The below frequently asked questions should provide you with information to assist in meeting your certification goals:

How can I obtain a list of RABQSA-certified training providers?
The complete list of training providers is available through the Training Provider Register found at (insert direct link here). The directory includes both training courses and competency unit examinations.

Please note: Training providers often offer services locally, nationally and internationally. The addresses listed within the training providers register, are the principal office locations - but anyone may be holding training near you! Please contact training providers directly for their course locations, fees, and schedules.

What is the difference between certification of competency unit examinations and training courses?
Competency unit examinations are certified as meeting the requirements of the Training Provider and Examiner Certification Scheme (TPECS) that supports the ISO 17024-based personnel certification schemes. Training providers are certified to conduct competency examinations against specific competency units (e.g. RABQSA-AU – Management systems auditing).

Training Course Certification (previously called "accreditation") ensures that the content and structure of a particular training course (e.g., OHS Lead Auditor) meet specified requirements. Certification of a training course assures consistency among training providers teaching the same subject matter.

Please click here to view a TPECS vs. TCC comparison matrix.

How do I know which competency unit or training course is applicable?
If you are planning to apply for a certification that is accredited to ISO 17024, an examination of your competence against specific criteria (competency units) is required. If you are seeking certification to a qualification based scheme, successful completion of a training course evaluation and office audit is likely the required activity. Please refer to the certification requirements for the scheme(s) in which you are interested for further details.

Does RABQSA have mutual recognition of courses with any other countries?
As a signatory to the IPC agreement, RABQSA accepts IATCA training courses approved by other signatory organizations (such as from China, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom).
The recognition currently applies to training course certification only, and does not apply to TPECS competency examinations.

RABQSA has also recently signed a Bilateral Agreement with IRCA to recognize specific training and examinations. For more information please refer to the press release by clicking here.

Do training providers offer other types of services in addition to the certified courses/competency examinations?
Yes, most training providers offer a variety of training courses related to management systems and more. If you want to fulfill the requirements of any of RABQSA's personnel certification schemes, make sure that the applicable Training Provider’s competency examination and/or training course has been certified by RABQSA.

What does the training certification process cover?
Initial approval of the training provider's materials (e.g., course manual, examination and marker's guide)

• Evaluation of the training provider's administrative system
• Evaluation of a course offering (for TCC) or an examination (for TPECS)

How can a training provider order an application package?
Applications can be requested by contacting the Coordinator Training Certification Services for your region:

• Teresa Block (if you’re located in the Americas) at tblock@rabqsa.com or 888-722-2440 or +1-414-272-3937.
• Kellie Bates (if you’re located in Asia Pacific) at kbates@rabqsa.com or +61 2 4728 4600
• Chryssa Georgitsi (in Europe and all other regions) at cgeorgitsi@rabqsa.com or +30.210 77 99 707

All application packages can be emailed at no charge; there may be a fee associated with hard copy application requests. Please ensure you specify the type of certification you are seeking.

How long does the application process take?
The time it takes from date of application acceptance to date of certification being granted is approximately three months, however, this can vary widely based on the circumstances of the application.

How long are training provider certifications valid?
Certifications are valid for three years. RABQSA's evaluators conduct annual surveillance's of both the training provider's office operations as well as on-site visits to course offerings and/or examinations.

What is the Training Provider Sub-Scheme Committee?
The Training Provider Sub-Scheme Committee is the group that works on the technical aspects of both the TPECS and TCC schemes. The Committee offers an opportunity for training providers to have a direct impact on issues and industry developments related to RABQSA schemes.