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AA1000 Module A（$100 ） AA1000 Module B （$200 ） AA1000 Module C（$300）
Prices from July 1, 2024:
Module A（$200 ）、Module B （$400 ）、Module C（$1,400）
Prices from July 1, 2024:
Module A（$200 ）、Module B （$400 ）、Module C（$1,400）
- Module A: Module A: Stakeholder and Sustainability Participant Certificate, entry point into the certificate course and AA1000 training series, covering:
AA1000AP (2018) and AA1000SES (2015). - Module B: Permanent Certificate, practitioner-level course on the application and reporting of each AccountAbility principle. This course, when taken with Module A, will grant the honor of Permanence. Will be listed as "perpetual" on the AccountAbility website for one year, renewable annually to continue. (The above does not include annual fees)
- Module C: Sustainability Assurance Deputy Assurance Officer (hereinafter referred to as the Deputy Sustainability Assurance Officer Certificate), this is a practitioner-level course covering basic sustainability assurance knowledge using AA1000AS v3. Completion of Modules A and B on this course will earn participants the Associate Certified Continuity Assurance Officer (ACSAP) qualification and assist practitioners in their learning journey towards higher qualifications such as Certified Practicing Continuity Assurance Officer (PCSAP) and Chief Sustainability Assurance Officer (LCSAP) designations. Will be listed on the AccountAbility website as "ACSAP" for one year, renewable annually to continue. (Above does not include annual fee)
1. Objective
The objective of the “scheme for AA1000 of Verifier” is to ensure that the necessary expertise to perform a Verifier how to manage a team by applying widely recognized principles, procedures and techniques. The aim of the scheme is to evaluate that the candidate possesses the knowledge and skills to proficiently plan and carry out internal and external verification and valuation (VV) in compliance with ISO 17029 and AA1000 process.
The scheme was designed and authorized by committee on 15 Sep.2022. This WI-23 REV.1 that is indicated electronically.
According the IAF MD 25 the 8 steps for Scheme Owner (SO) to design the COA：
Step 1: Purpose & scope: that this new scheme that need design as new SO base on the ISO 17029 and ISO 17065 and MD 25.
Step 2: Check jurisdiction: that will apply to AA1000 -Verifier
Step 3: Risk assessment: This is new schemes and very careful after got accreditation only can use the IAS logo. And must clearly tell all applicants and providers
Step 4: CA options, That the BEST PCB is the Scheme Owner (SO) and need to design the COA.
Step 5: Confirm CA approach & responsibilities, We must follow all IAF and IAS requirement, especially the MD 25 to design the COA
Step 6: Communication: need well communicate with all providers and agents that SO is BEST PCB and cannot misusing the logo.
Step 7: Surveillance: No surveillance and three years recertification.
Step 8: Review & management of changes; Change from the WI -15 to WI -16 to ne scheme WI- 23 that due to IAS auditor finding and corrective action.
The scheme was designed and authorized by committee on 15 Sep.2022. This WI-23 REV.1 that is indicated electronically.
According the IAF MD 25 the 8 steps for Scheme Owner (SO) to design the COA：
Step 1: Purpose & scope: that this new scheme that need design as new SO base on the ISO 17029 and ISO 17065 and MD 25.
Step 2: Check jurisdiction: that will apply to AA1000 -Verifier
Step 3: Risk assessment: This is new schemes and very careful after got accreditation only can use the IAS logo. And must clearly tell all applicants and providers
Step 4: CA options, That the BEST PCB is the Scheme Owner (SO) and need to design the COA.
Step 5: Confirm CA approach & responsibilities, We must follow all IAF and IAS requirement, especially the MD 25 to design the COA
Step 6: Communication: need well communicate with all providers and agents that SO is BEST PCB and cannot misusing the logo.
Step 7: Surveillance: No surveillance and three years recertification.
Step 8: Review & management of changes; Change from the WI -15 to WI -16 to ne scheme WI- 23 that due to IAS auditor finding and corrective action.
2. DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this certification scheme, the terms and definitions given by ISO 19011, ISO /IEC17024 and the following ones apply:
2.1 Applicant: A person who has applied to be admitted into the certification process
2.2 PCB: Personnel Certification Body
2.3 APCB: Accredited Personnel Certification Body
2.4 Competence: Ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results
2.5 VV: Verification/validation
2.6 SDG: Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs
2.7 Verifier: competent and impartial person with responsibility for performing and reporting on a verification
2.8 AA1000 Verifier: Based on their competence within SDG 17 goals , the Verifiers are able to initiate, plan, execute and report first, second and third party goals Verification in accordance with AA1000 AS V3. The Verifier must be able to execute an Verification as a sole Verifier or as a member of an Verification team.
2.9 Lead Verifier: Who has the competence as Verifier and in addition are competent to lead a team of one or more additional Verifier or technical experts. The lead Verifier is able to initiate, plan, execute and report first, second and third party in accordance with SDG goals on AA1000 As V3 in the role as sole one, member of a team or as team leader.
2.10 Internal Verifier of AA 1000: Who conduct the first party Verifier in accordance with SDG goals on AA1000 As V3 in the role as sole one, member of a team or as team leader.
2.1 Applicant: A person who has applied to be admitted into the certification process
2.2 PCB: Personnel Certification Body
2.3 APCB: Accredited Personnel Certification Body
2.4 Competence: Ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results
2.5 VV: Verification/validation
2.6 SDG: Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs
2.7 Verifier: competent and impartial person with responsibility for performing and reporting on a verification
2.8 AA1000 Verifier: Based on their competence within SDG 17 goals , the Verifiers are able to initiate, plan, execute and report first, second and third party goals Verification in accordance with AA1000 AS V3. The Verifier must be able to execute an Verification as a sole Verifier or as a member of an Verification team.
2.9 Lead Verifier: Who has the competence as Verifier and in addition are competent to lead a team of one or more additional Verifier or technical experts. The lead Verifier is able to initiate, plan, execute and report first, second and third party in accordance with SDG goals on AA1000 As V3 in the role as sole one, member of a team or as team leader.
2.10 Internal Verifier of AA 1000: Who conduct the first party Verifier in accordance with SDG goals on AA1000 As V3 in the role as sole one, member of a team or as team leader.
3. References
Applicable documents are the most recent versions of :
3.1 Applicable documents are the most recent versions of:
3.2 AA1000 SES,
3.3 AA1000AS,
3.4 AA1000 AP
3.5 ISO/IEC 17029-Conformity assessment — General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies
3.6 ISO/IEC 17024- Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons;
3.1 Applicable documents are the most recent versions of:
3.2 AA1000 SES,
3.3 AA1000AS,
3.4 AA1000 AP
3.5 ISO/IEC 17029-Conformity assessment — General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies
3.6 ISO/IEC 17024- Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons;
4. CODE of CONDUCT
4.1 Personal behavior
4.1.1 According the BEST PCB committee on 2022 Sep 15 meeting that applicants need to check himself and sign back the form 9-Code of conduct before the real test and after the oral test by the examiner. The Lead Verifier must be witness by the qualified Lead Verifier with the same check list for full case including the final reports. The details is in the procedure QP-20 Principles for certification activities CL 9.
4.2 Competence
4.2.1 Knowledge and skills for all grade certification:
4.2.3 Knowledge and skills for all Lead grade certification:
All the skills and knowledge listed above for the grade and additionally:
a. Pre-engagement activities
b. Verification team selection.
c. Verification activities and techniques
d. Specific requirements for the Verification
e. Verification Planning
f. Execution
g. Completion that include Evaluation of the AA1000 statement.
h. Conclusion and draft opinion
i. Verification report
j. Evaluation of correctionactions
4.1.1 According the BEST PCB committee on 2022 Sep 15 meeting that applicants need to check himself and sign back the form 9-Code of conduct before the real test and after the oral test by the examiner. The Lead Verifier must be witness by the qualified Lead Verifier with the same check list for full case including the final reports. The details is in the procedure QP-20 Principles for certification activities CL 9.
