ISO 29993:2017 provides a general reference framework for quality non-formal learning services, setting standards for their various elements and their delivery.
ISO 29993:2017 specifies the requirements for the provision of non-formal learning services, including all types of lifelong learning, such as vocational training and in-company training (whether provided with own resources or through external partners). These include learning services offered by learning providers which are either directed to learners , or to sponsors who finance the services on behalf of the learners. The main characteristics of these (learning) services are that the learning objectives are identified, the learning services are evaluated and involve interaction with the learner. Learning can be implemented face-to-face to the learner, using appropriate technology, or 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 of companies that provide in-house training.
The standard is not intended for schools, colleges and universities providing formal education, but can be used by them for reflection and self-assessment.
A globalised and rapidly changing knowledge economy requires people to continue to acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their professional and personal lives. The formal education system plays an important role in the development of a country's human resources, but it is not always effective and adequate in meeting the rapidly evolving needs of individuals and societies. Private learning providers have greater flexibility to respond quickly to these needs. Moreover, as cross-border mobility of employment increases in the global economy, more and more private providers are expanding their international presence and providing learning services to learners beyond their national borders.
Thus, the implementation objective of ISO 29993:2017 is to improve the quality of services offered in the global market that has developed around non-formal education and training.
The implementation of the standard, in addition to ensuring the provision of quality learning services, enhances transparency and allows for global comparison of learning services, offering a unique alternative supported by international consensus as opposed to the huge variety of national service and management standards that currently exist in the non-formal learning sector. Assessment and certification by an independent organisation such as TÜV NORD Greece means confirmation of the effective implementation of the requirements of the standard and the organisation's commitment to its principles.
The certification of an organisation according to the requirements of ISO 29993:2017
ISO 29993:2017 is a useful complement to ISO 21001/ DIN EN ISO 9001 system certification as well as certification of persons and is in fact the link between the two. With this combination, a client can demonstrate the effectiveness of their management system through ISO 21001/ DIN EN ISO 9001 and also prove that the training or educational service offered complies with an internationally recognised standard.
One or more training courses can then also be highlighted on the basis of the certification of persons.
TÜV NORD Greece is a reliable and internationally recognised inspection and certification body. The inspectors have specialist knowledge of the subject based on extensive training and long experience and will support you effectively in your certification process, providing objective information throughout the assessment process. We guarantee you services with impartiality, objectivity and reliability. Also, thanks to our global network, we can offer you our inspection and certification services worldwide.
ISO 29993:2017 contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals:4, 10, 5
4. Quality Education: ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
4. Quality education: ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
ISO 29993:2017 is a service standard that specifies a set of minimum requirements for the provision of learning services outside formal education, including all types of lifelong learning. It was developed to promote the understanding and awareness of learners and/or sponsors of the quality, sequence and outcomes of learning services outside formal education, and their informed decision to purchase such services. ISO 29993 is also intended to help learning service providers to deliver services that meet the needs of learners and/or sponsors.
10.Reduce inequality within and among countries
10.Reduce inequalities within and between countries
By applying the requirements of the Standard, Learning Service Providers gain a model for improving learning services to effectively meet rapidly evolving learning needs. Moreover, as cross-border mobility of employment increases in the global economy, more and more private providers are expanding their international presence and providing learning services to learners across national borders, thus contributing to the creation of equity standards.
5: Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
5: Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
The ISO 29993:2017 standard, having as a fundamental premise of service learning delivery, the identification of needs, sets the basis for a deep analysis of the current conditions and situations experienced by the contemporary prospective learner. Through this it inevitably approaches the issue of equality and equity between all individuals, with or without particularities, and especially men and women, which is increasingly being asserted more and more loudly by gender representatives, against regimes and practices of total violation of any right and code of ethics.
Who can benefit from ISO 29993:2017?
The main beneficiaries of ISO 29993:2017 are learning service providers. The International Standard aims to enhance the credibility of learning services, provide a model for improving learning services that can be shared within the organization, provide an internationally recognized tool that demonstrates the credibility and quality of learning services
ISO 29993:2017 is also beneficial to learners (and/or their sponsors), as the standard recognizes the importance of the learner's informed decision on the acquisition of learning services by specifying requirements on the information to be provided to learners (and/or their sponsors). Compliance with ISO 29993:2017 can help learners to select learning services that are appropriate for their goals and objectives.
What about monitoring and evaluation of the learning service?
Monitoring and evaluation of the learning service is also part of the certification. During the inspection, the learning service provider must demonstrate that it regularly monitors and evaluates its services in order to determine whether their objectives have been met. Thus the organisation should demonstrate that it has designed appropriate monitoring and evaluation procedures to be implemented (by the management of the company) on a regular basis and that it has a full overview of the performance of its services at all times.
What should be taken into account with regard to certificates in the context of recertification or surveillance?
When the inspection process is completed, a certificate is issued in accordance with ISO 29993:2017, which is valid for three years. In the recertification phase, the validity period starts directly from the expiry of the previous certificate. This means that the expiry date of the new certificate corresponds to the normal three-year period (expiry date of the old certificate plus three years) if the process is carried out within the specified deadline or if the inspection and management of PM (non-conformities) are completed according to the schedule.
If a revision of the certificate is required in one of these cases, the date of issue of the amendment is differentiated, but the original three-year validity is maintained.
How does ISO 29993:2017 relate to ISO 21001:2018?
Both ISO 29993:2017 and ISO 21001:2018 are standards created specifically for educational organizations and thus complement the range of different approaches to implementing standards in the education sector. This allows organisations providing education and training to choose between different standards.
The key requirements relating to management commitment, training needs analysis, identification and achievement of training objectives, design, evaluation and continuous updating and upgrading of training materials, detailed information on content and methodology of learning delivery, competence and continuous training of trainers, adequacy of infrastructure and resources to meet training needs and accessibility, taking into account the specific characteristics of learners, both in terms of the way they are taught and the way they are taught, and in terms of the quality of training. However, ISO 21001:2018 follows a "high level structure" and sets out the requirements for a management system for an educational organisation. These include issues of operational framework, stakeholders, policy of the educational organisation, risk and opportunity analysis, change management, continuous improvement, as well as parameters for internal audits and management review in the context of continuous improvement of the educational organisation's system.
All those employed in the company will have to take on more responsibilities. How can this work?
One of the prerequisites for certification is the awareness of management and staff of the requirements of the standard and related training of those involved, which is achieved through specific training. Understanding the importance and application of the service learning requirements outside formal education ensures greater employee engagement with the subject of service learning and with the organisation as a whole.
How recognised is the certificate - and for how long is it valid?
ISO 29993:2017 is an international standard and is therefore recognised globally. The certificate is issued with a three-year validity - with annual surveillance audits.