Nateb Accrediation Manual

Accreditation Manual
for
Bodies operating schemes for
Certification of Persons (PCBs) as
per ISO/IEC 17024:2012
National Accreditation Board for

Education & Training
(Member of Pacific Accreditation Cooperation)
Accreditation of Bodies Operating

schemes for Certification of Persons
(PCBs) as per ISO/IEC 17024:2012
National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)

(Member of Pacific Accreditation Co operation)
1|P a g e
NABET/17024/BR/REV 00
Contents
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... 3
1.1.
Background .................................................................................................................. 3
1.2.
Scheme........................................................................................................................ 4
1.3.
Accreditation System ................................................................................................... 4
SECTION 2: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................ 8

SECTION 3: ACCREDITATION PROCESS.......................................................................................... 11
3.1.
Authority ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.
Application Form ........................................................................................................ 11
3.3.
Application Flow......................................................................................................... 12
3.4.
Accreditation Process ................................................................................................ 14
3.6.
Time Period for Assessment Process ....................................................................... 17
3.7.
Accreditation .............................................................................................................. 17
3.8.
Annual Surveillance Assessment .............................................................................. 17
3.9.
Extension/Reduction of scope ................................................................................... 18
3.10. Re-assessment.......................................................................................................... 19
3.11. Notification to NABET ................................................................................................ 20
3.12. Suspension ................................................................................................................ 20
3.13. Expiry of Accreditation ............................................................................................... 21
3.14. Appeals ...................................................................................................................... 21
3.15. Withdrawal of Accreditation ....................................................................................... 21
3.16. Liability ....................................................................................................................... 22
3.17. Use of Logo................................................................................................................ 23
3.18. Amendment of Scheme ............................................................................................. 24
Annexure I- Fee Structure.................................................................................................... 25
2|P a g e
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1.
Background
Quality Council of India is a nonprofit, autonomous body set up jointly by Government of

India & Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations (Associated
Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India-ASSOCHAM, Confederation of Indian
Industry-CII and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry-FICCI) to
establish and operate national accreditation structure and promote quality through National
Quality Campaign. The council is playing pivotal role at the national level in propagating,
adoption and adherence to quality standards in all important spheres of activities.
National Accreditation Board for Education & Training (NABET) a constituent board of
Quality Council of India (QCI), is matching its progress with the mission of QCI i.e.
Creating an Ecosystem for Quality. With the growing needs of competent personnel and
credible vocational training providers in various industry sectors, NABET has been rapidly
expanding its scope of services to cater to the needs of the industry. In this context NABET
has established accreditation scheme based on international standards, for ensuring
quality in the field of Environment Impact Assessment, Schools, Skill training and Skill
certification.
CREDIBLE
COMPETENT
CREATIVE
NABET
MOTTO
CONTINUAL
CONSISTENT
COOPERATIVE
3|P a g e
1.2.
Scheme
The scheme for Accreditation of Bodies for Certification of Persons (PCBs) has been
developed to establish an internationally accepted benchmark for organizations assessing
and evaluating the skills of personnel. The main objective is to raise confidence, improve
productivity and give direction through enhanced skill training to the personnel. The main
reason to achieve this is increase in demand for mobile and skilled global workforce,
emphasizing the need for industry recognized credentials that can be carried across
national borders. Thus to achieve this, the conformity assessment bodies must have
globally accepted systems, processes & standards of assessment to evaluate the
competencies of the certified persons. PCB shall ensure that assessments of personnel
are carried out in a professional and unbiased manner so that the assessing scheme
achieves its objective of mutual acceptance and global exchange of personnel.
The main objective of the scheme are:
a. To create a person certification mechanism according to international benchmark.
b. To make PCB enable, to implement the methodologies for strengthening the
process of certification of person and to act upon them.
c. To ensure that the industries are able to hire personnel with relevant skill sets and
competencies without further investment to train staff.
d. Enhancing the employability prospects for the skilled human resources in India.
e. To fulfill the burgeoning gap between supply and demand of skilled human
resource at global level.
1.3.
Accreditation System
The system of accreditation of PCBs includes a formal exercise to compare as is with the
laid down standards to ascertain that the Conformity Assessment Bodies meet the
International standards and to accord formal recognition of its level of competence.
1.3.1.
Benefits
The accreditation will be a recognition that the PCB is found to be following