4.2 Competence
4.2.1 Knowledge and skills for all grade certification:
- Fundamental principles and concepts of a AA1000(ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000)
- AA1000 AS,AP and SES(ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000)
- Fundamental verification concepts and principles
- Preparation of an ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 verification
- Conducting an ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 verification
- Closing an ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 verification
- Managing an ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 verification program
4.2.3 Knowledge and skills for all Lead grade certification:
All the skills and knowledge listed above for the grade and additionally:
a. Pre-engagement activities
b. Verification team selection.
c. Verification activities and techniques
d. Specific requirements for the Verification
e. Verification Planning
f. Execution
g. Completion that include Evaluation of the AA1000 statement.
h. Conclusion and draft opinion
i. Verification report
j. Evaluation of correctionactions
5. PREREQUISITES
|
Level |
Education |
Work
Experience |
Professional
Development |
Verification/ validation Experience |
|
Internal Verifier |
secondary education |
at least 6 months
full-time |
two days APCB
Verifier course |
2 man days internal Verification/ validation |
|
Verifier |
secondary education |
at least 4 years
full-time and a minimum of 2 years relevant experience |
40 hours APCB
Verifier course |
a
minimum of three complete verification with at least nine days on-site (or
fifteen days on and off site) |
|
Lead Verifier (LVe) |
secondary education |
Same as Verifier
grade |
Same as Verifier
grade |
Got the Verifier and at least 1
complete projects as lead Verifier |
|
Recertification Verifier |
NA |
NA |
at
least 16 hours in three years |
a
minimum of three complete verification for verifier with at least nine days
on-site (or fifteen days on and off site) |
|
Recertification validator |
NA |
NA |
at
least 16 hours in three years |
a
minimum of three complete validation for validator with at least nine days on-site (or fifteen days on
and off site) |
5.1 Education:
5.1.1 Applicants for certification should have completed at least secondary education (typically all the years full-time schooling prior to university entrance). Documented evidence of the education claimed will be required.
5.1.2 As an alternative, applicants could be considered for certification if they can document 8 years full time work experience and satisfy the BEST PCB that they have achieved a satisfactory level of knowledge relevant to Management Systems Verification.
5.2 Work Experience:
5.2.1 Applicants for certification for all grades with post-secondary education degree shall have at least 4 years full-time (or part time work that totals 4 years) work experience in a technical, professional or management position of accountability involving the exercise of judgement. This period shall be increased to 5 years for applicants with secondary education.
5.2.2 Applicants for certification shall provide documentary evidence of work experience; this evidence may be presented in the form of employer references giving information on work carried out and positions held.
5.3 Work Experience:
5.3.1 Applicants for certification shall have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in the implementation, operation, and/or Verification of management systems, which provides the practical knowledge necessary to effectively Verification such management systems.
5.4 Training:
Applicants for certification shall have completed Verifier training. The BEST PCB shall not require the candidates to complete the BEST PCB’s own training and as an exclusive prerequisite. The training shall cover the competence required for Verifiers in this scheme. A minimum of forty (40) hours training is required. Training can be performed by in-class courses, e-learning or other suitable learning methods..
5.5 Verification Experience:
To be eligible for certification, all Verification experience shall have been gained in the three-year period prior to certification. Proof for having executed the required number of Verifications shall be presented.
5.5.1 Verifications for Verifier
5.5.1.1 The totality of Verification experience for an applicant’s Verifier grade certification shall be based on requirements of an applicable management system standard as described in the respective Annex 3: Form 3 Verification log to this document. The experience shall comprise the entire Verification process from preparation to reporting, in accordance with ISO 19011 or ISO/IEC 17021. This is referred to as a complete Verification.
5.5.1.2 The applicant for certification shall have acted as a member of an Verification team, team leader or as sole Verifier on at least 4 complete Verifications, the total duration of which shall be a minimum of 20 days including preparation and reporting with a minimum of not less than 8 days on site.
5.5.2 Lead Verifier
5.5.2.1 Applicants for Lead Verifier grade certification shall satisfy all Verification and competence evaluation requirements for Verifier, and shall have satisfactorily performed as a team leader in at least 3 of the Verifications required, as described in 7.5.1.2.and 7.5.1.3 The Verifications in which the applicant was team leader shall cover the entire Verification process from preparation to reporting in accordance with ISO 19011 or the ISO/IEC 17021 family. First party (internal Verifications), second party (Verification of a supplier) and third party (Verification by an independent organization) are acceptable Verifications.
