Certification Exam Guidelines, Fees, Security, JTA, Confidentiality 

Under  ISO/IEC 17024 requirements, the Certifying Body of GAFM AAPM IBS requires each applicant to pass an approved ISO 17024 Comprehensive Exam Assessment. 

GAFM, IBS AAPM uses ISO IEC 17024 international standards that set out the requirements for the competence of personnel certification bodies. GAFM/IBS/AAPM is herein or hereafter known as the Board of Standards or Certifying Body (CB).

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Under ISO/IEC 17024 requirements - GAFM/IBS/AAPM is responsible for assessing and certifying individuals' competence against specific criteria in various fields, such as management systems, project management, finance, auditing, IT, healthcare, or other professional disciplines. ISO/IEC 17024 outlines the essential elements that CBs must adhere to in their certification processes to ensure credibility and consistency.

Below are the standards that GAFM IBS AAPM adhere to:  ISO/IEC 17024 exam and assessment requirements for a Certifying Body:

1. Scope of Certification: CB defines the scope of certification clearly, specifying the field of competence, the relevant standards, and the qualifications required for certification. This ensures that the certification process is tailored to the specific industry or discipline.

2. Impartiality and Independence: CB establishes and maintains impartiality and independence in their certification processes. They should not have conflicts of interest that could compromise the objectivity and fairness of assessments.

3. Competence of Personnel: CB employs qualified and competent personnel who possess the necessary technical knowledge and skills to assess candidates effectively. Assessors also receive continuing education ongoing training to stay up-to-date with legal and industry developments.

4. Assessment Criteria: CB establishes clear and transparent criteria for assessing candidate specific competency. Each exam is based on relevant standards, industry best practices, or other accepted benchmarks.

5. Exam Development: GAFM/IBS/AAPM develops comprehensive exams or assessments that accurately reflect the knowledge and skills required for each and every certification. These assessments should be designed to be fair, reliable, and valid and are generated by licensed professionals such as lawyers and PhDs.

6. Fairness and Non-Discrimination: The CB ensures that their assessment processes are fair and nondiscriminatory. All candidates should have equal opportunities to demonstrate their competence, regardless of factors like age, ethnicity, religion, gender, or nationality.

7. Registration and Documentation: CB maintains thorough records of candidate registrations, assessments, and certification decisions. This documentation helps ensure transparency and accountability in the certification process.

8. Confidentiality: CB has established mechanisms to safeguard the confidentiality of candidate information and assessment results.

9. Appeals and Complaints: CB has procedures in place for candidates to lodge appeals or complaints regarding the certification process. These procedures are transparent and impartial.

10. Continual Improvement: CB regularly reviews and improves their certification processes. This includes gathering feedback from candidates and other stakeholders and using it to enhance the quality of their services.

11. Validity and Reliability: The CB's assessment processes is designed to produce valid and reliable results. This means that the assessments accurately measure candidate competence and yield consistent results over time.

12. Risk Management: CB also will identify and manage risks associated with the certification process to minimize potential disruptions or bias in assessments.

13. Feedback and Reporting: CB provides candidates with feedback on their performance in assessments. Additionally, CB regularly reports on certification activities, including the number of certifications granted and any significant issues encountered.

14. Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements: CB complies with relevant legal and regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where they operate. This includes adhering to data protection laws and any industry-specific regulations.

15. Public Confidence: CB actively works to maintain and enhance public confidence in their certification services. This includes ensuring standards, international standards accords, transparency, ethical conduct, and a commitment to excellence.

16. Peer Review: Under ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation standards, GAFM/IBS/AAPM may require CB undergo peer reviews or audits to assess their compliance with the standard's requirements.

17. Accreditation: GAFM/IBS/AAPM seeks accreditation from recognized accreditation bodies to demonstrate their compliance with the US Department of Education, and other international bodies such as: ISO/IEC 17024. Accreditation provides additional assurance to stakeholders of the CB's competence and credibility. GAFM/IBS/AAPM is SIS Licensed which is IAS and IAF accredited. IAS and IAF are frequently referenced and recognized by several US Departments and Agencies.

Exam Prep:  Study, reading relevant books, and taking courses or training/education programs from any government recognized educational provider should increase a candidate's exam score or chances of passing the exam.

The GAFM/IBS/AAPM comports to the international ISO/IEC 17024 standards which sets stringent requirements for Certifying Bodies to ensure that their certification processes are credible, consistent, and reliable. Compliance with these requirements is essential to maintaining the integrity of certifications and the trust of stakeholders, including candidates, employers, and regulatory authorities.

