certification: Certification bodies that provide both product certification (for goods or services) and personnel certification (to ensure competent professionals) may need integrated accreditation to streamline processes and reduce duplication of effort.Example: A certification body offering training and certification for both environmental management systems (ISO 17065) and environmental auditors (ISO 17024) would require integrated accreditation.

6. Customer or Stakeholder Requirements

  • When clients or stakeholders demand both types of certification: Customers, clients, or industry groups may require integrated certification to guarantee the quality and reliability of both products and the competence of personnel.Example: Large corporations or government contracts might require their suppliers to have both product and personnel certification, ensuring the highest standards in safety, performance, and expertise.

7. Accreditation Body Requirements

  • When accreditation bodies require integration: In some cases, accreditation bodies themselves may demand that certification bodies integrate both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 standards to ensure a more rigorous and consistent certification process.Example: National accreditation bodies may specify that certification bodies covering both product and personnel certification must achieve integrated accreditation to be recognized and authorized to certify.

When Else is Integrated Accreditation Needed?

  • During Tendering for High-Value Contracts: When bidding for large contracts, particularly government or public sector contracts, certification bodies may be required to hold integrated accreditation to be considered.
  • When Expanding into New Service Areas: If a certification body expands into certifying personnel in addition to products, it will need to seek integrated accreditation to cover both areas.
  • In High-Risk, High-Impact Sectors: For industries where errors can result in significant risks, such as aviation, nuclear energy, and defense, integrated certification of both products and personnel is often mandatory.

Conclusion

Integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 is typically required when there is a need to certify both products/services and personnel competence, especially in industries where regulatory compliance, public safety, or market access are key factors. The timing for seeking integrated accreditation is driven by legal, market, or client demands, often linked to the specific needs of industries with strict compliance and safety standards.

Where is required ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

Where is ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation Required?

Integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 (for certifying products, processes, and services) and ISO 17024 (for certifying personnel competence) is required in various sectors and geographical regions where both product quality and personnel competence are critical. The need for this integrated accreditation is particularly prevalent in the following areas:

1. Highly Regulated Industries

Integrated accreditation is often required in industries where the safety, quality, and performance of both products and personnel directly impact public welfare, including:

  • Healthcare and Medical Devices
    • Region: Global, especially in North America, Europe, and Asia.
    • Where it’s Required: Medical device manufacturers, healthcare facilities, and regulatory bodies often need integrated accreditation to ensure that both the medical products (ISO 17065) and the professionals handling them (ISO 17024) meet international safety standards.
  • Food Safety
    • Region: Global, especially in countries with strict food safety laws (e.g., EU, US, Canada).
    • Where it’s Required: Certification of food safety processes (ISO 17065) and food safety auditors or professionals (ISO 17024) may be necessary to meet legal requirements or enter global markets.
  • Construction and Building Certification
    • Region: Primarily in regions with stringent building codes, such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
    • Where it’s Required: Certification bodies involved in construction projects may need to certify both building materials (ISO 17065) and construction professionals, such as engineers or inspectors (ISO 17024).
  • Energy and Utilities
    • Region: Regions with strict environmental regulations and safety standards, such as the US, EU, China, and India.
    • Where it’s Required: Companies involved in renewable energy, utilities, and energy efficiency programs require certifications of both energy products (ISO 17065) and personnel handling equipment or performing audits (ISO 17024).

2. International Markets and Trade

  • Global Trade Compliance
    • Region: Countries and regions with extensive trade agreements and regulatory standards (e.g., EU, North America, Australia, Japan).
    • Where it’s Required: Exporters of goods that require certification to meet international quality standards, as well as certification of the personnel responsible for managing and overseeing these products, often require ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 integrated accreditation to access global markets.
  • Product and Personnel Certification for Exporters
    • Region: Countries heavily involved in manufacturing and export (e.g., China, Germany, South Korea).
    • Where it’s Required: Manufacturers need both product certification (ISO 17065) and competent personnel to ensure product safety and compliance in international markets, where integrated certification is often a requirement.