5.1.1 Applicants for certification should have completed at least secondary education (typically all the years full-time schooling prior to university entrance). Documented evidence of the education claimed will be required.
5.1.2 As an alternative, applicants could be considered for certification if they can document 8 years full time work experience and satisfy the BEST PCB that they have achieved a satisfactory level of knowledge relevant to Management Systems Verification.
5.2 Work Experience:
5.2.1 Applicants for certification for all grades with post-secondary education degree shall have at least 4 years full-time (or part time work that totals 4 years) work experience in a technical, professional or management position of accountability involving the exercise of judgement. This period shall be increased to 5 years for applicants with secondary education.
5.2.2 Applicants for certification shall provide documentary evidence of work experience; this evidence may be presented in the form of employer references giving information on work carried out and positions held.
5.3 Work Experience:
5.3.1 Applicants for certification shall have a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in the implementation, operation, and/or Verification of management systems, which provides the practical knowledge necessary to effectively Verification such management systems.
5.4 Training:
Applicants for certification shall have completed Verifier training. The BEST PCB shall not require the candidates to complete the BEST PCB’s own training and as an exclusive prerequisite. The training shall cover the competence required for Verifiers in this scheme. A minimum of forty (40) hours training is required. Training can be performed by in-class courses, e-learning or other suitable learning methods..
5.5 Verification Experience:
To be eligible for certification, all Verification experience shall have been gained in the three-year period prior to certification. Proof for having executed the required number of Verifications shall be presented.
5.5.1 Verifications for Verifier
5.5.1.1 The totality of Verification experience for an applicant’s Verifier grade certification shall be based on requirements of an applicable management system standard as described in the respective Annex 3: Form 3 Verification log to this document. The experience shall comprise the entire Verification process from preparation to reporting, in accordance with ISO 19011 or ISO/IEC 17021. This is referred to as a complete Verification.
5.5.1.2 The applicant for certification shall have acted as a member of an Verification team, team leader or as sole Verifier on at least 4 complete Verifications, the total duration of which shall be a minimum of 20 days including preparation and reporting with a minimum of not less than 8 days on site.
5.5.2 Lead Verifier
5.5.2.1 Applicants for Lead Verifier grade certification shall satisfy all Verification and competence evaluation requirements for Verifier, and shall have satisfactorily performed as a team leader in at least 3 of the Verifications required, as described in 7.5.1.2.and 7.5.1.3 The Verifications in which the applicant was team leader shall cover the entire Verification process from preparation to reporting in accordance with ISO 19011 or the ISO/IEC 17021 family. First party (internal Verifications), second party (Verification of a supplier) and third party (Verification by an independent organization) are acceptable Verifications.
6. Initial and following processes
6.1 The applicants sign back the Form 1- Application , Form 9- code of conducts and Form 14- Confidential and impartiality. To make sure understand the scheme’s requirements and test methods.
6.2 The contract review people check the all forms and if all match the prerequisite as Cl.7 that will arrange the test examination.Form 2 Working experience
Form 3 Verification log
From 4 Training
Form 18 Witness report
From 9 Code of conducts
Form 7 Check List
Form 8 Veto ( independent review)
6.3 Surveillance: No surveillance
6.4 Suspending and withdrawing certification; that address in P-09 Suspending, withdrawing or reducing the scope of certification
6.5 Recertification
6.5.1 Recertification will perform in the time period of six months prior to expiry to six months after expiry. After this time the certificate may not be recertified, a new examination has to be passed. The new certificate (recertified) is valid for up to three years.
6.5.2 All management system (MS) certified Verifiers shall provide evidence of maintaining their competence periodically by recertification. Each applicant for recertification shall maintain records of professional development undertaken as described in clause 7.
6.5.3 For each re-certification period, MS Verifiers shall submit documentary evidence either of having performed a minimum of three complete MS Verifications with at least nine Verification days on-site (or fifteen Verification days on and off site) during the last three years. All Verifications shall be conducted in accordance with the principles and practices described in ISO 19011. Documentation of executed Verifications shall be according to the requirements in clause 7.
