Policy Introduction
This policy describes the circumstances under which QA Assessor may suspend or withdraw a personnel certification, the procedures followed, the rights of certified persons, and the obligations of all parties. QA Assessor exercises these powers in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012 clauses 9.4.2 and 9.6, and in a manner that is fair, proportionate, and transparent.
1. Suspension
Suspension is a temporary measure. The certified person will be given written notice of the suspension, including the grounds, the effective date, the duration or conditions for reinstatement, and the right to appeal.
Grounds for Suspension
- Non-submission of annual CPD records within the required timeframe, after a written reminder has been issued
- Failure to respond to surveillance or audit requests within the specified deadline
- Pending investigation of a complaint or allegation of misconduct, where continued certification may present a risk to the public or the integrity of the certification scheme
- Voluntary request by the certified person (e.g. extended leave, career break, parental leave)
- Failure to pay required certification maintenance fees after a written reminder has been issued
- Temporary inability to meet the ongoing requirements of the certification scheme
During Suspension
- The certified person must not claim to be certified, represent themselves as holding an active certification, or use the QA Assessor certification mark in any form
- The public certificate register is updated within 2 business days to show the status as “Suspended”
- The certified person’s employer (if known and if the employer originally supported the application) may be notified in writing
- The suspension period does not normally exceed 6 months, unless extended by the Certification Manager with documented justification
Reinstatement After Suspension
To be reinstated, the certified person must:
- Resolve the grounds for suspension (e.g. submit outstanding CPD records, pay overdue fees, provide requested information)
- Apply in writing to the Certification Manager requesting reinstatement
- Pay any applicable reinstatement fee
Upon reinstatement, the certificate register is updated to “Active” within 2 business days. The original certification expiry date is not extended by the period of suspension.
2. Withdrawal
Withdrawal is the permanent removal of a certification. The certified person will be given written notice of the withdrawal, including the grounds, the effective date, and the right to appeal under the Complaints & Appeals Policy (QA-CB-POL-004, form QA-CB-FORM-009).
Grounds for Withdrawal
- Proven fraud, misrepresentation, or deliberate provision of false information in the certification application, examination, or CPD records
- Sustained non-compliance after the suspension period has expired without resolution of the original grounds
- Serious or repeated breach of the QA Assessor Code of Conduct
- Voluntary withdrawal requested by the certified person in writing
- Failure to complete recertification before the expiry of the suspension grace period
- Criminal conviction for an offence directly relevant to the scope of certification (e.g. fraud, professional misconduct)
After Withdrawal
- The certificate register is updated within 2 business days to show the status as “Withdrawn”
- The certified person must not claim to be certified, use the QA Assessor certification mark, or represent themselves as holding a QA Assessor certification in any context
- The certified person must return or destroy any physical certificates, badges, or materials bearing the QA Assessor certification mark
- The certified person’s employer (if known) may be notified in writing
- Withdrawal is recorded as a permanent entry on the internal certification register
Re-application After Withdrawal
A person whose certification has been withdrawn may re-apply for certification, subject to the following conditions:
- For voluntary withdrawal: re-application may be made at any time, subject to meeting the current eligibility requirements and examination
- For withdrawal due to non-compliance: re-application may be made after a minimum period of 12 months
- For withdrawal due to fraud or misrepresentation: re-application is subject to a minimum exclusion period determined by the Certification Committee, which shall not be less than 24 months
Re-application does not guarantee certification. The applicant must meet all current eligibility requirements and pass the current examination.
3. Notification and Communication
All suspension and withdrawal decisions are communicated in writing (by email and, where appropriate, by post) to the certified person. The notification includes:
- The specific grounds for the decision, with reference to the relevant clause of this policy
- The effective date of the suspension or withdrawal
- For suspension: the duration, conditions for reinstatement, and consequences of non-reinstatement
- For withdrawal: the conditions for re-application (if applicable)
- The right to appeal under the Complaints & Appeals Policy (QA-CB-POL-004), including the 30-day time limit and form reference (QA-CB-FORM-009)
4. Right to Appeal
Any certified person subject to suspension or withdrawal has the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the Complaints & Appeals Policy (QA-CB-POL-004). Appeals must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the decision being communicated. The appeal does not automatically stay the suspension or withdrawal pending the outcome, unless the Certification Manager determines otherwise.
5. Use of Certification Mark During and After Suspension/Withdrawal
Misuse of the QA Assessor certification mark during suspension or after withdrawal is a serious matter. QA Assessor will:
- Issue a formal cease-and-desist notice
- Notify the individual’s employer or professional body if appropriate
- Take further action as necessary to protect the integrity of the certification mark
6. Record Keeping
All suspension and withdrawal actions are documented and retained in the certification management system. Records include the grounds, evidence, communications, outcomes, and any appeal proceedings. Records are retained in accordance with the Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy (QA-CB-POL-002).
7. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Certification Committee and updated as required. The current approved version is published on the QA Assessor website.