For many years the selection of audit professionals to audit technical areas, industrial categories, NACE codes, IAF codes, etc has relied on the logging of audits to codes and the review of work experience via resumes.

Whilst this process provides a qualification focus it does not standardize the knowledge or even base line technical competence. For those involved in the assessment and certification, management and coordination of auditor to audit, this is the holy grail.

The ability to systematically assess ones own technical competence to content categorized by IAF codes (of which there are 39) is a near to hand. Exemplar has compiled a global contingent of subject matter experts to help identify the body of knowledge and the competencies.

The outcomes of this work will be a series of exams detailing the understanding of the use of ISO9000 and ISO14000 within each of the technical areas. A certificate of competence will be issued for each exam successfully completed. The professional can then build a complete compendium of technical area competencies.

About the exam development process

We are working on phase 1 of the development of the IAF technical area competency exams in the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System audit schemes.

The result will be nine online exams in each scheme that represent the following technical areas: IAF 12 – Chemicals, chemical products and fibres; IAF 14 – Rubber and plastic products; IAF 17 – Basic metals and fabricated metal products; IAF 18 – Machinery and equipment; IAF 19 – Electrical and optical equipment; IAF 28 – Construction; IAF 29.1 – Wholesale and retail trade; IAF 34 – Engineering services and IAF 35.1 – Other Business Services.  These nine technical areas represented over 65% of the total QMS and EMS registrations world-wide as detailed in the 2013 ISO Survey.

The exams are being developed using over 200 individuals from 13 countries located across 5 continents.  Global reach and engagement is essential, in this way the outcomes of the assessment become relevant to many industries across the globe and build on the portability of the certification that results.

Under each competency three separate committees were created for all IAF codes which included a Subject Matter Committee (Body of Knowledge), Exam Writing committee and Exam review Committee.  The members of these committees consisted of industry experts in both the private and public sectors, Third Party Auditors, Consultants and Certification and Accreditation Body Experts.

The subject matter committees used industry Experts with at least five years of direct work experience in the related industry.  Using the requirements surrounding technical areas outlined in ISO/IEC TS ISO 17021-2:2012 and ISO/IEC TS 17021-3:2013 they developed a set of knowledge competencies for each technical area under each scheme.

The Exam Writers used this information to help develop questions (items).  Once the final committee reviews the exam items, each exam is then put through an extensive piloting process to ensure validity and reliability of each assessment.

The first phase of exams are starting to be piloted and the remainder of the 30 Technical Areas will continue to be developed using the same process.

Why This Is Important Work

We are attempting to create a universally accepted series of assessments that satisfy requirements for multiple standards and users of standards. Yes, sure, there are exams housed by certification bodies that are used for their internal purposes but never has an external offering been available to the entire market.

We are attempting to unite the standards cultures of Europe, Asia and Americas. Yes there is a difference in approach and mentality to how Standards are applied and assessed for conformance and efficacy and in some ways these exams help the professional calibrate their thinking about process within industry categories.

We are demonstrating to the Standards and quality communities that a project of this magnitude can be accomplished and the results can be recognise and utilised.

Bio:

President and CEO of Holtmann Professional Services.  The company provides: Innovative, global solutions focussing on developing, individuals, businesses, boards and
non-profits to excel at leadership, growth and practices with purpose.

Tel : 0499-877-810
Email : enquiries@holtmannprofessionalservices.com