Exam Fees:

1st Time Exam $199 dollars

2nd Attempt: $150 dollars

3rd Attempt $100 dollars

Exam Alignment to JTA and RDS

The GAFM/IBS/AAPM's ISO/IEC 17024  standards utilizes and exam process to adhere to specific requirements to ensure the validity and reliability of assessments. This includes the alignment of content areas with a Job Task Analysis (JTA), also known as a Role Delineation Study, and the validation of the assessment according to psychometric practices. Here's how GAFM/IBS/AAPM meets these requirements:

1. Job Task Analysis (JTA) or Role Delineation Study:

   • The certification body initiated a comprehensive Job Task Analysis or Role Delineation Study. This involves gathering information on the key responsibilities, tasks, and skills required for a particular job or role within the industry or discipline being certified.

   • The JTA process would typically include input from subject matter experts, industry stakeholders, and professionals currently working in the field. This collaborative effort ensures that the analysis is comprehensive and reflects the real-world requirements of the job.

   • The results of the JTA would provide a detailed breakdown of the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) necessary for competent performance in the specific role or field.

2. Alignment of Exam Content:

   • Based on the findings from the JTA or Role Delineation Study, the GAFM/IBS/AAPM certification body aligned the content of the certification exam directly with the identified knowledge, skills, and abilities.

   • Each content area of the exam would correspond to a specific portion of the JTA, ensuring that the assessment is a valid representation of the job requirements.

   • The GAFM/IBS/AAPM certification body established clear and transparent guidelines for the construction of exam questions, ensuring that they accurately reflect the identified content areas.

3. Validation According to Psychometric Practices:

   • To ensure the validity and reliability of the assessment, the GAFM/IBS/AAPM certification body employs psychometric practices. This involves rigorously producing, utilizing, monitoring, testing and validating the exam questions and their alignment with the JTA.

   • Psychometricians, lawyers, or assessment experts then conducted item analysis, pilot testing, and statistical analyses to assess the quality of exam questions.

   • The GAFM/IBS/AAPM certification body gathered data on how well the exam measures the intended competencies, using techniques such as criterion-related validity studies, which compare exam results with on-the-job performance data. GAFM/IBS/AAPM even utilized various languages to for fairness to all ethnicities, cultures and religions.

   • Reliability studies are continuously conducted to ensure that the exam yields Equitible results over time and across different administrations.

   • The certification body employes best practices in setting passing scores or cut scores, ensuring that candidates are assessed fairly and consistently.

By following these ISO guidelines, GAFM/AAPM/IBS ensures that its standards exam process directly aligns with the information gathered during the Job Task Analysis or Role Delineation Study. This alignment ensures that the exam accurately reflects the knowledge and skills required for the job or role being certified. Moreover, the validation process, grounded in psychometric practices, guarantees that the exams are a reliable and valid measure of a candidate's competence, enhancing the credibility and integrity of the certification program under ISO/IEC 17024 standards and other standards including ACBSP, ECLBS, IAS, IAF, and SIS Cert.

Exam Confidentiality and Security

Under ISO/IEC 17024 standards, ensuring the security of exam materials, including the item bank and the prevention of exposure of test content during exam administration, is crucial to maintaining the integrity and credibility of a certification program. The specific procedures and measures to meet this standard may vary among different credentialing organizations, but here is a general description of how a credential can meet these security requirements:

1. Secure Item Bank Management:

   • The credentialing organization establishes documented procedures for the secure management of its item bank, which includes all exam questions and related content.

   • Access to the item bank is restricted to authorized personnel only, typically individuals who are directly involved in exam development, review, or maintenance.

   • Detailed records of item bank access, changes, and updates are maintained and regularly audited to ensure accountability.

2. Content Development and Review:

   • When new exam items are developed or existing items are reviewed and revised, a strict process is followed to maintain item security.

   • Item writers and subject matter experts sign confidentiality agreements to protect the security of the content they work on.

   • Development and review meetings are conducted in secure environments, and electronic versions of exam content are password-protected and encrypted.

3. Secure Storage:

   • Physical copies of exam materials, including paper records and storage devices, are stored securely in locked, access-controlled facilities.

   • Digital copies of exam materials are stored on secure servers with restricted access. Firewalls and encryption technologies may be employed to safeguard digital content.

4. Transportation and Distribution:

   • When exam materials need to be transported between locations (e.g., from the item bank to the testing centers), secure transportation methods are used.