6.5.4 For each re-certification period, MS Lead Verifiers shall submit documentary evidence either of having performed a minimum of three complete MS Verifications with at least nine Verification days on-site (or fifteen Verification days on and off site) during the last three years. At least one of the Verifications required for re-certification shall be in the capacity of lead Verifier, leading a team of at least one other Verifier. All Verifications shall have been conducted in accordance with the principles and practices described in ISO 19011. Documentation of executed Verifications shall be according to the requirements in clause 7.
6.6 Professional Development
Each Verifier and MS Lead Verifier shall, during the three-year recertification period, undertake at least 16 hours of professional development. The development may be participation in courses or seminars, self-study or other acceptable means of professional development, and be documented to the PCB’s satisfaction prior to recertification.
6.7 Upgrade from Verifier to lead Verifier
6.7.1 Upgrade of certificates shall be done in conjunction with recertification.
6.7.2 An applicant who applies for upgrade of the certificate from Verifier to Lead Verifier, must have a valid Verifier certificate, must document that the Lead Verifier examination has been passed for both the written and oral part, and must provide documentation that at least one of the three Verification required for rectification has been performed in the capacity of lead Verifier, leading a team of at least one other Verifier
6.2 The contract review people check the all forms and if all match the prerequisite as Cl.7 that will arrange the test examination.Form 2 Working experience
Form 3 Verification log
From 4 Training
Form 18 Witness report
From 9 Code of conducts
Form 7 Check List
Form 8 Veto ( independent review)
6.3 Surveillance: No surveillance
6.4 Suspending and withdrawing certification; that address in P-09 Suspending, withdrawing or reducing the scope of certification
6.5 Recertification
6.5.1 Recertification will perform in the time period of six months prior to expiry to six months after expiry. After this time the certificate may not be recertified, a new examination has to be passed. The new certificate (recertified) is valid for up to three years.
6.5.2 All management system (MS) certified Verifiers shall provide evidence of maintaining their competence periodically by recertification. Each applicant for recertification shall maintain records of professional development undertaken as described in clause 7.
6.5.3 For each re-certification period, MS Verifiers shall submit documentary evidence either of having performed a minimum of three complete MS Verifications with at least nine Verification days on-site (or fifteen Verification days on and off site) during the last three years. All Verifications shall be conducted in accordance with the principles and practices described in ISO 19011. Documentation of executed Verifications shall be according to the requirements in clause 7.
6.5.4 For each re-certification period, MS Lead Verifiers shall submit documentary evidence either of having performed a minimum of three complete MS Verifications with at least nine Verification days on-site (or fifteen Verification days on and off site) during the last three years. At least one of the Verifications required for re-certification shall be in the capacity of lead Verifier, leading a team of at least one other Verifier. All Verifications shall have been conducted in accordance with the principles and practices described in ISO 19011. Documentation of executed Verifications shall be according to the requirements in clause 7.
6.6 Professional Development
Each Verifier and MS Lead Verifier shall, during the three-year recertification period, undertake at least 16 hours of professional development. The development may be participation in courses or seminars, self-study or other acceptable means of professional development, and be documented to the PCB’s satisfaction prior to recertification.
6.7 Upgrade from Verifier to lead Verifier
6.7.1 Upgrade of certificates shall be done in conjunction with recertification.
6.7.2 An applicant who applies for upgrade of the certificate from Verifier to Lead Verifier, must have a valid Verifier certificate, must document that the Lead Verifier examination has been passed for both the written and oral part, and must provide documentation that at least one of the three Verification required for rectification has been performed in the capacity of lead Verifier, leading a team of at least one other Verifier
7. The examination system
7.1 The examination system requires that the applicant pass a written and an oral examination part. Both parts of the examination assessed separately and have to be passed as following request.
