Certification Policy

1. Purpose and scope

This policy sets out how the International Association of Quality Professionals (IAQP) grants, maintains, renews, suspends and withdraws its professional certifications. It applies to all IAQP certifications, all applicants and certified persons, and all IAQP staff, assessors and committee members involved in certification decisions.

2. Principles

• Impartiality — certification decisions are based only on objective evidence of competence.
• Fairness — requirements are published and applied equally to all applicants.
• Confidentiality — applicant and candidate information is protected.
• Separation — training activities are kept separate from certification decisions.

3. Eligibility and application

Each certification has published eligibility requirements relating to education, professional experience and, where applicable, prior certification. Applicants submit a completed application with supporting evidence. IAQP reviews each application and informs the applicant whether they are eligible to sit the exam. Applicants may be asked to provide additional evidence or references.

4. Assessment

Competence is assessed through an independent examination based on the body of knowledge for the certification. Exams are conducted under the IAQP Exam Rules & Policies. Pass marks are set in advance and are not adjusted for individual candidates.

5. Certification decision

The certification decision is made by IAQP personnel who were not involved in training the candidate. Successful candidates receive a certificate showing their name, the certification awarded, a unique certificate number, the date of issue and the expiry date. Certificate status can be verified by third parties.

6. Validity, maintenance and renewal

Certificates are valid for a defined period stated on the certificate. To maintain certification, certified persons must comply with the IAQP Code of Ethics, use the certification and logo correctly, and complete continuing professional development (CPD). Renewal requires submission of CPD evidence before the expiry date and payment of any applicable renewal fee.

7. Use of certificates and marks

Certified persons may use their certification designation and the IAQP certification mark only in relation to the scope of their certification and only while it remains valid. Misleading use of certificates, designations or marks is not permitted.

8. Suspension and withdrawal

IAQP may suspend or withdraw a certification where a certified person fails to meet renewal requirements, breaches the Code of Ethics, misuses the certificate or mark, or where the certification was obtained through fraud or malpractice. The certified person will be informed in writing of the reason and of their right to appeal. During suspension, the person must not claim to hold the certification.

9. Appeals and complaints

Applicants and certified persons may appeal any certification decision in line with the IAQP Complaints & Appeals Policy.

10. Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually and whenever changes to certification schemes require it.