Certification According to ISO 29993:2017

The ISO 29993:2017 standard provides a general reference framework for quality learning services outside formal education, setting specifications for their various components and delivery.

ISO 29993:2017 defines the requirements for the provision of learning services beyond formal education, including all forms of lifelong learning such as vocational training and in-company training (delivered either internally or through external providers). This includes learning services offered by learning providers that cater to learners directly or to sponsors financing the services on behalf of learners. A key characteristic of these learning services is that learning objectives are defined, the services are assessed, and they involve interaction with the learner. Learning may be delivered face-to-face, through the use of appropriate technology, or through a combination of both.

ISO 29993:2017 is suitable for all organizations, large or small, that provide non-formal education services, as well as for departments within companies offering in-house training.

While the standard is not intended for schools, colleges, or universities offering formal education, it may be used by such institutions for reflection and self-assessment.

In a globalized and rapidly evolving knowledge economy, people must continuously acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their professional and personal lives. The formal education system plays a crucial role in developing a country’s human resources, but it is not always effective or sufficient in meeting the rapidly changing needs of individuals and societies. Private learning service providers have greater flexibility to respond swiftly to these needs. Furthermore, as cross-border labor mobility increases in the global economy, more and more private providers are expanding their international presence and offering learning services to learners beyond national borders.

Thus, the aim of implementing ISO 29993:2017 is to enhance the quality of services offered in the global market built around non-formal education and training.

Beyond ensuring the provision of high-quality learning services, the application of the standard also promotes transparency and enables global comparison of learning services. It offers a unique alternative supported by international consensus, in contrast to the vast diversity of national service and management standards that currently exist in the field of non-formal learning. Evaluation and certification by an independent body such as TÜV HELLAS affirms both the substantive application of the standard's requirements and the organization’s commitment to its core principles.

Certification of an organization in accordance with the requirements of ISO 29993:2017:

• Demonstrates, through an independent body, that the organization has aligned the various components of its learning services (including advertising, information provided to learners, needs analysis, design, methods of learning evaluation, and service assessment) with the aim of improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of its learning services.
• Confirms that the organization’s internal controls are implemented effectively and meet its corporate objectives and strategic goals.
• Provides a competitive advantage in fulfilling contractual obligations.
• Proves the commitment of the organization’s top management to the provision of high-quality learning services.
• Requires annual evaluation of learning services, which helps the organization monitor its performance and continuously improve.
   
• Enhances the reputation and credibility of the organization in both the local and international markets—including in the case of in-house training departments or divisions within companies operating in specific industry sectors.
• Ensures compliance with ISO 29993:2017, which can assist learners in selecting learning services that are appropriate for their goals and purposes, thus enabling them to make the most effective use of the services offered.

The 5 Steps to Get Certified to ISO 29993:2017

1. Request and Offer
    
2. Assignment and Planning
    
3. Stage 1: Readiness Assessment for Certification
    
4. Stage 2: Certification Audit
    
5. Certificate Issuance

ISO 29993:2017 serves as a valuable complement to management system certification according to ISO 21001 / DIN EN ISO 9001, as well as to personnel certification, effectively acting as a bridge between the two. With this combination, a client can demonstrate the effectiveness of their management system through ISO 21001 / DIN EN ISO 9001 and, at the same time, prove that the educational or training service offered complies with an internationally recognized standard.

One or more training courses can then also be highlighted based on personnel certification.

TÜV HELLAS is a trusted and internationally recognized inspection and certification body. Our auditors possess specialized subject-matter expertise grounded in extensive training and long-standing experience, and they will effectively support you throughout your certification process, providing you with objective information at every stage of the evaluation. We guarantee services that are impartial, objective, and reliable. Furthermore, thanks to our global network, we are able to offer inspection and certification services anywhere in the world.

The ISO 29993:2017 standard contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals: 4, 10, 5

4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
ISO 29993:2017 is a service standard that defines a set of minimum requirements for the provision of learning services outside formal education, encompassing all forms of lifelong learning. It was developed to enhance understanding and awareness among learners and/or sponsors regarding the quality, structure, and outcomes of non-formal learning services, enabling them to make informed decisions when purchasing such services. Additionally, ISO 29993 aims to support learning service providers in delivering services that meet the needs of learners and/or sponsors.