   • Transported materials are packaged and sealed in a manner that prevents tampering and unauthorized access.

5. Access Control:

   • Access to exam content during all stages of exam administration is strictly controlled. Only authorized personnel have access to the content.

   • Access is typically role-based, meaning that individuals have access only to the specific exam content relevant to their responsibilities.

6. Secure Exam Administration:

   • During the actual exam administration, procedures are in place to prevent exposure of test content. These may include secure computer-based testing environments, monitoring of test takers, and strict protocols for handling paper-based exams.

   • Measures such as randomization of questions or adaptive testing may be used to reduce the risk of cheating or content exposure.

7. Incident Response and Reporting:

   • Procedures are documented for responding to and reporting any security breaches or incidents related to exam content, including unauthorized access, leaks, or cheating.

Exam Administration and Security - Meeting ISO/IEC 17024 Standards: GAFM/IBS/AAPM Exams

ISO/IEC 17024 is an international standard that sets requirements for the competence of personnel certification bodies. It ensures that certification programs maintain high standards of quality, security, and fairness. The GAFM/IBS/AAPM certification bodies have taken significant steps to meet these standards through the development and implementation of essential documents such as "Instructions for Credential Candidates," an "Exam Administration Manual," and a "Security Procedures Manual." ADA accommodations are allowed by GAFM/IBA/AAPM  

I. "Instructions for Credential Candidates"

The "Instructions for Credential Candidates," often referred to as a "Candidate Handbook," plays a vital role in ensuring that the certification process adheres to ISO/IEC 17024 standards. Here's how these organizations meet the standards through this document:

1. Transparency and Fairness: This Candidate Handbook provides information about the certification process, including eligibility requirements, exam content, and scoring criteria. This transparency ensures fairness in the certification process, as candidates have a clear understanding of what to expect.

2. Appeals and Complaints: These documents outline the procedures for candidates to file appeals or complaints if they believe there has been an error or unfairness during the certification process. This aligns with ISO/IEC 17024's requirement for a fair and accessible appeals process.

3. Privacy and Data Protection: The Handbook includes information on how candidate data will be handled, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17024's standards on data protection and confidentiality.

4. Code of Conduct: These documents often include a code of conduct for candidates, promoting ethical behavior and integrity in the certification process, which is in line with ISO/IEC 17024's emphasis on impartiality and fairness.

II. Exam Administration Manual

The Exam Administration Manual is another crucial document that helps certification bodies meet ISO/IEC 17024 standards:

1. Security Protocols: This manual outlines detailed security protocols for the administration of exams. It addresses access control, monitoring, and incident reporting, ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17024's requirement for secure exam administration.

2. Candidate Identification and Verification: It provides procedures for verifying the identity of candidates to prevent cheating or fraudulent activities during the exam, aligning with ISO/IEC 17024's emphasis on security.

3. Exam Delivery Methods: The manual describes the methods used to deliver exams, whether paper-based or computer-based, and ensures that these methods maintain the integrity and security of the certification process. Oral exams are also allowed to those with disabilities.

III. Security Procedures Manual

The Security Procedures Manual is an indispensable document for maintaining the security of exam materials and meeting ISO/IEC 17024 standards:

1. Item Bank Security: This manual outlines strict security measures for the management of the item bank, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of exam content.

2. Content Development and Review: It describes the procedures for developing and reviewing exam items, highlighting the importance of maintaining item security and quality control.

3. Incident Reporting: The manual details procedures for reporting and addressing security incidents, ensuring that any breaches or vulnerabilities are promptly addressed, as required by ISO/IEC 17024.

Security and Administration of Exam Conclusion

In conclusion, GAFM, IBS, and AAPM have taken substantial steps to meet ISO/IEC 17024 standards through the development and implementation of essential documents such as "Instructions for Credential Candidates," an "Exam Administration Manual," and a "Security Procedures Manual." These documents promote transparency, fairness, security, and integrity throughout the certification process, aligning with the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17024. By adhering to these standards, these organizations ensure that their certification programs are recognized for their quality and credibility on an international scale.

Assessment and Exam Processes and Procedures

I. Eligibility and Registration

1. Eligibility Criteria:

   • The eligibility criteria for candidates, including prerequisites, educational qualifications, and work experience requirements include a college diploma, agree to ethics guidelines, agree to continuing education, securing 2 or more years of experience or related graduate education, and pass the certification exam.
   • This eligibility criteria complies with ISO/IEC 17024 standards and is transparently communicated to potential candidates.