3. Public Sector Contracts

  • Government and Defense Contracts
    • Region: Common in North America, Europe, and other regions where government procurement standards are strict.
    • Where it’s Required: Public sector projects, especially defense or infrastructure projects, may require integrated accreditation for certification bodies handling both product quality and the competence of personnel involved in those projects.
    Example: Defense contractors in the US may need certification for defense equipment (ISO 17065) and certification for the personnel managing sensitive technology (ISO 17024).

4. Critical Infrastructure and Transportation

  • Aerospace and Aviation
    • Region: Countries with advanced aviation industries, such as the US, EU, and China.
    • Where it’s Required: Integrated accreditation is required for aerospace manufacturers and certification bodies certifying aviation products (ISO 17065) and the competence of aviation professionals, including pilots and engineers (ISO 17024).
  • Automotive Industry
    • Region: Countries with strong automotive sectors, such as Japan, Germany, the US, and South Korea.
    • Where it’s Required: Automotive manufacturers and suppliers require certification for automotive parts or safety systems (ISO 17065), as well as certification for skilled personnel involved in production and safety checks (ISO 17024).

5. Environmental and Sustainability Standards

  • Renewable Energy
    • Region: Global, especially in regions promoting renewable energy, such as Europe, North America, and emerging markets like India and Brazil.
    • Where it’s Required: Certification bodies working in renewable energy industries need integrated accreditation to certify both the renewable energy systems (ISO 17065) and the personnel installing and maintaining those systems (ISO 17024).
  • Sustainability and Environmental Compliance
    • Region: Countries with strict environmental regulations, such as EU nations, Canada, and Australia.
    • Where it’s Required: Certification of environmental products (ISO 17065) and certification of environmental auditors or sustainability professionals (ISO 17024) is required for companies working to meet regulatory standards or corporate sustainability goals.

6. Private Sector and Multinational Corporations

  • Corporate Compliance Programs
    • Region: Multinational corporations operating in heavily regulated industries (e.g., technology, pharmaceuticals, energy) across global regions.
    • Where it’s Required: Corporations may require certification bodies with integrated accreditation to certify both their products and internal personnel, ensuring compliance with global standards for safety, quality, and competence.

7. Educational Institutions and Training Programs

  • Training and Certification of Professionals
    • Region: Institutions offering professional certifications globally.
    • Where it’s Required: Educational institutions or certification bodies that offer both product certification and personnel certification (e.g., for instructors or professionals in technical fields) need integrated accreditation to enhance credibility and meet international standards.

Conclusion

Integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 is required in a wide range of sectors and regions, particularly where product safety, personnel competence, and regulatory compliance intersect. It is especially prevalent in regulated industries, global trade, public sector projects, critical infrastructure, and corporate compliance programs, with a strong emphasis on ensuring the highest standards of quality and competence.

How is required ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

How is ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation Required?

Integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 (for product, service, and process certification) and ISO 17024 (for personnel certification) is required through a systematic process involving multiple stages. Certification bodies (CBs) aiming to obtain integrated accreditation must demonstrate that they meet the requirements of both standards and have established processes that ensure the quality and competence of both the products/services and personnel involved. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how integrated accreditation is required:

1. Establishing an Accreditation Scope

  • Step: The certification body must define the scope of accreditation. This involves determining which specific products, services, or processes will be certified under ISO 17065, and which personnel certifications will be managed under ISO 17024.
    • ISO 17065 focuses on certifying the quality, safety, and compliance of products, processes, or services.
    • ISO 17024 covers certifying the competence of individuals, ensuring that personnel possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience for a particular job or role.
  • How to integrate: The scope for both standards must align, ensuring that the product/process certifications under ISO 17065 complement the personnel competence certifications under ISO 17024. For example, if the CB is certifying medical devices (ISO 17065), it should also certify personnel who handle those devices (ISO 17024).

2. Demonstrating Compliance with Both Standards

  • Step: Certification bodies must prepare comprehensive documentation and records to show they meet the technical, managerial, and operational requirements of both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. This includes:
    • For ISO 17065: Policies and procedures for ensuring consistent product quality, including testing, auditing, and verification processes.
    • For ISO 17024: Policies and procedures to ensure that personnel are competent, with standardized processes for assessing skills, knowledge, and performance.
  • How to integrate: The CB must harmonize procedures between the two standards. For example, the processes for auditing and certifying products under ISO 17065 must be aligned with the processes for assessing and certifying the competence of personnel under ISO 17024.

