What is the role of Annex A? Is it informative in the document but normative in interpretation of clause 6.1?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: Annex A · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
As stated in the standard, Annex A serves as a summary of the competence requirements found in sections 6.1.2.2 to 6.1.2.8. It is an informative annex that indicates which normative requirements of the standard relate to the identified “Accreditation activities” and “Knowledge and skills” associated with those activities. Annex A, while not normative, indicates which sections of the standard contain the normative requirements associated for the areas indicated in Table A.1.
What kind of records are required to demonstrate the competence requirements of ISO/IEC 17011:2017 have been met?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.3 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
Records to demonstrate that the competency requirements have been met, include competence matrix/profile per function, records for individuals which may include CV’s, proof of trainings, proof of authorisations, qualifications, evidence of performance monitoring, etc.
Does an assessor need to be observed on-site for each accreditation scheme for which the assessor is authorized?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3.5 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
No. However, if on-site monitoring/observation is not performed for one of the schemes that the assessor is authorised, then some other form of monitoring needs to be done for that accreditation scheme and take into account relevant results of on-site monitoring/observation in other alike schemes, with similar type of requirements.
What is the meaning of “familiarizing technical experts with the relevant requirements and procedures used in the accreditation process” as used in the standard?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3.2 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
This will vary based upon how a technical expert is used by each AB in the accreditation process. The technical expert should be familiar with the relevant information that is applicable to the role they have been assigned for the assessment.
The technical expert is generally responsible for assessing technical competency of the CAB for specific conformity activities and therefore does not need to be trained to the level of an assessor.
The familiarization process of the technical experts could include information sessions (telephonic / workshops/ documented guidance, briefing, videos, …etc.) to give an overview of the relevant accreditation scheme requirements and AB’s procedures, namely use of assessment checklists and documents, their expected role and tasks to perform.
Can roles and responsibilities defined in a job description meet the requirement for the AB to “authorize personnel”?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3.1 c) · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
It depends on the documented process of the AB, but this could be a means of authorizing personnel for certain activities if the job description identified the concerned person(s). Other means are also possible.
How can an AB demonstrate competency of the assessment team for procedures/methods developed and validated by the CAB?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
The assessment team must have knowledge of the principles (competence with similar standard methods, technology, technique, relevant technical experience, etc.) of the CAB developed procedures/methods. The assessment team must also have competency to evaluate the validation techniques implemented by the CAB.
How can an accreditation body effectively manage competency for all technical areas of accreditation when the AB itself may not have staff that are technically competent in every area? What approach can be taken and is it acceptable for someone to deem competency when not competent in that area themselves?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel / Decision-maker
Answer:
Demonstration of competence can be done by many ways. The authorization of competence will depend on the documented process and associated records and evidence that the AB requires (interviews with technical peers, feedback from CABs, records of training, years of relevant experience, etc.). An AB may not have staff that will, themselves, be competent in every technical area related to the accreditation schemes they offer. However, the AB must have a documented process to ensure they can evaluate competency by effective means and authorize staff who can evaluate the required evidence to determine competency for specific accreditation activities.
Systems to identify competent people to deem others competent are sometimes circular or impossibly complex. How is it possible to meet this requirement of the standard?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
This problem is unavoidable when the AB starts operating a new accreditation scheme. However, if the process for determining competence is robust and tested in other, preferably similar, accreditation areas, it should generate enough confidence in the competence evaluation of a new accreditation scheme.
How can an AB ensure its evaluation methods are effective to demonstrate competence of personnel?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.3 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel
Answer:
Proactively, the AB should ensure appropriate allocation of qualified and suitably experienced personnel to monitor others, ensuring that feedback and /or outcomes of monitoring are actioned upon for continuous improvement with re-evaluation to confirm improvements. Reactively, the AB should monitor complaints and other feedback regarding the assessment process and take appropriate corrective action and/or improvement initiatives when issues are identified with competency.
The effectiveness of the evaluation methods can be checked through the good performance of services, level and nature of complaints and external feedback. ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 annex B lists possible evaluation methods and the conditions to apply them effectively.
What are the minimum requirements for decision makers? Must these be technical experts? Will a resume suffice on meeting competence requirements?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 6.1.2.3 · TOPIC: Competence of AB personnel / Decision-maker
Answer:
The requirements in ISO/IEC 17011:2017 are expressed qualitatively, not quantitatively, meaning that although the subjects listed in the clauses need to be known, the level of knowledge may vary according to the functions actually performed – the final requirement will be that each person or function will need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge to enable him/her to competently perform his/her job.
So, decision makers may not have the same competencies as the assessment team. The level of knowledge in the decision-making processes for accreditation decisions is often structured as follows: – Higher for the ABs rules and procedures; – Medium to high for the accreditation and accreditation scheme requirements and relevant guidance and application documents; – Low for CAB scheme requirements and/or specific technical expertise related to the scope of accreditation.
However, the level of competency in the area of technical expertise and/or CAB scheme requirements may need to be of a higher level in some cases (granting, extension, sanctions, appeals, scheme requirements, etc.). As such, the AB may require different competency requirements for different types of accreditation decisions. Notwithstanding, the AB may have mechanisms to introduce additional expertise when required.
A resume or CV is unlikely to contain enough information to demonstrate all the competence requirements for all types of decisions and schemes, but a resume or CV supported with further evidence is likely to be acceptable. Further evidence, as appropriate and applicable, may include results of an exam, interview records, references from known peers, training records, meeting minutes etc. – see ISO/IEC 17021-1 Annexes B and C
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