RABQSA International recently began offering training designed to bridge the knowledge gap between its current training course certification (TCC) and the recently introduced Training Provider and Examiner Certification Scheme. The current TCC doesn’t satisfy the knowledge-based competency requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2003, the personnel certification schemes in quality management systems, environmental management systems, occupational health and safety and food safety management systems auditing. The new gap training will be offered at RABQSA’s Web site starting May 2005.

“Following independent analysis and comparison of the competency requirements of TPECS to TCC, we have determined the list of competencies that will need to be examined in order to recognize the TCC Certificate of Successful Completion as meeting the competency criteria for the accredited schemes,” says Shanya Salamaca, RABQSA training certification services manager.

The gap examination design process relied heavily on input from RABQSA-certified training providers. The examination will be recognized only for TCC courses completed prior to the end of 2006. After Jan. 1, 2007, all training providers seeking recognition of their certificates of attainment will need to be certified under TPECS.

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