2. Registration Process:

   • GAFM/IBS/AAPM has a standardized registration procedure, including online registration forms, payment methods, and deadlines.
   • GAFM/IBS/AAPM provides candidates with a clear understanding of the registration process, fees, and any required documentation.

II. Candidate Preparation

3. Candidate Information:

   • GAFM/IBS/AAPM shares comprehensive information with candidates about the certification program, examination content, format, and relevant study materials.
   • The CB encourages candidates to review all Instructions for Credential Candidates and equivalent online documents to understand the certification process fully.

4. Exam Syllabus and Blueprint:

   • Each applicant has access to an exam syllabus or blueprint that outlines the topics and competencies covered in the exam.
   • CB ensures that the exam content aligns with the results of a Job Task Analysis (JTA) or Role Delineation Study.

JTA Job Task Analyst Report

The credential requires a portfolio of work experience, education, etc. This standard addresses the process used to establish what job role the assessment portfolio is measuring. Here is a detailed narrative that it is the foundation of the certification program to determine which courses, training or exams map to the job role.

To document how the specific tasks, knowledge, job duties, and skills are measured by the assessment process under ISO 17024 standards and how a Job Task Analysis (JTA) is used to determine which courses, training, and exams map to the job role, the certification body follows a structured process. Here's an explanation of how this is done:

1. Initial Job Task Analysis (JTA):

   • The certification body initiates a Job Task Analysis (JTA) process as a critical first step.
   • The goal is to identify the essential tasks, knowledge areas, job duties, and skills required for the job role that the certification aims to assess.
   • Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) play a crucial role in this process. They are typically individuals with significant experience such as lawyers with MBAs or PhDs and have expertise in the field being certified.

2. Task Identification:

   • During the JTA, SMEs work together to identify the specific tasks and responsibilities that are relevant to the job role.
   • This involves creating a comprehensive list of job-related tasks, knowledge domains, and skills.

3. Task Validation:

   • The identified tasks and knowledge areas are validated to ensure they accurately represent the job role.
   • This validation process may involve surveys, interviews, or workshops with SMEs, employers, and other stakeholders.
   • The goal is to confirm that the tasks and knowledge areas are current, relevant, and reflective of industry standards.

4. Competency Mapping:

   • For each identified task and knowledge area, the certification body maps the required competencies. These competencies define what a certified individual should be capable of doing.

5. Course and Training Alignment:

   • Based on the validated tasks and knowledge domains, the certification body can determine which courses and training programs are relevant to preparing candidates for the certification.
   • The courses and training programs are chosen to cover the essential knowledge and skills needed to perform the job role effectively.

6. Exam Blueprint Creation:

   • Using the JTA results, an exam blueprint is developed. The blueprint specifies the percentage of exam questions that will be dedicated to each task or knowledge area.
   • This ensures that the certification exam adequately assesses the relevant competencies.

7. Exam Development:

   • Subject Matter Experts work collaboratively with the certification body to develop exam items (questions) that align with the JTA findings and the exam blueprint.
   • These items are designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge and skills in the identified areas.

8. Documentation and Transparency:

   • Throughout this process, the certification body maintains detailed documentation of the JTA, including task lists, validation records, and exam development records.
   • This documentation provides transparency and serves as evidence that the certification program aligns with ISO 17024 standards.

9. Continuous Review and Updates:

   • The certification body periodically reviews and updates the JTA and related documentation to ensure that the certification program remains current with industry trends and evolving job roles.

GAFM - International Board of Standards has the following Sanctions, Licenses, Accreditations and Certifications for Education Assessment and Learning.

ISO 29993 Certified - IAOS Accreditation https://certifications.siscertifications.com/view/details/SIS200723S028
ISO 21001 Certified -  Accreditation -  IAS  Accreditation Backed

https://certifications.siscertifications.com/view/details/SIS200723EO027
ISO 9001 Certified - Sanction -  IAS  Accreditation Backed https://certifications.siscertifications.com/view/details/SIS200723Q026

IAOS Accreditation


ISO 29993 Certified - Learning Services Provider

ISO 29993 is a certification that pertains to the quality management of learning services outside formal education. It ensures that organizations providing such services meet specific criteria for effectiveness and efficiency in their educational offerings. The International Accreditation Organization Services (IAOS) accreditation further enhances the credibility and recognition of this certification. It signifies that the organization has been evaluated according to rigorous standards set forth by the IAOS, guaranteeing the quality and reliability of its learning services. This certification is particularly valuable for institutions and organizations offering non-formal education, such as training centers, vocational institutes, and continuing education providers.

