Exemplar Global College recently added International Accreditation Forum (IAF) assessments to its extensive range of specialized online courses. Here is your guide to the IAF, its assessments, and how completing these assessments could benefit your career, and the auditing profession.
What is the IAF?
The IAF is a global network of accreditation bodies and other organizations involved in conformity assessment activities in the fields of management systems, products, services, personnel, and other similar programs.
The primary function of the IAF is to develop a single global program of conformity assessment that reduces risk for businesses and their customers. The IAF aims to provide assurance that accredited certificates can be trusted. The resulting accreditation assures users of the competence and impartiality of the accredited body.
What is the relevancy of IAF assessments?
Thirty-nine technical areas fall under management system auditing. Technical area assessments based on industry IAF codes help standardize auditor competency when auditing management system standards.
What IAF Assessments are currently available through Exemplar Global College?
The four new IAF assessments available through Exemplar Global College are:
- Wholesale and Retail Trade Technical Assessment (IAF 29.1)
- Electrical and Optical Equipment Technical Area Assessment (IAF 19)
- Machinery and Equipment Technical Area Assessment (IAF 18)
- Construction Technical Area Assessment (IAF 28)
What is the aim of IAF assessments?
Each of these assessments seeks to test the individual’s knowledge of the relevant industry to demonstrate competence when performing a quality management system audit in that particular technical area.
Why should auditors complete these assessments?
Consistent with ISO/IEC 17021:2001, each IAF assessment has been constructed to meet the accreditation requirements for both registrars and certification bodies. This allows individuals to expand their certification scope to include multiple specialized areas.
Technical area assessments based on industry IAF codes will help standardize auditor competency when auditing management system standards. These assessments will give individuals the ability to systematically assess their technical competence against the content categorized by the IAF codes.
What do auditors receive on successful completion of the IAF assessments?
Auditors are awarded a certificate to demonstrate their technical expertise and knowledge of that industry’s process of operations.
Is it mandatory for auditors to complete IAF assessments to maintain their Exemplar Global certification?
There is no requirement for Exemplar Global certified auditors to take the IAF exams.
Will more IAF assessments be added to Exemplar Global College in the future?
Exemplar Global College will add more IAF assessments within the next three to six months.
Where can I find the IAF assessments?
To view the current list of IAF courses, and other technical assessments available through Exemplar Global College, please click here.