Accreditation
Institute for Credentialing Excellence

ISO/IEC 17024 Frequently Asked Questions

ISO/IEC 17024 Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of applying for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 through ICE?

What are the eligibility criteria for submitting an application? 

Can I start an application at any time?

Can I suspend completion of my application at any time?

Who will review my application?

Who will conduct the on-site audit?

Will I have the opportunity to modify or update any concerns that come out of the application review or on-site audit?

Have more questions? Contact ICE staff at info@credentialingexcellence.org.


What are the benefits of applying for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 through ICE?

Organizations with NCCA accredited programs, or those that wish to apply for dual accreditation at the same time will be able to take advantage of the efficiencies created from the large overlap in the requirements for both standards. 

  • The online system is designed to automatically transfers details from the NCCA application that fully or partially satisfy the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024.
  • The online application process will allow for efficient review, reduction of duplication, automated notifications, and synchronization of the renewal cycles.

In connection with NCCA accreditation, a certification body that achieves accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 can attain global recognition. In that way, accreditation under the dual accreditation program can help distinguish your personnel certification program, whether your market is domestic or international.

Personnel Certification Bodies accredited by IAS benefit from IAS’s recognition as Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) signatory with the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC). Signatories are recognized worldwide based on the equivalency of their accreditation programs, therefore reducing costs and adding value to business and consumers. Receiving the ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation through the partnership between I.C.E./IAS reduces costs for the applying organization (e.g., time saved in preparation of materials as well as overall costs to maintain accreditation).


What are the eligibility criteria for submitting an application? 

Organizations that intend to apply for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 through I.C.E. must have a current NCCA accredited program(s) or can opt to pursue dual accreditation under NCCA and ISO/IEC 17024 at the same time.

The organization applying for accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 should conduct an internal audit based on the ISO/IEC 17024 Standard, prior to, or at the same time, as preparing the application.


Can I start an application at any time?

Yes. Both the NCCA and ISO/IEC 17024 applications have built-in guidance and suggested documentation so we encourage applicants to use them as preparatory tools. As such, applications can be started and left open for an extended period of time before submission. 


Can I suspend completion of my application at any time?

Yes. Applications can be started and left open for an extended period of time before submission. If you are pursuing accreditation under NCCA and ISO/IEC 17024 together, Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024 can also be suspended or put on hold at any time if you choose to pursue only NCCA accreditation.


Who will review my application?

I.C.E. will coordinate a desk review by assigning administrative and psychometric reviewers. The team of reviewers will be comprised of I.C.E. and IAS assessors. Assessors will flag any items that need additional documentation, clarification, or need work to demonstrate compliance. Final decisions are not rendered until after the on-site audit is complete.


Who will conduct the onsite audit?

IAS will coordinate the onsite audit, utilizing a team of IAS and I.C.E. assessors. Generally, the onsite audit spans two days with access to staff, consultants, and all relevant records needed to demonstrate compliance. 


Will I have the opportunity to modify or update any concerns that come out of the application review or onsite audit?

 Yes. After completion of the onsite audit, assessors will generate a report that outlines comments, concerns, and corrective actions for the organization to address in order to achieve accreditation. 

Organizations will submit a response within 60 days, outlining a plan to address concerns and corrective actions, along with an estimated timeline for completion. When final review of the responses demonstrates that the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17024 standard were satisfied, accreditation will be granted.