Document Reference: QA-CB-DOC-001 | Version: 3.0 | Effective: March 2026
Candidate & Certified Person Handbook
1. About QA Assessor
QA Assessor is a personnel certification body (PCB) operating in compliance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012. We certify individual professionals in auditing, implementing, and managing ISO management systems across 10 international standards and 40 certification schemes.
QA Assessor also offers optional preparation training courses to support candidates in preparing for certification examinations. Training and certification functions are structurally separated: certification decisions are made independently of any training activities, ensuring that certification outcomes are based solely on demonstrated competence. No person involved in training a candidate may participate in the certification decision for that candidate.
This handbook is your guide to understanding the certification process, your rights and responsibilities as a candidate and certified person, and the policies that govern QA Assessor operations.
2. Scope of Certification
QA Assessor certifies individuals (not organisations) in the following ISO management system standards:
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality Management System
- ISO 14001:2015 — Environmental Management System
- ISO 45001:2018 — OH&S Management System
- ISO/IEC 27001:2022 — Information Security Management System
- ISO 22000:2018 — Food Safety Management System
- ISO 22301:2019 — Business Continuity Management System
- ISO 13485:2016 — Medical Device QMS
- ISO 37001:2016 — Anti-Bribery Management System
- ISO/IEC 42001:2023 — AI Management System
- ISO 50001:2018 — Energy Management System
Each standard offers certification at five competency levels: Foundation, Associate, Internal Auditor, Implementer, and Lead Auditor. For full scheme details, see the Certifications Catalogue.
3. Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is assessed against the criteria for each certification level:
| Level | Education | Experience Requirements | Typical Training Duration* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Secondary / High School | None required | 1 day |
| Associate | Secondary / High School | Minimum 1 year in a relevant management system or industry role | 1 day |
| Internal Auditor | Diploma or degree (or equivalent) | Minimum 2 years’ experience, including participation in at least 1 internal audit in a management system context | 2 days |
| Implementer | Degree or equivalent | Minimum 3 years’ professional experience, including at least 1 year in management system implementation | 3 days |
| Lead Auditor | Degree or equivalent | Minimum 5 years’ professional experience, including at least 3 years in auditing and a minimum of 3 full audits led/participated | 5 days |
*Typical training duration refers to QA Assessor’s recommended preparation courses by level. Training supports exam readiness but is not, by itself, sufficient for certification. All certification decisions are based on assessment results and eligibility criteria.
4. Application Process
To apply for certification:
- Review the eligibility requirements for your chosen standard and level in the Certifications Catalogue
- Complete the online application form (QA-CB-FORM-001)
- Submit supporting documents: CV, qualifications, audit logs (where applicable), training certificates (if available), photo ID, and a passport photograph
- You will receive an acknowledgement within 2 business days
- An eligibility decision will be issued within 5 business days of receiving complete documentation
See How Certification Works for the full step-by-step process.
5. Examination
Once deemed eligible, you will be invited to schedule your examination. Examinations are conducted under controlled, invigilated conditions. You must present valid photo identification.
Examination formats vary by level:
- Foundation & Associate: Multiple-choice questions (MCQ)
- Internal Auditor: MCQ plus case study/scenario
- Implementer: MCQ plus case studies
- Lead Auditor: MCQ, scenarios, and oral examination
The pass mark for all QA Assessor certification examinations is 70%. Examinations may be delivered as computer-based online proctored or paper-based at approved centres, as specified at booking.
Re-sit policy: If you do not achieve the pass mark, you may re-sit the examination after a minimum waiting period of 30 days. There is no limit on the number of re-sits, but re-sit fees apply. For Lead Auditor oral examinations, re-sits are subject to separate scheduling.
Reasonable adjustments: Candidates with a disability or special need may request reasonable adjustments to examination conditions (e.g. additional time, large print, rest breaks). Requests must be submitted with supporting evidence at the time of application or at least 21 days before the examination date.
6. Certification & Use of Mark
Successful candidates receive a digital certificate within 5 business days of the certification decision. Your certification status is published in the public certificate register.