international benchmark of quality and adhering to international process and
procedure, skill certification and performance. This will help certification bodies to
deliver services with confidence, enhance transparency, boosting the confidence of
employers & attract new customers and gain international recognition.
4|P a g e
BENEFITS OF ACCREDIATION
1.3.2.
Scope of Accreditation
The purpose of this scheme is to accredit the PCBs providing the conformity
assessment for
personal
certification
following
the international
standard
ISO/IEC17024:2012(E)-General Requirements for bodies operating certification of

persons.
All requirements of this scheme are generic in nature and are intended to be
applicable to all PCBs, regardless of type, size and nature of assessing bodies. This
scheme provides the framework to plan, establish, operate, monitor and improve
services of the PCB.
5|P a g e
1.3.3.
Eligibility
The accreditation is open to all assessing bodies in India / other nations which meet
the following eligibility criteria:
a. The assessing body shall be a Legal entity or a defined part of legal
entity, such that it can be held legally responsible for its certification
activities. Bodies for Certification of Persons (PCBs) which are part
of government, or are government departments will be deemed to
be legal entities on the basis of their governmental status. Such
bodies status and structure shall be formally documented and the
bodies shall comply with all the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024.
b. The applicant PCB should be able to demonstrate at least two
separate assessment and certification processes including the
decision making process. This is necessary to assess the ability of
PCB to carry out the certification process as per the documented
system.
c. The applicant PCB should have carried out minimum one internal
audit against the applicable criteria of accreditation and one
management review for the documented quality system prepared as
per ISO/IEC 17024.
d. All the other requirements for the accreditation of PCB must comply
with the requirements specified in ISO/IEC17024:2012, General
requirements for bodies operating certification of persons.
1.3.3.1.
Any exception regarding legal status would be made only on a specific

decision of the Board keeping in view the legal provisions in the economy
in which the assessing body is established as a legal entity.
1.3.3.2.
Locations outside India would be included in the accreditation process

depending on the nature of activities carried out in those locations.
1.3.3.3.
NABET shall reserve the right to take the assistance of local IAF MLA
members for assessments at foreign locations. The fee for such
assessments shall depend on the fee structure of the local accreditation
body. The applicant assessment body shall have the normal right to
appeal against a specific assessor for reasons of conflict of interest. If the
certification body does not prefer to involve such local accreditation body,
6|P a g e
then the reasons for the same would have to be clearly indicated in
writing. NABET reserves the right to share such information with the
concerned accreditation body / IAF.
7|P a g e
SECTION 2: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this document, the term and definitions given in ISO 9000:2005, ISO
17024:2012 and ISO/IEC 17011:2004(E)
2.1.
ACCREDITATION
Third party attestation related to conformity assessment body conveying formal
demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment task.
2.2.
ACCREDITATION BODY
Authoritative body that performs accreditation.
2.3.
ACCREDITATION BODY LOGO

Logo used by the accreditation body to identify itself.
2.4.
ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE
Formal document or a set of documents, stating that accreditation has been granted for
the defined scope.
2.5.
ACCREDITATION SYMBOL
Symbol issued by an accreditation body to be used by accredited CABs to indicate their
accredited status
2.6.
APPEAL
Request by a CAB for reconsideration of any adverse decision made by the accreditation
body related to its desired accreditation status .
2.7.
ASSESSMENT
Process undertaken by an accreditation body to assess the competence of CAB, based
on particular standard(s) and/or other normative documents and for a defined scope of
accreditation.
2.8.
ASSESSOR
A person assigned by the accreditation body to perform, alone or as part of an assessment
team, an assessment of a CAB.
8|P a g e
2.9.
C OMPLAINT
Expression of dissatisfaction, other than appeal, by any person or organization, to an
accreditation body, relating to the activities of that accreditation body or of an accredited
CAB, where response is expected.
2.10.
CERTIFICATION
BODY
FOR
PERSONS
(PCB)/C ONFORMITY
ASSESSMENT
BODY(CAB)/ASSESSING BODY
Body that performs conformity assessment services and that can be the object of
accreditation.
2.11. C ONSULTANCY
Participation in any of the activities of CAB subject to accreditation
2.12. EXTENSION OF SCOPE

