The below frequently asked questions should provide you with information to assist in meeting your certification goals:
Customers of Training Providers
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 www.rabqsa.com/rab/cpDirectorySearch.do?action=showSearchForm. The directory includes GTCC and TCC training courses as well as TPECS competency unit examinations.
How do I know if a Provider is offering training in my area?
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 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). Competency units are always titled with the prefix "RABQSA".
Training Course Certification 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 what type of training and/or examination I need to complete to become certified?
Each of the Personnel certification requirements will detail the knowledge requirements you need to obtain certification. However, you can use the following as a general guideline: If you are planning to apply for a certification that is competency-based, an examination of your knowledge against specific criteria (competency units) is required. If you are seeking certification to a qualification-based scheme, successful completion of a specific training course is likely to be the required activity.
Does RABQSA have mutual recognition of training with any other personnel certification bodies?
RABQSA has signed Agreements with International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA), Institute of Environment Management and Assessment (IEMA), and Academy of Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (ACHMM) to recognize specific training and examinations. For more information please refer to the press releases by clicking here.
Do Training Providers offer other types of services in addition to the certified courses/competency examinations?
Yes, many Training Providers offer a variety of training courses and consultation related to management systems and more. Please contact the Training Providers directly to attain their full range of products.
Please note that 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.
How much does training cost?
Course costs are set by the Training Providers. Please inquire directly with the training provider for the course you are seeking.
How do I know if the course I am taking is certified by RABQSA?
Training Providers are encouraged to have RABQSA's name and/or logo noted in their course advertisement to clearly identify it as RABQSA-Certified. If you want to fulfill the requirements of any of RABQSA's Personnel certification schemes, please contact the training provider for verification that their competency examination and/or training course has been certified by RABQSA International Inc.
What does the training certification process cover?
There are three primary components to the certification process, each of which contains several sub-processes.
- Initial approval of the training provider's materials (e.g. student manual, examinations and examiner's guide);
- Evaluation of the training provider's administrative system; and
- Evaluation of a course offering (for GTCC or TCC) or the examination process (for TPECS).
Certification is granted only after any findings are effectively addressed and closed out, the Training Provider Agreement is signed and all outstanding invoices are paid.
How does a training provider determine the type of certification that is appropriate for their organization?
There are several factors that can weigh in on a training provider's decision on which product/s they wish to certify, including (for example):
- The focus of their training - Is it geared toward achieving learning objectives? Or is it to ensure each student's knowledge is effectively measured?
- The type of training - Does RABQSA have more than one option to suit the organization's needs? Or is there only one method to attain certification such as GTCC?
- The goal of certification - Does the training provider want to increase its marketability with international recognition and with certificates that can be used with several different certification bodies? Or is it looking for an independent party to verify that its processes and methodologies are effective?
The Coordinator Training Certification Services will gladly help you determine the certification that is right for your organization. Please contact the appropriate Coordinator for your region CONTACT US
How can a training provider order an application package?
Applications can be requested by contacting the Coordinator of Training Certification Services or the Scheme Examiner for your region:
- Nanette Relunia (if you’re located in Asia Pacific) at nrelunia@rabqsa.com or +61-2-4728-4613.
- Darci Caucutt (if you're located in the Americas) at dcaucutt@rabqsa.com or 888-722-2440
- Ah Ram Lee (if your'e located in North Asia) at alee@rabqsa.com or +82-2-855-7017.
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 conducts an annual evaluation consisting of an annual evaluation of an office audit and an onsite course/examination surveillance.
What is the Training Provider Sub-Scheme Committee?
The Training Provider Sub-Scheme Committee is the group that works on the technical aspects of the TPECS, GTCC 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.
The group, which meets two to three times a year, is open to all certified Training Providers and those in application for certification.
How much does it cost to have a course/examination certified by RABQSA?
Please click here to visit our Online Fee Calculator.
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