7.2 The examination system is flexible and allows various examination types for both written and oral examination.
7.3 Written examination:
7.3.1 M/C
Based on these two part one is AA1000 As with M/C signal answers each part minimum need 40 questions and each standard -sub group need more than 10 questions. as following
7.2 The examination system is flexible and allows various examination types for both written and oral examination.
7.3 Written examination:
7.3.1 M/C
Based on these two part one is AA1000 As with M/C signal answers each part minimum need 40 questions and each standard -sub group need more than 10 questions. as following
|
CATEGORIES |
Standard (parts) |
Questions minium |
|
ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 Internal Verifier, Verifier, and Lead Verifier |
ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 AS |
40 |
|
ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000 AP |
20 |
|
|
ACCOUNTABILITY-AA1000-SES
|
20 |
|
|
SDG |
20 |
7.3.2 Statements and opinion reports
|
|
Level |
Statement
test reports |
|
AA1000 |
Internal Verifier |
Statement + one internal
opinion min two days |
|
Verifier |
Statement + Two third party
opinion min 8 days one internal opinion min two days |
|
|
Lead Verifier |
Need be the qualified
Verifier plus one full report and witness reports by qualified Lead Verifier |
7.4 oral examination
Oral test is 45 mins test for the following 5 oral test to judge the candidates how to conduct the Verification that including that in Cl 4.2 . Each question with min 5 key answers that all match will got 10 points ,one missing with 8 points , two missing that 6 points and more 3 missing will got Zero points.
7.5 Passing Score
The passing score is 70 % for Lead Verifier and 60 % for Verifier and first party Verifier. Each parts and subpart of Written examination and oral examination need more than 50 %.
Oral test is 45 mins test for the following 5 oral test to judge the candidates how to conduct the Verification that including that in Cl 4.2 . Each question with min 5 key answers that all match will got 10 points ,one missing with 8 points , two missing that 6 points and more 3 missing will got Zero points.
7.5 Passing Score
The passing score is 70 % for Lead Verifier and 60 % for Verifier and first party Verifier. Each parts and subpart of Written examination and oral examination need more than 50 %.
8. TAKE A CERTIFICATION EXAM
8.1 Candidates will be required to arrive at least thirty (30) minutes before the beginning of the certification exam. Candidates that arrive late will not be given additional time to compensate for the late arrival, and may be denied entry to the exam room (if they arrive more than 5 minutes after the beginning of the exam scheduled time).
8.2 All candidates will need to present a valid identity card with a picture such as a driver’s license or a government ID to the invigilator.
8.3 The exam duration is 4-8 hours include the written and an oral examination.
8.4 As the exams are “open book”; candidates are only authorized to use:
All attempts to copy, collude or otherwise cheat during the exam will automatically lead to a disqualification.
8.6 BEST PCB exams are available in English. For availability of the exam in a language other than English, please contact best.pcb@ BestPCB.org.
8.7 RECEIVE YOUR EXAM RESULTS
Results will be communicated by email in a period of 6 to 8 weeks, after taking the exam. The results will not include the exact grade of the candidate, only a mention of pass or fail
Candidates who successfully complete the examination will be able to apply for a certified scheme.
In case of a failure, the results will be accompanied with the list of domains in which the candidate had a low grade, to provide guidance for exams’ retake preparation.
Candidates who disagree with the exam results may file a complaint by writing to
https://www.bestPCB.org/. For more information, please refer to https://www.bestPCB.org/.
8.8 EXAM RETAKE POLICY
There is no limit on the number of times a candidate may retake an exam. However, there are some limitations in terms of allowed time-frame in between exam retakes, such as:
Note: Students, who have completed the full training but failed the written exam, are eligible to retake the exam once for free within a 12 month period from the initial date of the exam.
After the fourth attempt, a waiting period of 12 months from the last session date is required, in order for candidate to sit again for the same exam. Regular fee applies.
For the candidates that fail the exam in the 2nd retake, BEST PCB recommends to attend an official training in order to be better prepared for the exam.
To arrange exam retakes (date, time, place, costs), the candidate needs to contact the BEST PCB partner who has initially organized the session.
8.9 CLOSING FILES
Closing a file is equivalent to rejecting a candidate’s application. As a result, when candidates request that their file be reopened, BEST PCB will no longer be bound by the conditions, standards, policies, candidate handbook or exam preparation guide that were in effect before their file was closed.