Process of enlarging the scope of accreditation.
2.13. EXPERT
Person assigned by an accreditation body to provide specific knowledge or expertise with
respect to the scope of accreditation to be assessed
2.14. IAF
International Accreditation Form
2.15. IEC
International Electrotechnical Commission
2.16. ISO
International Standard Organization
2.17. ISO/IEC 17011:2004

General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies
2.18. ISO/IEC 17024:2012

General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
2.19. INTERESTED PARTIES

Parties with direct or indirect interest in accreditation.
2.20. LEAD ASSESSOR

Assessor who is given the overall responsibility for specified assessment activities
2.21. IAF MLA

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MLA)
consists of an agreement between accreditation bodies for mutual recognition of
accreditations.
9|P a g e
2.22. NABET
National Accreditation Board for Education and Training
2.23. PACIFIC ACCREDITATION COOPERATION(PAC)

The Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) is an association of accreditation bodies and
other interested parties whose objective is to facilitate trade and commerce among
economies in the Asia Pacific region.
2.24. QCI
Quality Council of India
2.25. REDUCING ACCREDITATION

Process of cancelling accreditation for part of the scope of accreditation
2.26. SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION

Specific conformity assessment services for which accreditation is sought or has been
granted.
2.27. SURVEILLANCE
Set of activities, except reassessment, to monitor the continued fulfilment by accredited
CABs of requirements for accreditation.
2.28. SUSPENDING ACCREDITATION

Process of temporarily making accreditation invalid, in full or for part of the scope of
accreditation.
2.29. WITHDRAWING ACCREDITATION

Process of cancelling accreditation in full.
2.30. WITNESSING
Observation of the CAB carrying out conformity assessment services within its scope of
accreditation.
10 | P a g e
SECTION 3: ACCREDITATION PROCESS

3.1.
Authority
NABET has the sole authority for operating this accreditation scheme of Quality Council of
India.
3.2.
Application For Accreditation

3.2.1.
Application should be complete in all respects. An incomplete Application

Form would result in delay of processing of application.
3.2.2.
The completed application for accreditation, duly signed by the authorized

representative/s of the assessing body seeking accreditation is to be
forwarded to the Board along with the application fee.
3.2.3.
The NABET reserves the right to seek information on the antecedents of

the owners / those managing certification activities before deciding to
accept the application for further processing. Adverse decision of the
NABET would be communicated with reasons for rejecting the application.
The applicant can appeal against such decision. The application fee is nonrefundable except when the application is rejected by the NABET. Normally
the receipt of the application would be communicated within a 7 working
days of receipt.
3.2.4.
An application for accreditation shall remain valid for one year. Some
flexibility may be permitted on this policy, provided the application is being
processed in a manner acceptable to the Secretariat.
11 | P a g e
3.3.
Application Flow
STAGE -II
CENTRAL OFFICE ASSESSMENT
12 | P a g e
STAGE -III
FINAL ASSESSMENT (Regional Office and
Testing Center)
CLOSURE OF NONCONFORMITY BY
THE APPLICANT
PCB
YES
NON-CONFORMITY
OBSERVED DURING
FINAL ASSESSMENT?
NO
NO
ADDITIONAL
CLARIFICATION
FROM ASSESSING
BODIES
VERIFICATION OF
CLOSURE ACTION
BY NABET ASSESSOR
OKAY?
YES
NO
APPROVED BY
ACCREDITATION
COMMITTEE
YES
ACCREDITATION
AWARDED
13 | P a g e
3.4.
Accreditation Process
The draft plan shall be prepared in stages depending on the information supplied by
assessing body. The draft plan shall be discussed with authorized personnel of the PCB
to ensure an effective assessment programme at each stage.
The Assessing Body has to provide 6 months schedule of the skill assessment being
planned. NABET will conduct the assessment of any Regional/ Branch offices and Test
Centers at its own discretion. However, the schedule for Central Office Assessment will be
planned in consultation with Assessing Body in each assessment.
A preliminary visit may be conducted with the agreement of the PCB. The visit may result
in identification of deficiencies in the system of the applicant PCB or its competencies. The
fee for the same will be charged according to the scope applied.
The Accreditation process comprises of 3 stages:Stage I-
Document Assessment
Stage II-
Central Office Assessment
Stage III-
Final Assessment (Assessment of Regional offices and