3. Management System Integration

  • Step: The certification body must implement an integrated management system that incorporates the requirements of both standards. The system must be designed to ensure that the CB’s operations are efficient, effective, and capable of providing valid, reliable certifications.
    • ISO 17065 requires a robust management system that ensures impartiality, confidentiality, and competence in certifying products.
    • ISO 17024 requires similar management system controls for certifying personnel, including standardized exam procedures, validation of qualifications, and continual monitoring of competency.
  • How to integrate: The management system should be capable of handling both product and personnel certification processes simultaneously, sharing common components such as internal audits, management reviews, and corrective actions, while tailoring specific components for each standard.

4. Demonstrating Impartiality and Confidentiality

  • Step: Certification bodies must demonstrate how they manage impartiality and confidentiality to avoid conflicts of interest. Both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 place significant emphasis on these aspects to ensure that certification decisions are fair and unbiased.
    • ISO 17065: The CB must ensure that product certification processes are not influenced by external pressures or conflicts of interest.
    • ISO 17024: The CB must ensure that personnel assessments are objective and free from bias.
  • How to integrate: Impartiality policies should apply across both product and personnel certifications. The CB may need to establish separate committees to handle impartiality for each certification type but ensure that these committees operate under a unified governance structure.

5. Competence of Personnel Involved in Certification

  • Step: The certification body must ensure that internal personnel (e.g., auditors, examiners, decision-makers) are qualified to handle both product/process certifications and personnel certifications.
    • ISO 17065 requires that personnel involved in product certification have technical knowledge of the products being certified.
    • ISO 17024 requires that examiners and assessors involved in certifying personnel have the expertise necessary to evaluate the competence of individuals.
  • How to integrate: The CB should cross-train personnel where feasible, ensuring that they have the skills to audit both product compliance (ISO 17065) and personnel competence (ISO 17024). Alternatively, the CB may have separate teams for each area, but the teams should work together under a common management framework.

6. Assessment and Audits by Accreditation Bodies

  • Step: The certification body must undergo an assessment by an accreditation body (such as ANAB, UKAS, or DAkkS) that evaluates compliance with both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024.
    • ISO 17065: Accreditation bodies will assess how the CB handles product/process certification, including testing, reporting, and audit procedures.
    • ISO 17024: Accreditation bodies will assess how the CB manages personnel certification, including exam development, assessments, and ongoing monitoring of certified professionals.
  • How to integrate: The accreditation body may conduct a single, integrated assessment that covers both standards, checking how the CB applies the principles of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 in a complementary way. The CB must prepare for these audits by ensuring all processes are aligned and ready for external review.

7. Maintaining Accreditation

  • Step: Once accreditation is obtained, the certification body must ensure ongoing compliance with both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. This involves surveillance audits by the accreditation body, continual improvement, and updates to procedures based on regulatory changes or industry advancements.
  • How to integrate: The CB must establish a regular review cycle for both product and personnel certification processes. This includes internal audits and corrective actions that address issues across both standards in a unified way, ensuring the continued integrity of certifications.

8. Customer Communication and Use of Accreditation Marks

  • Step: The certification body must communicate its integrated accreditation to customers clearly and accurately. This involves ensuring that customers understand the dual benefits of product certification under ISO 17065 and personnel certification under ISO 17024.
    • ISO 17065: Certification marks for certified products must be used properly, indicating compliance with relevant standards.
    • ISO 17024: Certification marks for certified personnel must be used according to the agreed guidelines, ensuring that only competent individuals are represented.
  • How to integrate: The CB must have clear guidelines for using both sets of accreditation marks and ensure that they are applied consistently across product and personnel certifications. This also includes marketing and communications strategies that highlight the comprehensive nature of the integrated accreditation.

Conclusion

Obtaining integrated accreditation under ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 involves aligning certification processes, management systems, and personnel competencies to meet the requirements of both standards. Certification bodies must establish a well-structured system that ensures the integrity of both product and personnel certifications, with rigorous oversight from external accreditation bodies. By integrating these two standards, certification bodies can offer a comprehensive solution that covers both the quality of products or services and the competence of the individuals responsible for them.