Candidates who want to request that their file be reopened must do so in writing, and pay the required fees.
8.10 EXAMINATION SECURITY
A significant component of a successful and respected professional certification credential is maintaining the security and confidentiality of the examination. BEST PCB relies upon the ethical behaviour of certificate holders and applicants to maintain the security and confidentiality of BEST PCB examinations. When someone who holds BEST PCB credentials reveals information about BEST PCB examination content, they violate the BEST PCB of conducts. BEST PCB will take action against individuals who violate BEST PCB Policies and the Code of conducts. Actions taken may include permanently barring individuals from pursuing BEST PCB credentials and revoking certifications from those who have been awarded the credential. BEST PCB will also pursue legal action against individuals or organizations who infringe upon its copyrights, proprietary rights, and intellectual property rights.
8.2 All candidates will need to present a valid identity card with a picture such as a driver’s license or a government ID to the invigilator.
8.3 The exam duration is 4-8 hours include the written and an oral examination.
8.4 As the exams are “open book”; candidates are only authorized to use:
- A copy of the ISO standard;
- Course notes from the Participant Handout;
- Any personal notes made by the student during the course; and
- A hard copy dictionary.
All attempts to copy, collude or otherwise cheat during the exam will automatically lead to a disqualification.
8.6 BEST PCB exams are available in English. For availability of the exam in a language other than English, please contact best.pcb@ BestPCB.org.
8.7 RECEIVE YOUR EXAM RESULTS
Results will be communicated by email in a period of 6 to 8 weeks, after taking the exam. The results will not include the exact grade of the candidate, only a mention of pass or fail
Candidates who successfully complete the examination will be able to apply for a certified scheme.
In case of a failure, the results will be accompanied with the list of domains in which the candidate had a low grade, to provide guidance for exams’ retake preparation.
Candidates who disagree with the exam results may file a complaint by writing to
https://www.bestPCB.org/. For more information, please refer to https://www.bestPCB.org/.
8.8 EXAM RETAKE POLICY
There is no limit on the number of times a candidate may retake an exam. However, there are some limitations in terms of allowed time-frame in between exam retakes, such as:
- If a candidate does not pass the exam on the first attempt, he/she must wait 15 days for the next attempt (1st retake). Retake fee applies.
Note: Students, who have completed the full training but failed the written exam, are eligible to retake the exam once for free within a 12 month period from the initial date of the exam.
- If a candidate does not pass the exam on the second attempt, he/she must wait 3 months (from the initial date of the exam) for the next attempt (2nd retake). Retake fee applies.
- If a candidate does not pass the exam on the third attempt, he/she must wait 6 months (from the initial date of the exam) for the next attempt (3rd retake). Retake fee applies.
After the fourth attempt, a waiting period of 12 months from the last session date is required, in order for candidate to sit again for the same exam. Regular fee applies.
For the candidates that fail the exam in the 2nd retake, BEST PCB recommends to attend an official training in order to be better prepared for the exam.
To arrange exam retakes (date, time, place, costs), the candidate needs to contact the BEST PCB partner who has initially organized the session.
8.9 CLOSING FILES
Closing a file is equivalent to rejecting a candidate’s application. As a result, when candidates request that their file be reopened, BEST PCB will no longer be bound by the conditions, standards, policies, candidate handbook or exam preparation guide that were in effect before their file was closed.
Candidates who want to request that their file be reopened must do so in writing, and pay the required fees.
8.10 EXAMINATION SECURITY
A significant component of a successful and respected professional certification credential is maintaining the security and confidentiality of the examination. BEST PCB relies upon the ethical behaviour of certificate holders and applicants to maintain the security and confidentiality of BEST PCB examinations. When someone who holds BEST PCB credentials reveals information about BEST PCB examination content, they violate the BEST PCB of conducts. BEST PCB will take action against individuals who violate BEST PCB Policies and the Code of conducts. Actions taken may include permanently barring individuals from pursuing BEST PCB credentials and revoking certifications from those who have been awarded the credential. BEST PCB will also pursue legal action against individuals or organizations who infringe upon its copyrights, proprietary rights, and intellectual property rights.