Testing Centers)
3.4.1.
Stage I: Documentation assessment
3.4.1.1.
NABET shall evaluate the documented system including (but not

limited to):
a. Document related to legal status.
b. Audited accounts statements for last 3 years.
c. Previous Internal audit reports.
d. Management System Manual in accordance with ISO 17024.
e. Management review related to internal audits.
f.
The assessment process covering the time schedule for the

various activities, and all the related student and assessor
materials.
g. The examination format, questions and answers, time allotted,

grading procedure, pass/fail requirements, policy and procedures
for re- examination, procedures used to assure the quality of
measurements.
h. Statistical reports related to examination.
14 | P a g e
i.
The criteria for selecting assessors/experts/staffs, procedures for

assessing their performance and a current list of them and their
resumes.
j.
Documents pertaining to previous complaint and appeals &

corrective actions taken.
k. Published documents.
l.
Testing administration documents including policies for admission

of participants, registration forms, fee schedules, and promotional
material.
m. Any other document as an evidence required to establish

implementation of ISO/IEC 17024:2012(E)
3.4.1.1.
After evaluation, NABET will inform the Conformity Assessment body of the
non- conformities and/or observations if any.
3.4.1.2.
The assessing body is required to close all non- conformities prior to the
commencement of Assessment of Central Office.
3.4.2.
Stage II: Central Office Assessment

3.4.2.1.
NABET shall undertake one full assessment of the central office of the
PCB. On-site central office assessment duration will be decided by
NABET assessor based on the scope of accreditation. Assessment will
be conducted by qualified and experienced assessors trained by
NABET.
3.4.2.2.
After evaluation, NABET will inform the Conformity Assessment body of

the non- conformities if any. The assessment body is required to close
all observations and non- conformities before the next stage of
assessment.
3.4.3.
Stage III: Final Assessment
3.4.3.1.
NABET shall conduct final assessment of Assessing Bodies which will

involve assessment of Regional Offices & Test Centers conducting skill
assessments, to all aspects of the skill assessment system, process &
for conformance to the applicable NABET accreditation scheme.
3.4.3.2.
The Assessing Body shall be informed of the findings and nonconformities if any in the closing meeting by the NABET assessment
team. However the final report and the recommendation will be sent after
the decision of the Board.
15 | P a g e
3.4.3.3.
In case any corrective action is required, the Assessing Body shall make
the necessary corrections & improvements, and submit the appropriate
documentation within a defined time schedule.
3.4.3.4.
The non-conformity is of three types. First is critical type which need to

be closed within 30 days. Second one is major type which need to be
completed within 90 days and third one will be minor type which need
to be closed within 5 months.
3.4.3.5.
An additional full or partial evaluation may be done by NABET to verify

the compliance of corrections.
3.4.3.6.
Stage II and Stage III assessments may include interviews of staff

including full time and / or empaneled Assessors.
3.4.3.7.
During interview, relevant documents evidences of educational

qualification and experiences are to be provided.
3.4.3.8.
In case the PCB has multiple locations, then all or partial assessment of
few selected locations and associated Testing Centers will be conducted
by NABET. The choice of location will be at the discretion of NABET.
3.5.
3.5.1.
Assessment report
The assessment team shall prepare a report at each stage of the
assessment Document Assessment, Central Office assessment,
Regional office / Testing Centre assessment.
3.5.2.
Non-conformities, if any, shall be handed over to the assessing body

representative at the end of each assessment.
3.5.3.
The report at each stage of assessment shall be sent by the NABET

assessment team within 7 working days of the assessment to the
certification body for agreement.
3.5.4.
If no comments are received within a week then the report is considered

to be acceptable to the certification body and is deemed as final.
3.5.5.
NABET shall try to resolve any comments received on the report within a
period of 10 working days and shall submit the report at the end of this
period.
3.5.6.
Based on the assessment report the CB is required to respond to the NC

and complete the closure actions within stipulated time. The accreditation
will be granted after all NCs observed during all stages of assessment
have been completed and have been closed as per laid down procedures.
16 | P a g e
3.6.
3.6.1.
Time Period for Assessment Process