Case Study on ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

Case Study: Integrated Accreditation for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024

Background

XYZ Certification Body (XYZ CB) is a global organization specializing in the certification of products, services, and processes. They also provide personnel certification in various sectors, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, and energy industries. XYZ CB decided to pursue integrated accreditation for ISO 17065 (Conformity Assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services) and ISO 17024 (Conformity Assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons) to streamline its operations and provide a holistic certification service to its clients.

The move aimed at aligning product and personnel certification to strengthen client trust, improve operational efficiency, and expand the company’s competitive edge. This case study explores how XYZ CB successfully integrated these two standards into its operations.

Problem Statement

XYZ CB faced challenges in maintaining separate accreditation for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. Each required distinct processes, management systems, and accreditation audits, leading to increased costs, inefficiencies, and potential overlaps in operations. The company recognized a growing demand from industries such as renewable energy and advanced manufacturing for certification bodies capable of simultaneously certifying products and the competence of individuals operating and maintaining those products.

XYZ CB needed to:

  1. Align the management systems to meet the requirements of both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024.
  2. Streamline processes for auditing products and personnel.
  3. Ensure impartiality and competency of auditors and personnel involved in both certifications.
  4. Manage customer communication and use of accreditation marks more effectively.

Solution: Implementation of Integrated Accreditation

XYZ CB developed a strategy for integrating ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 by creating a unified management system, harmonizing procedures, and cross-training personnel. The integration process included several key steps:

1. Gap Analysis

XYZ CB conducted a thorough gap analysis to compare the requirements of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. The team identified areas where the existing systems overlapped, such as auditing procedures, internal reviews, and training requirements. However, they also found gaps in how each standard managed impartiality, competence, and assessment methodologies.

2. Management System Integration

To unify the two accreditation standards, XYZ CB established a single Integrated Management System (IMS). This system covered both product certification and personnel certification and ensured:

  • Consistent document control and record management for both types of certifications.
  • A unified approach to internal audits, management reviews, and corrective actions.
  • Procedures for ensuring confidentiality and impartiality applicable to both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024.

XYZ CB used a risk-based approach to ensure that the integration did not introduce any conflicts of interest between product and personnel certifications. The management system was regularly reviewed to maintain ongoing compliance with the integrated accreditation requirements.

3. Cross-Training of Auditors

To improve efficiency and reduce the need for multiple auditors, XYZ CB began cross-training their auditors to be competent in both product and personnel certification. This involved:

  • Developing a training program for auditors that covered the technical skills required for product certification (ISO 17065) and the assessment techniques necessary for personnel certification (ISO 17024).
  • Creating an internal competence matrix to track which auditors were qualified for each type of certification.
  • Implementing continuous professional development (CPD) programs to keep auditors updated on industry changes and new technologies relevant to both certifications.

4. Integration of Audit Processes

XYZ CB revised its audit procedures to allow for simultaneous auditing of products and personnel within the same client organization. For example:

  • In the renewable energy sector, XYZ CB certified the competence of technicians installing solar panels (ISO 17024) while simultaneously certifying the panels themselves for compliance with energy efficiency standards (ISO 17065).
  • During audits, a single auditor (or team) would assess the quality of the product as well as the competence of the personnel involved in its installation and maintenance, reducing audit time and costs for clients.

5. Impartiality and Objectivity Measures

To ensure impartiality in both product and personnel certification, XYZ CB established independent impartiality committees that oversaw certification decisions. These committees:

  • Included representatives from different industry sectors and clients.
  • Were responsible for reviewing any potential conflicts of interest.
  • Ensured that certification decisions were made without undue influence from commercial pressures.

6. Client Communication and Accreditation Marks

XYZ CB revamped its client communication strategy to explain the benefits of integrated accreditation. This included:

  • Educating clients on the value of certifying both products and personnel together, especially in industries where product quality is closely tied to operator competence (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare).
  • Providing clear guidelines on how clients could use the dual accreditation marks for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024, highlighting the certifications on their products and in their marketing materials.

Outcome

The integration of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 proved highly successful for XYZ CB, resulting in several key benefits:

1. Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs

The unified management system and cross-training of auditors significantly reduced the time and costs associated with separate audits. Clients appreciated the streamlined process, leading to a 20% reduction in audit costs and a 15% increase in client satisfaction scores.

