ISO 17024:2026 — updated requirements for personnel certification bodies

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published a new edition of ISO/IEC 17024, bringing updated requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. This third edition, referenced as ISO/IEC 17024:2026, focuses on enhancing the principles and requirements for certification bodies to ensure robust and credible personnel certification schemes.

Understanding ISO/IEC 17024:2026

ISO/IEC 17024:2026, titled ‘Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons’, is the third edition of this essential international standard. It specifies the fundamental principles and requirements for any body involved in the certification of individuals. The standard also covers the development and ongoing maintenance of certification schemes for persons.

For clarity, this document uses the term ‘certification body’ to refer to a ‘body operating certification of persons’, and ‘certification scheme’ for a ‘scheme for certification of persons’. Its core purpose is to ensure that personnel certification processes are conducted in a consistent, comparable, and reliable manner globally.

The standard’s principles for certification of persons are detailed in Annex A, guiding certification bodies in establishing fair and impartial assessment processes. This framework helps to build confidence in the competence of certified professionals across various industries.

Key Updates in the Third Edition

The publication of ISO/IEC 17024:2026 marks a significant revision to the framework governing personnel certification. As the third edition, it reflects the latest best practices and evolving needs within the conformity assessment landscape. While specific details of every change are extensive, the update aims to strengthen the integrity and consistency of certification processes.

This revision, developed by the ISO/CASCO committee, ensures that the standard remains relevant and effective in evaluating the competence of individuals. Certification bodies will find enhanced guidance designed to improve the impartiality, competence, and operational consistency of their certification activities. The focus is on maintaining high standards for the development and maintenance of certification schemes.

The updated requirements reinforce the importance of robust management systems and clear processes for candidate assessment. This ensures that certified personnel meet defined criteria, providing assurance to employers and stakeholders regarding their qualifications and skills.

Why ISO 17024 Matters for Your Organisation

For business decision-makers in the UAE and GCC, understanding ISO 17024:2026 is crucial for ensuring the competence and reliability of your workforce. When your organisation relies on certified personnel, the integrity of their certification directly impacts your operational quality and compliance. This standard provides the benchmark for the bodies that issue those certifications.

Engaging with certification bodies that adhere to ISO/IEC 17024:2026 offers assurance that their assessment processes are fair, objective, and consistent. This translates to greater confidence in the skills and knowledge of individuals holding such certifications, whether they are internal staff or external contractors. It supports your commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory adherence.

By understanding the requirements of this international standard, organisations can make informed decisions when selecting personnel certification programmes. It helps safeguard against unqualified individuals and fosters a culture of verified competence within the region’s dynamic business environment.

Preparing for the ISO 17024:2026 Transition

Certification bodies operating personnel certification schemes must now prepare for the transition to ISO/IEC 17024:2026. This involves a thorough review of existing processes, documentation, and management systems against the updated requirements. The goal is to ensure full alignment with the third edition published on 31 March 2026.

Organisations should conduct a gap analysis to identify areas requiring adjustment or improvement within their current operations. This proactive approach helps to streamline the transition process and maintain continuous compliance. It is an opportunity to enhance the overall effectiveness and credibility of their certification services.

ITMAD provides expert guidance and support to certification bodies navigating these changes. Our specialists can assist in understanding the nuances of the updated standard and developing a strategic plan for implementation. Partnering with an experienced body like ITMAD ensures a smooth and efficient transition to the new requirements.

Frequently asked questions

1. What changed in ISO 17024:2026? ISO/IEC 17024:2026 is the third edition of the standard, published on 31 March 2026. While specific clause details are not provided, the revision introduces updated requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. These updates aim to enhance the principles and general requirements for developing and maintaining robust personnel certification schemes, reflecting current best practices in conformity assessment.

2. Who does ISO 17024 apply to? ISO/IEC 17024:2026 applies to any body operating certification of persons. This includes organisations that develop and maintain schemes for certifying individuals in various professions and industries. The standard sets out the general requirements for these certification bodies to ensure their processes are impartial, competent, and consistent.

3. What should certification bodies do to transition? Certification bodies should thoroughly review their current operations and management systems against the updated requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2026. This involves identifying any gaps between their existing practices and the new third edition. Developing a strategic plan for implementation and seeking expert guidance can facilitate a smooth and effective transition to the revised standard.