In the event that the process is not completed within twelve months, due
to delays / deficiencies on the part of the applicant, an extension of 6
months may be granted depending on the results of past assessments. In
such cases the assessment process shall begin afresh and shall be
completed in one year. Applications pending over 2 years shall be
reviewed by the Board for appropriate action including closure.
3.6.2.
In the event of delay in getting assessment scheduled for different scope

sectors that the applicant has applied for, the applicant shall apply in
writing to the Chief Executive Officer of the Board. The Chief Executive
Officer NABET shall have the right to accede to that request or differ.
3.7.
3.7.1.
Accreditation
The NABET Accreditation Committee shall take the decision on NABET
accreditation depending on the Assessment report.
3.7.2.
When NABET Accreditation Committee determines that the assessment

and Certification procedure is acceptable, NABET shall inform approval to
the Assessing Body. This accreditation will be with effect from the first
Assessment & Certification which was subjected to NABET assessment.
3.7.3.
An accreditation certificate will be issued on receipt of fees.
3.7.4.
Subsequently for the Assessing Body will have to clear the certification
fee on quarterly basis for maintenance of accreditation.
3.7.5.
The initial accreditation certificate shall be valid for three years and the
date
3.8.
of issue and validity is indicated on the certificate.
Annual Surveillance Assessment

3.8.1.
To evaluate assessing bodies continuing conformance to the Standard

and the effective implementation of the procedures, NABET shall conduct
an annual surveillance for:
a. Checking documents and records (e.g.- audit reports, results of
internal quality control for verifying the validity of PCB services,
complaints records, management review records); Administrative
procedures, practices and records.
b.
A minimum (but not limited to) surveillance witness of testing

process.
17 | P a g e
3.8.2.
Three months prior to the annual surveillance, NABET secretariat shall send
a reminder to the certification body (along with the surveillance assessment
forms).
3.8.3.
During the assessment, NABET reserves the right to select the Testing
center location will be randomly selected, ensuring that all key locations are
covered in an accreditation cycle as a minimum. Central office shall be
audited in each surveillance
3.8.4.
The first surveillance assessment shall be completed within 12 months

from the date of initial accreditation. However, for subsequent surveillances
the accredited certification body, for valid reasons may seek a
postponement of the assessment for a maximum period of six months. For
deferring the surveillance, the certification body shall give written
justification and shall obtain the consent of Chief Executive Officer, NABET.
3.8.5.
In the event of any critical and / or major non-conformity that can affect the
certification process, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board shall inform
the accredited PCB and shall call for a time bound corrective action plan.
3.8.6.
In case additional surveillance visit is required the cost shall be borne by

the accredited assessing body on the basis of man day cost.
3.8.7.
The data on new certificates issued needs to be uploaded on NABET

website on fortnight basis.
3.8.8.
NABET reserves the right to carry out more frequent or longer surveillance
as necessary in case of complaints/concerns against the delivery or
administration of the certification process. Cost for the same shall be borne
by the assessing body on the basis of man-days.
3.8.9.
NABET may conduct surprise assessment, for which the stipulated

assessment fee, including travel, boarding and lodging charges shall be
borne by the assessing body on the basis of man-days.
3.9.
Extension/Reduction of scope
3.9.1.
It is process of enlarging the scope. This process may cover inclusion of

new sector or new assessment scheme within the already accredited
sectors.
3.9.2.
The reduction of the scope is a process of cancelling accreditation for the

part of scope accredited.
18 | P a g e
3.9.3.
NABET shall take decision to reduce the scope of accreditation of PCB to

exclude those parts where PCB has persistently failed to meet the
requirements of accreditation including competencies.
3.9.4.
PCB may also ask for reduction of its scope of accreditation.
3.9.5.
The requirement for extension and reduction of scope shall be submitted

to the accreditation committee for taking final decision on the same.
3.9.6.
The extension/reduction of the scope shall be carried out as part of the

surveillance visit by increasing the number of assessor days necessary.
Alternatively the Board or the applicant may ask for an additional
assessment as deemed necessary.
3.9.7.
Such extension/reduction visit shall be charged as per prevailing fee

structure. The invoice for such visit shall is sent to the certification body.
Further action shall be initiated only on timely payment of fee for the
extension visit.
3.10.
Re-assessment
3.10.1.
Six months prior to completion of the accreditation term, the accredited

body shall be informed about the reassessment process and the relevant
application format shall be forwarded to them.
3.10.2.
NABET shall carry out re-assessment before the expiry of the current
certificate. NABET shall carry out reassessment just like initial
assessment.
3.10.3.
The assessing body shall submit the renewal application along with
prescribed fee at least three months in advance of the expiry of the current
accreditation period. A renewal assessment similar to the initial
assessment, shall be carried out for considering further renewal.
3.10.4.
If any non-conformity is found during the renewal assessment, the