2. Expanded Service Offering

XYZ CB was able to expand its certification offerings to new industries, particularly in sectors like healthcare, construction, and energy. Clients who previously certified only their products began certifying their personnel as well, allowing them to ensure high standards across their operations.

3. Improved Market Reputation

As one of the first certification bodies in its region to achieve integrated accreditation, XYZ CB gained a competitive edge. The dual certification offering helped differentiate them in the market, leading to a 25% increase in new business inquiries from industries seeking comprehensive certification solutions.

4. Ongoing Compliance and Surveillance

XYZ CB successfully passed all surveillance audits conducted by its accreditation body, demonstrating continuous compliance with both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. The integrated management system allowed for regular monitoring and improvement of both certification processes.

5. Enhanced Client Confidence

Clients now had greater confidence in the certification process, knowing that both their products and personnel were held to internationally recognized standards. This was particularly important in high-stakes industries like healthcare and energy, where product quality and operator competence are critical to safety and performance.

Conclusion

XYZ Certification Body’s integrated approach to ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 accreditation created a more efficient, comprehensive certification process. The integration not only helped XYZ CB streamline operations and reduce costs but also improved service offerings, expanded into new markets, and strengthened their competitive position. This case study highlights the potential benefits of integrated accreditation for certification bodies, especially in industries where the quality of both products and personnel plays a critical role in success.

White Paper on ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 Integrated Accreditation

Introduction

In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected global market, certification bodies face a growing demand for comprehensive and reliable conformity assessments. Certification to international standards is vital for ensuring that products, processes, and personnel meet required quality and safety criteria. The ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 standards serve as frameworks for product/process certification and personnel certification, respectively. With many industries requiring both types of certification, integrating these two standards offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and client satisfaction.

This white paper explores the importance of integrated accreditation for ISO 17065 (Conformity Assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services) and ISO 17024 (Conformity Assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons). It outlines the integration process, the benefits, and the challenges of achieving integrated accreditation, as well as real-world applications.

Overview of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024

ISO 17065 specifies the requirements that certification bodies must meet to demonstrate that they operate competently, consistently, and impartially when certifying products, processes, and services. The key requirements include:

  • Independence and impartiality in decision-making.
  • Competence in conducting assessments.
  • Management of certification schemes.
  • Effective internal audits, risk management, and continual improvement.

ISO 17024, on the other hand, provides a framework for the certification of individuals. It ensures that personnel certification bodies operate a consistent and transparent certification process to assess and certify individuals’ competence in a given field. Key elements of ISO 17024 include:

  • Defining competence criteria for specific roles.
  • Developing valid and reliable examination processes.
  • Ensuring impartiality in the certification process.
  • Continuous monitoring of certified individuals.

Given the complementary nature of product and personnel certification, integrating these standards creates an opportunity for certification bodies to provide comprehensive solutions that assess both product quality and personnel competence under a unified framework.

Rationale for Integrated Accreditation

Industries like manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and construction require not only product certification but also personnel certification to ensure the safe and efficient use of certified products. For instance:

  • In the renewable energy sector, certifying both the equipment (e.g., solar panels) and the personnel installing and maintaining the equipment provides a holistic approach to quality assurance.
  • In healthcare, products such as medical devices must meet stringent regulatory requirements, and personnel operating these devices need to demonstrate the required competence.

Integrating ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 enables certification bodies to offer dual certification services. This can result in:

  1. Operational Efficiency: A single management system can handle both standards, reducing duplication in processes, audits, and documentation.
  2. Cost Reduction: By performing combined audits, certification bodies can minimize audit duration and costs for both the certifying organization and its clients.
  3. Improved Client Satisfaction: Clients benefit from a streamlined certification process that addresses both product/process and personnel certification needs, reducing the complexity of managing multiple certifications.