10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
By implementing the requirements of the standard, learning service providers adopt a framework that helps improve their services to effectively respond to rapidly evolving learning needs. Moreover, as cross-border employment mobility increases in the global economy, more and more private providers are expanding their international presence and offering learning services to learners beyond their national borders—thus contributing to the creation of equality benchmarks.

5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
With the recognition of learner needs as a fundamental prerequisite for providing learning services, ISO 29993:2017 lays the groundwork for a thorough analysis of the current circumstances and realities experienced by today's learners. Through this process, the standard inevitably addresses the issue of equity and equality among all individuals—regardless of or in light of specific characteristics—with a particular focus on the growing demands for equality voiced by women, in opposition to regimes and practices that violate fundamental rights and ethical standards.

Who can benefit from ISO 29993:2017?
The primary beneficiaries of ISO 29993:2017 are learning service providers. The International Standard aims to strengthen the credibility of learning services, provide a model for improving learning services that can be shared across the organization, and offer an internationally recognized tool to demonstrate the reliability and quality of learning services.

ISO 29993:2017 is also beneficial for learners (and/or their sponsors), as the standard emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making when selecting learning services. It sets out clear requirements for the information that must be provided to learners (and/or their sponsors). Compliance with ISO 29993:2017 can help learners choose learning services that are appropriate for their individual goals and objectives.

What about the monitoring and evaluation of the learning service?

Monitoring and evaluation of the learning service are also integral parts of the certification process. During the audit, the learning service provider must demonstrate that it regularly monitors and evaluates its services to determine whether the intended objectives have been achieved. Therefore, the organization must show that it has established appropriate monitoring and evaluation procedures, which are implemented (by the company’s management) on a regular basis, ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the performance of its services at any given time.

What should be considered regarding certificates in the context of recertification or surveillance?

Once the audit process is completed, a certificate is issued in accordance with the ISO 29993:2017 standard, valid for three years. During the recertification phase, the validity period begins directly from the expiration date of the previous certificate. This means that the expiry date of the new certificate corresponds to the standard three-year period (i.e., the expiry date of the previous certificate plus three years), provided that the process is carried out within the designated timeframe and any non-conformities are addressed and managed according to schedule.

In cases where a revision of the certificate is required during either surveillance or recertification, the issuance date of the modification may change, but the original three-year validity period remains unchanged.

How is ISO 29993:2017 related to ISO 21001:2018?

ISO 29993:2017 and ISO 21001:2018 are both standards specifically developed for educational organizations, complementing the range of approaches available for implementing quality standards in the education sector. This allows organizations providing education and training services to choose between different standards based on their needs.

Both standards share core requirements related to: management commitment, analysis of learning needs, identification and achievement of educational goals, instructional design, evaluation, continuous updating and upgrading of learning content, detailed information on course content and delivery methods, trainer competency and ongoing training, adequacy of infrastructure and resources to meet learning needs and ensure accessibility, consideration of learner-specific characteristics for both teaching and assessment methods, delivery of services through partners, protection of personal data and intellectual property, feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders, complaints and appeals handling, and management of non-conforming services.

However, ISO 21001:2018 follows the "High Level Structure" and sets out requirements for an educational organization management system. It incorporates elements such as organizational context, stakeholder identification, the educational organization's policy, risk and opportunity analysis, change management, continuous improvement, and parameters for internal audits and management reviews, all aimed at the ongoing enhancement of the educational organization’s management system.

Everyone employed in the organization will need to take on more responsibilities. How can this work?

One of the prerequisites for certification is raising awareness among management and staff about the requirements of the standard, along with the relevant training of all involved parties—achieved through specialized education. Understanding the significance and implementation of the requirements for non-formal learning services ensures greater employee engagement with the provision of learning services, as well as stronger commitment to the organization as a whole.

How recognized is the certificate – and for how long is it valid?

ISO 29993:2017 is an international standard and, as such, is recognized globally. The certificate is issued with a three-year validity period, with annual surveillance audits.