In my recent post I outlined a few information resources for organizations seeking accreditation for their certification programs. In keeping with that theme, here are some ideas if you are developing or updating your program’s policy and procedure manual.
What are the “must have” policies?
While the list of what can be included in a policy and procedure manual can be
lengthy, Certification: A NOCA
Handbook outlines the following essential policy areas: “Governance and
Structure; Linkages to Job Requirements; Assessment Design/Structure; Candidate
Information; Candidate Processing; Test Development; Test Administration; Test
Security; Scoring and Score Reporting; Appeals; Continuing Maintenance;
Marketing; and Program Evaluation.”
The list of required policies in the NCCA Standards includes: purpose, governance, eligibility criteria, application process, recertification, assessment instrument administration, establishing performance domains, recertification, appeals, confidentiality, discipline, nondiscrimination, ADA/accommodations, records retention, certificant directory, quality assurance, and security.
Some of the policies included in ANSI’s standards (ISO/IEC 17024) relate to the scope of the certification, disciplinary action, governance, appeals, assessment development and maintenance, management system, continual improvement, record management and retention, confidentiality, security, accommodations, recertification, and use of certificates/logos/marks.
What are other programs doing?
A quick Internet search will locate a number of certification programs that post
their policies and procedures on the Web. As I mentioned in my earlier post on accreditation
resources you can use the lists of NCCA accredited certification
programs and ANSI
accredited personnel certification bodies to start your search. Looking at
policies from other organizations may help you identify areas where your
policies and procedures need additional development.
Where can I find help?
A few great resources for learning more about
policy and procedure manuals include BoardSource,
ASAE,
and the policy/template library in the member’s section of the NOCA Web site.
Janice Moore, SeaCrest
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