Integration Process: Steps for Certification Bodies

Achieving integrated accreditation requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the requirements of both standards are met. The following steps outline a typical integration process:

  1. Conduct a Gap Analysis: Certification bodies must first compare their current compliance with both ISO 17065 and ISO 17024. A gap analysis helps identify areas of overlap (e.g., audit processes, impartiality measures) and areas that require additional focus (e.g., personnel competence assessment, specific product testing requirements).
  2. Unify Management Systems: A single Integrated Management System (IMS) can be developed to meet the requirements of both standards. This involves consolidating policies, procedures, and documentation to manage both product and personnel certification. Key areas of focus include:
    • Document control and record-keeping.
    • Impartiality and conflict of interest management.
    • Risk management and continual improvement processes.
  3. Cross-Train Auditors and Staff: Certification bodies can improve efficiency by training auditors to assess both product conformity (ISO 17065) and personnel competence (ISO 17024). Cross-training allows for more effective use of resources and reduces the number of audits required, benefiting both the certifying organization and its clients.
  4. Integrate Audit Procedures: Certification bodies can develop integrated audit plans that combine product and personnel certification audits into a single process. This can be particularly beneficial for industries where the quality of a product is closely tied to the competence of the individuals using it.
  5. Ensure Impartiality and Transparency: As both standards emphasize the importance of impartiality, certification bodies must establish robust mechanisms to ensure that certification decisions are made without undue influence. This includes setting up impartiality committees that oversee both product and personnel certification activities.
  6. Client Communication and Use of Marks: Once integrated accreditation is achieved, certification bodies must educate their clients on the benefits of dual certification and provide clear guidelines on the use of combined certification marks. This can enhance the marketability of the certifications and build client trust.

Benefits of Integrated Accreditation

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Costs
By consolidating certification activities, certification bodies can significantly reduce administrative burden and operational costs. This includes savings on auditor travel, time spent on audits, and management system maintenance. The reduction in audit duration also minimizes disruption to client operations.

2. Comprehensive Certification Solutions
Industries that require both product and personnel certifications can benefit from a seamless certification process. For instance, a company that manufactures industrial equipment can have both its products certified under ISO 17065 and its technicians certified under ISO 17024, ensuring that both meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

3. Competitive Advantage
Certification bodies that achieve integrated accreditation can differentiate themselves from competitors by offering a more efficient, streamlined service. This can lead to increased client retention and the ability to attract new business, especially in sectors where both product and personnel certification are critical.

4. Improved Client Confidence
Clients gain confidence knowing that their products and personnel meet internationally recognized standards, improving their ability to compete in global markets. Integrated accreditation enhances transparency and accountability in the certification process, further strengthening client trust.

Challenges in Integration

While the benefits of integrated accreditation are significant, certification bodies may face several challenges, including:

  1. Complexity of Harmonizing Standards: Although there are areas of overlap, ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 have distinct requirements that must be carefully integrated into a unified management system.
  2. Cross-Training and Competence Maintenance: Auditors need to maintain competence in both product certification and personnel certification, requiring ongoing training and professional development.
  3. Resource Allocation: Certification bodies must allocate sufficient resources to manage the integration process, particularly during the transition phase when separate systems may still be in operation.
  4. Client Education: Clients may need to be educated on the value of integrated certification and how it can benefit their business. This requires effective communication strategies and customer engagement.

Case Example: XYZ Certification Body

XYZ Certification Body provides certification services to the renewable energy sector. They decided to pursue integrated accreditation for ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 to certify both solar energy equipment and the technicians responsible for installation and maintenance.

Through the integration process, XYZ Certification Body:

  • Streamlined its certification process by cross-training auditors and unifying its management system.
  • Reduced audit times and costs by 25%.
  • Increased client satisfaction by offering a comprehensive certification solution.
  • Expanded into new markets, including wind energy and energy storage systems, where both product and personnel certifications were in demand.

Conclusion

The integration of ISO 17065 and ISO 17024 offers significant advantages for certification bodies and their clients. By providing a unified approach to product and personnel certification, organizations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver more comprehensive certification services. While the integration process may present challenges, the long-term benefits in terms of operational improvement, client satisfaction, and market differentiation make integrated accreditation a valuable strategy for certification bodies operating in industries with high demands for both product quality and personnel competence.

Recommendations

  • Certification bodies should consider conducting a detailed feasibility study before pursuing integrated accreditation to ensure that they have the necessary resources and expertise.
  • Cross-training of auditors and continuous professional development are essential to maintaining competence and delivering high-quality certification services.
  • Clients should be engaged early in the process to educate them on the benefits of integrated certification and to ensure that their needs are met.

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