A discussion arose between our assessors about the clauses of ISO/IEC 17021-1 given below.
“7.2.4 The certification body shall have processes for selecting, training, formally authorizing auditors and for selecting and familiarizing technical experts used in the certification activity. The initial competence evaluation of an auditor shall include the ability to apply required knowledge and skills during audits, as determined by a competent evaluator observing the auditor conducting an audit.
7.2.10 The certification body shall monitor each auditor considering each type of management system to which the auditor is deemed competent. The documented monitoring process for auditors shall include a combination of on-site evaluation, review of audit reports and feedback from clients or from the market. This monitoring shall be designed in such a way as to minimize disturbance to the normal processes of certification, especially from the client’s viewpoint.
7.2.11 The certification body shall periodically evaluate the performance of each auditor on-site. The frequency of on-site evaluations shall be based on need determined from all monitoring information available.”
Taking into consideration the clause 7.2.10 referring “each type of management systems”, does it effect the other clauses 7.2.4 and 7.2.11?
In other words, the initial competence evaluation and periodic on-site performance evaluation need to be performed for each type of management system or not?
September 2022
For initial competence evaluation, the answer is YES as it is very clear that the requirement indicated in clause 7.2.4
For periodic on-site evaluation of audit performance, the answer is NO, refer to the answer to EA CC FAQ 43.1.