Background: As presented during the EA GA in May 202,5 it is common sense that the eight sectors defined in ISO 50003:2014 should be maintained even if, in ISO 50003:2022, these sectors have been replaced by a more comprehensive approach to evaluate auditor competence.
Question:
If these eight sectors are to continue to be used on the accreditation certificate, wouldn’t it also be consistent to apply them to the assessment of the competence of certification bodies and the auditors employed?
March 2026
According to TMB Resolution 2025 (22) 01, the eight technical areas as defined under ISO 50003:2014 shall at least be used by ABs for scoping for the accreditation of Energy Management Systems Certification Bodies and for determining witnessing activities in the context of IAF MD17.
The AB shall assess CAB’s competence for each technical area included in the CAB’s scope of accreditation. The CAB shall demonstrate competence for each technical area of its scope of accreditation at its entirety.
Given that the eight technical areas in ISO 50003:2014 have been taken out from ISO 50003:2021, it is no longer a requirement for the CAB to apply the eight technical areas in the context of its own evaluation of competence of auditors and other involved personnel and in other aspects of the certification process. If the CAB applies a different approach for determining technical areas as required by ISO/IEC 17021-1 other than the eight technical areas provided by ISO 50003:2014, it shall be confirmed by the AB that the CAB’s processes for the management of competence and the provision of certification activities, are sufficiently addressing the technical areas referred to in the CAB’s scope of accreditation.