assessing body shall have to take necessary corrective actions, which
may need to be verified by NABET before the accreditation is renewed for
further period of maximum 3 years.
3.10.5.
The renewal shall be based on assessment of performance during the

previous validity period and report of renewal assessment. Any complaints
received during the period shall be duly considered.
19 | P a g e
3.11.
Notification to NABET
3.11.1.
The Assessing body shall immediately notify (within 30 days) NABET of

any intended change in the bodys:
a. Legal, commercial or organizational status.
b. Organization and management (e.g. Key management staff,
assessors).
c. Policies or procedures, where appropriate.
d. Premises.
e. Personnel, equipment, facilities, working environment or other
resources, where significant.
f.
Scope of accreditation.
g. Other such matters that may affect the accredited body capability,
or scope of accredited activities, or compliance with accreditation
criteria.
3.11.2.
NABET reserves the right to carry out assessment of the changes by

reviewing the documents and/or assessment process before its approval.
The expenses for this re-assessment shall be borne by the assessing
body.
3.12.
Suspension
3.12.1.
NABET may suspend an accreditation(fully or partially) because of any of

the following, but not be limited to:
a. Noncompliance or violation of the NABET rules.
b. Providing insufficient or incorrect information to NABET.
c. Improper use of NABET accreditation and logo.
d. Changes in the assessment criteria without NABET approval.
e. Failure to report any major changes in the assessment criteria.
f.
Nonpayment of NABET fees, reimbursement of cost to TC and

Assessors.
g. If a PCB has failed to take effective corrective action in response to

the non-conformities observed during surveillance assessment or
re-assessment.
h. Any major Change has taken place in the legal Status, ownership,
impartiality etc.
i.
20 | P a g e
Any willful miss- declaration in the application form.
j.
Willful non-compliance to the accreditation agreement.
k. Evidence of lack of control over the certification process/ willful by

passing of certification procedure.
l.
Excessive and or serious complaints against the certification system

of certification / assessing body.
m. Evidence of unethical certification practices including providing

incorrect information to NABET, faking of certification records.
n. Inability or unwillingness to ensure compliance of the organization,
certified by certification/ assessing body.
o. Any other condition deemed appropriate by NABET.
3.13.
Expiry of Accreditation
3.13.1.
The accreditation of a PCB shall automatically expire at the end of its

validity unless renewal is sought by the concerned assessing body along
with the prescribed fees.
3.13.2.
The accreditation of the assessing body shall also expire if the renewal is
not agreed to by NABET.
3.14.
Appeals
3.14.1.
An appeal against the decision may be made in writing to the

CEO/Chairman of the board through the CEO under the following cases:
a. Refusal to accept an application.
b. Refusal to proceed with assessment.
c. Corrective action requests.
d. Changes in accreditation scope.
e. Decisions to deny, suspend or withdraw accreditation.
f. Any other action that impedes the attainment of accreditation.
3.14.2.
An Appeals Committee will be constituted to resolve the issue.
3.14.3.
In case of non-acceptance of the decision of the Appeals Committee by

the applicant, the appeal can be made to the chairman, NABET.
3.14.4.
3.15.
The decision of chairman will be final.
Withdrawal of Accreditation
3.15.1.
The assessing body shall be subject to withdrawal of accreditation based

on the following conditions individually or severally:
21 | P a g e
a. If an accredited body willfully relinquishes its accredited status

b. If the non-conformities are not appropriately addressed in spite of
suspension for a period not more than six months
c. If no action is taken by the accredited body in response to the
suspension on any other grounds.
d. Complaints are received about the certification process / accredited
organizations and established to be based on facts
e. Filing of any voluntary or involuntary petition of bankruptcy.
f.
3.15.2.
Liquidation of business or organization.
The notice of the intention to withdraw accreditation and citing reasons

shall be sent to the Assessing Body. The Assessing Body shall respond
within 15 working days.
3.15.3.
The decision to withdraw the accreditation, shall be asked to return the