ISO 21001 Certified - Accreditation:

ISO 21001 is a standard tailored specifically for educational organizations, focusing on their management systems for educational services. It outlines requirements for educational institutions to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their management systems, ensuring they meet the needs and expectations of learners and other stakeholders. The accreditation associated with this certification adds another layer of assurance regarding the organization's adherence to these standards. Accreditation confirms that the educational institution has undergone a comprehensive evaluation process and has demonstrated compliance with the ISO 21001 requirements, reinforcing its commitment to quality education delivery.

ISO 9001 Certified - Sanction:

ISO 9001 is one of the most widely recognized quality management standards globally, applicable to organizations across various industries and sectors. It sets out criteria for a quality management system (QMS), emphasizing the importance of meeting customer requirements, continual improvement, and adherence to statutory and regulatory requirements. The certification indicates that an organization has implemented an effective QMS to consistently provide products and services that meet customer needs. The sanction associated with ISO 9001 certification signifies official approval or authorization, further validating the organization's compliance with quality management principles. This certification is instrumental in enhancing customer confidence, improving operational efficiency, and facilitating access to new markets for the organization.
 
IAOS Accreditation

IOAS stands for the International Organic Accreditation Service. It is a non-profit organization that provides accreditation services to certification bodies and conformity assessment bodies operating in the organic agriculture and related sectors. IOAS accreditation is a mark of credibility and competence for certification bodies that certify organic products and processes.

IOAS accreditation involves a thorough assessment of the certification body's competence, impartiality, and compliance with relevant international standards and guidelines, such as ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17021. Certification bodies seeking IOAS accreditation undergo a comprehensive evaluation of their procedures, staff competency, documentation, and management systems to ensure they can effectively certify organic products according to established standards.

Organizations accredited by IOAS demonstrate their commitment to upholding the integrity and credibility of organic certification. IOAS-accredited certification bodies are recognized internationally, providing assurance to stakeholders, including consumers, producers, traders, and regulatory authorities, that certified organic products meet stringent quality and authenticity requirements.

Overall, IOAS accreditation plays a vital role in maintaining trust and transparency within the organic industry by verifying the competence and impartiality of certification bodies involved in certifying organic products.

IAS stands for the International Accreditation Service.

It is a non-profit accreditation body that provides accreditation services to various types of organizations, including testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, and other conformity assessment entities.

IAS accreditation involves an assessment process where the accreditation body evaluates the competence, impartiality, and consistency of the organization seeking accreditation. This assessment typically includes an in-depth review of the organization's management system, technical competence, personnel qualifications, equipment and facilities, and adherence to relevant standards, regulations, or guidelines.

Organizations that achieve IAS accreditation demonstrate their ability to consistently perform conformity assessment activities to recognized standards, thereby enhancing their credibility and competence in the eyes of customers, regulators, and other stakeholders. IAS accreditation also facilitates market access by providing assurance that the accredited organization meets internationally accepted criteria for quality and reliability.

IAS accreditation covers a wide range of sectors and industries, including construction materials testing, environmental testing, product certification, management system certification (such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001), and many others. By obtaining IAS accreditation, organizations can distinguish themselves as trusted providers of conformity assessment services, contributing to confidence in the products, services, and systems they assess.

ADA Global Policy

At GAFM International Board of Standards, we are committed to providing equal access to all exam takers, regardless of any disabilities they may have. As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations will be made available to all individuals who request them. It is our goal to ensure that every exam taker has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.

Requesting Accommodations: If you require accommodations for your exam due to a disability, we encourage you to make your request as early as possible. To request accommodations, please contact GAFM Legal Offices before your scheduled exam date.

Documentation: In order to provide appropriate accommodations, we may request documentation of your disability from a qualified healthcare professional. This documentation will help us better understand your needs and determine the most suitable accommodations for you.

Confidentiality: All information regarding your disability and accommodation requests will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. We respect your privacy and will only share this information with individuals who need to know in order to facilitate your accommodations.

Types of Accommodations: Accommodations may vary depending on the nature of your disability and your specific needs. Examples of accommodations that may be provided include but are not limited to:

• Extended time for exams
• Alternative testing formats (e.g., Braille, large print)
• Assistive technology or equipment
• Distraction-free testing environment

Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns regarding accommodations for your exam, please don't hesitate to reach out to GAFM Legal Team]. We are here to support you and ensure a fair testing experience for all.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain an inclusive and accessible testing environment.