Is a recertification based just on documented evidence for personnel possible?
Several international standards (i.e. EN ISO 15257 annex C.3.1) offers the opportunity of recertification of personnel without a new (theoretical or practical) test or an assessment. ISO/IEC 17024:2012 requires in article 9.6.1 that the certification body shall have (a) (documented) procedure(s) for implementation of the recertification process, in accordance with the certification scheme requirements.
If these certification scheme requirements are taken from the related standard (i.e. EN ISO 15257), the requirements concerning recertifications are just documented evidence of continuously successful work in CCP without significant interruptions and of the updating of technological knowledge in the respective area of application. (EN ISO 15258 normative annex C.3.1)
But ISO/IEC 17024:2012 requires in article 9.6.5 that in accordance with the certification scheme, recertification by the certification body shall consider at least the following: a) on-site assessment; b) professional development; c) structured interviews; d) confirmation of continuing satisfactory work and work experience records; e) examination; f) checks on physical capability in relation to the competence concerned.
The above mentioned “documented evidence” just reflects above mentioned article 9.6.5 letter d). Examination (letter e) like a theoretical or practical test or on-site assessment (letter a) like a witness-audits are not covered by the recertification scheme mentioned in EN ISO 15257. So, are all mentioned letters (a-e) are required “at least” or just mentioning opportunities?
If such a recertification based just on documented evidence is possible, what are the requirements within the recertification scheme if a revision of the technical standard (i.e. EN ISO 15257) addresses new or changed requirements?
Is it in that case also possible to have a recertification based just on documented evidence?
March 2020
This question can be divided into 3 sub-questions whose answers are:
a) Although ISO 17024 appears to require the fulfillment of several issues for recertification with the expression “at least” in article 9.6.5, it seems sufficient to consider one of these issues provided that certain conditions are met by the CAB as explained in ISO CASCO clarifications have submission date 2017-02-03. The main theme of these clarifications is summarized below;
“While documented confirmation of continuing satisfactory work and work experience records is acceptable as a recertification activity (see 9.6.5) the CAB must still provide evidence they have confirmed the continuing competence of the certified person.” and
“While documented fulfillment of training is acceptable as a recertification activity (see 9.6.5) the CAB must still provide evidence they have confirmed the continuing competence of the certified person.”b) In that case, based on the scheme, the CAB can consider one or more relevant issues listed under article 9.6.5 of ISO/IEC 17024 such as “professional development”, “structured interviews” and “examination” etc. to evaluate the conformity of new or changed requirements.
c) No, it not enough. There should be responsibility or task of the CAB to assess whether supplied documented evidence is enough or not.
It is the responsibility of the CAB to ensure an impartial assessment of the ongoing competence of the person involved. The CAB cannot base itself solely on documents provided by the person or their organization, since that does not constitute third party certification.
Note: EN ISO 15258 does not exist. It should be wrongly written in the text.