original of accreditation certificate and the enclosure of scopes to the
Board and to stop using the accreditation mark of the Board forthwith. The
Chief Executive Officer NABET shall also notify the legal course for
initiating any penalty of such misuses if it is reported and found supported
by facts and evidences.
3.15.4.
Following withdrawal of accreditation, the assessing body would be

eligible to seek fresh accreditation as a new applicant only after a lay off
period of one year.
3.16.
Liability
NABET or QCI does not accept liability for mistakes made by PCBs or any mistakes that
may possibly occur on the certificate or reports issued by NABET accredited bodies. NABET
agreements contains a disclaimer that indemnifies the liability of NABET. All applicants are
required to sign such an agreement as a requirement for accreditation. No member of
NABET including its staff and accreditation/technical committee members, acting in good
faith shall be personally liable for any decisions or actions in respect of the accreditation of
PCBs.
22 | P a g e
3.17.
Use of Logo
The conditions for use of NABET Logo for Accredited Bodies are:
3.17.1.
The accredited body can only uses the accreditation symbols for premises
of the body that are specifically included in the accreditation, The
accredited body shall not make any statement regarding its accreditation
that NABET may consider misleading or unauthorized.
3.17.2.
On Letter heads clearly stating the accreditation number. Also on reports

or certificates issued within the scope of its accreditation.
3.17.3.
On company visiting cards clearly stating the accreditation number.
3.17.4.
The logo shall not be used in any way that it misleads the reader about
the accredited status of the assessing body.
3.17.5.
Neither the assessing bodys nor the accreditation bodys logo shall be
used on the packaging of a product, labels, written announcements etc.
that in any way suggests that the assessing body or the accreditation body
have certified or approved any product, process or service of the
accredited body or in any other misleading manner.
3.17.6.
The logo shall not be displayed on vehicles except in publicity material like
part of a large advertisement.
3.17.7.
The logo shall not be displayed on buildings and flags.
3.17.8.
All quotations and contracts by the accredited body having the logo shall
clearly indicate the portion of activities that are not accredited by the
Board.
3.17.9.
The accredited body upon suspension or withdrawal of its accreditation

(however determined), shall discontinue use of all advertising matter that
contains any reference to an accredited status.
3.17.10. The accredited body shall not allow the fact of its accreditation to be used
to imply that a product, process, system or person is approved by the
accreditation body.
3.17.11. NABET reserves the right to change the conditions as and when
considered necessary and the same shall be communicated to all the
concerned personnel assessing bodies.
3.17.12. NABET shall take suitable action to deal with incorrect reference to accord
status, or misleading use of accreditation symbol found in advertisement,
catalogue etc.
23 | P a g e
3.18.
Amendment of Scheme
3.18.1.
Any change in the criteria shall be notified to the accredited / applicant

assessing bodies by registered post / courier/ email or other means and a
suitable time frame shall be given for implementing the modified criteria.
3.18.2.
The accredited assessing bodies shall communicate their objection, if any,

in writing by registered post / courier / email or other means within 30 days
of the receipt of the amended criteria.
3.18.3.
If the communication is not received within 30 days, it will be presumed

that the accredited assessing body is willing to adopt the changed criteria
3.18.4.
The implementation of the changed criteria shall be verified during the

surveillance assessment of each assessing body.
3.18.5.
In the event of any major change in the criteria, the Board reserves the
right to carry out an additional assessment and the fee of such
assessment visit shall be borne by certification body. The fee for such
additional assessment shall have to be paid in advance.
24 | P a g e
Annexure I- Fee Structure

Fee Structure for Accreditation of PCBs offering certification of persons in
accordance with ISO 17024 (for FY 2015 -16)
India
Application Fee
Rs 50,000.00
Certificate Fee
Rs 500.00 per certification
Application Fee for Reaccreditation
Rs 25000.00
Application Fee for Extension/Addition of schemes .
.Rs 10,000.00 per scheme
International
Application Fee
US $ 2,000.00
Certificate Fee
US $ 20.00 per certificate
Application Fee for Reaccreditation
US $ 1000.00
Application Fee for Extension / Addition of schemes
US $ 400.00 per scheme
Notes
a. The NABET has all the rights to revise the fee schedule at the end of every financial
year.
b. The Board shall take the following actions if any applicant or accredited PCBs fails
to pay the fee as invoicedi.
Stop further processing of the application.
ii.
Do not offer accreditation.
iii.
Suspend and/or withdraw the accreditation.
c. Certification fee is to be paid on quarterly basis. In case of default by the PCB, the
accreditation
will
be
suspended
withdrawn.
In
the
event
of
the
suspension/withdrawal of the accreditation, the fee paid till such time will not be
refunded.
d. In case of pre- assessment visit, follow up visit for NCs or visit in respect of
complaints, a fees @ Rs. 25,000 per man day will be charged.
e. In case of an assessment on foreign location carried out by the local (Foreign)
Accreditation Body the fees (man day charges) for the same shall be charged as
per the fees structure of that local (Foreign) Accreditation Body.
f.
Fee to be paid by through RTGS/ Gateway in favour of Quality Council of India,

