What is BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons about?
BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 sets out globally accepted requirements and principles for bodies that operate certification of persons. It provides a consistent and reliable framework to ensure certification schemes are impartial, robust and trusted across borders.
The standard supports confidence that certified individuals meet defined competence requirements through structured assessment and periodic reassessment. By harmonizing how certification schemes are developed and maintained, it enables mutual recognition and international acceptance of certified personnel.
Who is BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons for?
BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 is relevant to a wide range of organizations involved in certifying or relying on certified people, including:
- Bodies that certify auditors, inspectors, trainers, IT professionals and other specialists.
- Accreditation bodies responsible for assessing certification bodies.
- Organisations that employ or rely on certified professionals.
- Consultants and compliance professionals supporting certification and accreditation activities.
It is applicable across multiple sectors where competence, impartiality and trust are critical.
What does BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons cover?
The standard specifies principles and requirements for bodies operating certification of persons, including:
- Development and maintenance of certification schemes.
- Fair and consistent assessment of competence.
- Management of impartiality and conflicts of interest.
- Ongoing certification activities such as surveillance and recertification.
- Alignment of certification activities, processes, applications, assessments and examinations.
It can be used as a basis for accreditation, peer assessment or designation by governments, scheme owners and other authorities.
Why should you use BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons?
Using BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 helps you:
- Demonstrate impartial, consistent and reliable certification practices.
- Build trust in certification schemes across industries and borders.
- Provide employers, regulators and clients with confidence in certified competence.
- Support international recognition and acceptance of certified personnel.
- Strengthen governance, audit trails and evidence of competence.
For certification bodies, it provides a clear framework to operate in a way that is credible and internationally recognized.
What has changed?
BS ISO/IEC 17024:2026 is the latest edition and supersedes BS ISO/IEC 17024:2012. It introduces several important updates, including:
- New definitions and requirements relating to the use of artificial intelligence in certification processes.
- Updated terminology aligned with common ISO CASCO elements.
- A new Annex B explaining how key elements such as certification activities, processes, assessments, applications, examinations and schemes fit together.
These changes improve clarity, consistency and understanding, making the standard easier to apply in practice while addressing emerging industry needs.