Your certificate includes: your name, certification title, scheme, certificate number, issue date, expiry date, and the QA Assessor certification mark.
Use of certification title and mark:
- You may state your certification title on CVs, professional profiles, business cards, and correspondence
- You may display the QA Assessor digital badge as provided upon certification
- You must not use the certification mark after expiry, suspension, or withdrawal
- You must not misrepresent your certification scope, level, or status
- You must not claim organisational certification based on your personnel certification
- The QA Assessor certification relates to you as an individual, not to your employer or any organisation
7. Obligations of Certified Persons
As a certified person, you are required to:
- Abide by the QA Assessor Code of Conduct at all times
- Maintain and submit annual CPD records (minimum 15 CPD hours per year as a baseline; specific CPD and practice evidence requirements by level are outlined in the Certifications Catalogue and How Certification Works)
- Respond to surveillance requests, random audits, or information requests from QA Assessor
- Notify QA Assessor of any material changes to your employment, qualifications, or professional standing
- Use your certification title and mark only in accordance with QA Assessor guidelines
- Not engage in any activity that could bring the certification programme into disrepute
8. Recertification
Recertification is required every 3 years for most schemes. ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management System) certifications are valid for 2 years, reflecting the rapidly evolving nature of AI governance.
To recertify, you must submit:
- Completed CPD log demonstrating at least the minimum CPD hours for your scheme and cycle
- Evidence of ongoing professional practice in the relevant domain
- Recertification fee payment
- No outstanding complaints, suspensions, or Code of Conduct violations
QA Assessor will send a recertification reminder 90 days before your certificate expiry. It is your responsibility to apply for recertification in a timely manner. If requirements are not met by expiry, you are given 60 days to remedy any deficiencies before your certification lapses.
9. Suspension & Withdrawal
QA Assessor may suspend or withdraw a certification in the following circumstances:
- Suspension: Non-compliance with CPD requirements, failure to respond to surveillance requests, pending investigation, or temporary inability to fulfil certified obligations
- Withdrawal: Proven misconduct or fraud, sustained non-compliance after suspension, voluntary withdrawal, or failure to complete recertification
During suspension, you may not use the certification title or mark. All suspensions and withdrawals are recorded in the public certificate register. For full details, see the Suspension & Withdrawal Policy.
10. Appeals & Complaints
Appeals: You may appeal any certification decision (eligibility, examination result, suspension, or withdrawal) within 30 days by submitting form QA-CB-FORM-009. Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel not involved in the original decision. A written response is provided within 10 business days of the panel meeting.
Complaints: Any person may submit a complaint about QA Assessor operations, personnel, or certified persons using form QA-CB-FORM-010. Complaints are acknowledged within 2 business days and investigated with the aim of providing a Stage 1 outcome within 15 working days.
QA Assessor operates a strict non-retaliation policy. No candidate or certified person will face any adverse consequence for raising a legitimate appeal or complaint. For full details, see the Complaints & Appeals Policy.
11. Governance & Impartiality
QA Assessor operates an Impartiality Committee comprising representatives of key interested parties. Certification decisions are made independently of training activities. No person involved in training a candidate may participate in the certification decision for that candidate. Threats to impartiality are identified, recorded, and managed through a formal risk register. For full details, see the Impartiality Policy.
12. Your Personal Data
QA Assessor collects and processes personal data for certification purposes in accordance with applicable data protection law. Your name and certification status will be published in the public certificate register. Other personal data will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except where required by law or in the context of an appeal or complaint investigation. For full details, see the Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy.
13. Conduct & Sanctions
QA Assessor may investigate complaints about certified persons or candidates. If misconduct, fraud, or misrepresentation is proven, sanctions may include a formal warning, suspension of certification, or permanent withdrawal. The full process is described in the Suspension & Withdrawal Policy and the Code of Conduct.
14. Fees
Fees cover application processing, examination administration, certificate issuance, and recertification. Fees are set independently of the number of certifications granted, supporting impartiality. Please contact certification@qaassessor.com for the current fee schedule.
15. Contact
For all certification enquiries:
Email: certification@qaassessor.com
Website: www.certificate.qaassessor.org