payable at New Delhi.
g. Service tax as applicable will be levied on the above mentioned fees.

h. For all the visits travel, boarding and lodging will be charged on actual basis.
25 | P a g e
For further details

Contact:
Skill Certification Division (ISO/IEC 17024:2012)
National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)
ITPI Building, 6th Floor, 4 - A, Ring Road, I P Estate, New Delhi - 110002
Tel: +91 - 11 - 2332 3416/17/18/19/20/21 | Fax: +91 11 233 23 415|
Email: jagmohan.nabet@qcin.org | chandra.nabet@qcin.org | chinmayi.nabet@qcin.org
26 | P a g e

Nateb Accrediation Manual

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Nateb Accrediation Manual

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Accreditation Manual

National Accreditation Board for

Accreditation of Bodies Operating

National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)

Accreditation System ................................................................................................... 4

SECTION 2: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................ 8

Application Form ........................................................................................................ 11

Accreditation Process ................................................................................................ 14

Time Period for Assessment Process ....................................................................... 17

Annual Surveillance Assessment .............................................................................. 17

Extension/Reduction of scope ................................................................................... 18

Quality Council of India is a nonprofit, autonomous body set up jointly by Government of

The accreditation will be a recognition that the PCB is found to be following

ISO/IEC17024:2012(E)-General Requirements for bodies operating certification of

Any exception regarding legal status would be made only on a specific

Locations outside India would be included in the accreditation process

SECTION 2: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

ACCREDITATION BODY LOGO

2.12. EXTENSION OF SCOPE

2.17. ISO/IEC 17011:2004

2.18. ISO/IEC 17024:2012

2.19. INTERESTED PARTIES

2.20. LEAD ASSESSOR

2.21. IAF MLA

2.23. PACIFIC ACCREDITATION COOPERATION(PAC)

2.25. REDUCING ACCREDITATION

2.26. SCOPE OF ACCREDITATION

2.28. SUSPENDING ACCREDITATION

2.29. WITHDRAWING ACCREDITATION

SECTION 3: ACCREDITATION PROCESS

Application For Accreditation

Application should be complete in all respects. An incomplete Application

The completed application for accreditation, duly signed by the authorized

The NABET reserves the right to seek information on the antecedents of

Central Office Assessment

Final Assessment (Assessment of Regional offices and

Stage I: Documentation assessment

NABET shall evaluate the documented system including (but not

The assessment process covering the time schedule for the

g. The examination format, questions and answers, time allotted,

The criteria for selecting assessors/experts/staffs, procedures for

Documents pertaining to previous complaint and appeals &

Testing administration documents including policies for admission

m. Any other document as an evidence required to establish

Stage II: Central Office Assessment

After evaluation, NABET will inform the Conformity Assessment body of

Stage III: Final Assessment

NABET shall conduct final assessment of Assessing Bodies which will

The non-conformity is of three types. First is critical type which need to

An additional full or partial evaluation may be done by NABET to verify

Stage II and Stage III assessments may include interviews of staff

During interview, relevant documents evidences of educational

Non-conformities, if any, shall be handed over to the assessing body

The report at each stage of assessment shall be sent by the NABET

If no comments are received within a week then the report is considered

Based on the assessment report the CB is required to respond to the NC

Time Period for Assessment Process

In the event of delay in getting assessment scheduled for different scope

When NABET Accreditation Committee determines that the assessment

An accreditation certificate will be issued on receipt of fees.

of issue and validity is indicated on the certificate.

Annual Surveillance Assessment

To evaluate assessing bodies continuing conformance to the Standard

A minimum (but not limited to) surveillance witness of testing