ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons have been developed in order to build confidence in the bodies engaged in personnel certification. Accreditation to bodies engaged in ISO/IEC 17024 personnel certification is a procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition of technical competence for specific activities conducted by the certifying body, based on third-party assessment based on ISO/IEC 17024:2012 standard. This International Standard is drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation is managed by IAF MRA (International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement). IAF is engaged in development and updating of guidelines connected with accreditation activities. Such international arrangements facilitate acceptance of person between countries to which MRA partners represent. On accreditation of certification bodies by such recognized body, the certificate of person gets global acceptance due to such mutual recognition. The standard was initially published in year 2003 and then it was revised in 2012. The standard has following principles:
ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Certificate is issued by accreditation body, which is authorized by IAF MRA to provide accreditation under the ISO/IEC 17024:2012. The ISO 17024 certification is issued for a period of three years after successful completion of pre-assessment and registration (final) assessment. The ISO 17024 certificate is valid till three years from the date of issue. Surveillance audits are conducted by the accreditation body after one year. Upon completion of three-year cycle, renewal assessment is conducted.
Punyam.com is having experience in the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 consultancy for all types of certifying bodies, such as technical certification in the field of mechanical, electrical, electro–technical as well as financial certifications etc.
Punyam.com, an ISO 17024 consultant in India, develops the system for its customers in the following manners;
1.Micro–level survey for each and every inspection parameter of the certifying bodies and preparation of detail Gap Analysis report,
2. Preparation of applicable documents required by ISO/IEC 17024:2012, based on detailed study of all activities of the certifying bodies,
3. Training to all levels of employees for ISO/IEC 17024,
4. Help in effective implementation of system by periodic visit till accreditation,
5. Conduct internal audit to check readiness for the accreditation,
6. Conduct management review meeting in presence of Top Management to guide the certifying bodies for effective implementation of all the issues related to certification,
7. Witnessing / demonstration of personnel certification activities to build confidence among the employees etc.