World Organic Acreditation Board (WOAB)
LICENSE MODELS FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ADVANCEMENT FOR LABOR FORCE CAPABILITY PROJECTS
UKJAS 10007
PREFACE
The connected license standards have been established to provide all relevant stakeholders with guidelines for implementing the material standards referenced herein. These standards were developed and adopted following formal consultations conducted by the World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB) Certification Advisory Group and are effective from the date indicated in this document.
All licenses issued or reissued on or after the effective date shall comply with these standards. If these standards are a revised edition of a previous release, vertical lines (|) in the document margins indicate technical changes or additions. Deletion markers identify sections removed due to technical revisions.
These standards may be amended whenever necessary to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.
WOAB may accept alternative standards where the applicant provides documented evidence demonstrating that the proposed standards are substantially equivalent to the referenced requirements and satisfy the applicable accreditation criteria.
Copyright © 2016 World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB)
1. PRESENTATION
1.1 Scope
These standards specify the requirements for obtaining and maintaining WOAB Educational Program Advancement for Workforce Competency Projects Accreditation.
These standards supplement the WOAB Rules and Procedures for Educational Program Advancement for Workforce Competency Projects.
1.2 Normative References
The following publications apply in their latest editions unless otherwise specified.
1.2.1. WOAB 10006 – Accreditation Rules for Training Organizations for Workforce Competency Programs.
1.2.2. ISO 9000 – Quality Management Systems — Fundamentals and Vocabulary.
1.2.3. ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems — Requirements.
1.2.4. ASTM E2659 – Standard Practice for Certificate Programs.
1.2.5. APA/AERA/NCME Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing.
1.2.6. National Building Code – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
2. DEFINITIONS
The definitions contained in ISO 9000 and ASTM E2659 apply to these standards.
3. QUALIFICATION
Authorization and accreditation services are available to organizations engaged in the development of educational programs for workforce competency, provided they meet the following minimum requirements:
3.1 Program Implementation
The educational program shall be fully developed, implemented, and delivered to at least one (1) group of learners before applying for accreditation.
3.2 Internal Audit and Management Review
The organization shall have successfully completed at least:
- One (1) internal quality audit covering the educational program and its supporting processes.
- One (1) management review evaluating the effectiveness of the quality management system and identifying opportunities for continual improvement.
4. REQUIRED ESSENTIAL DATA
Organizations seeking World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB) accreditation for Educational Program Advancement for Workforce Competency Projects shall demonstrate compliance with all of the following requirements:
4.1
Compliance with the applicable requirements of WOAB 10007 or the relevant provisions of ASTM E2659 – Standard Practice for Certificate Programs.
4.2
Compliance with the WOAB Rules and Procedures for Educational Program Advancement for Workforce Competency Projects.
5. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (AS APPLICABLE)
Educational program development organizations shall maintain documented information and records demonstrating compliance with the following requirements. These records shall be made available to World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB) during scheduled assessments, surveillance audits, and accreditation reviews.
5.1 ORGANIZATION
5.1.1 Financial Resources
The organization shall possess adequate financial resources to effectively operate educational program development activities in accordance with these standards and to meet all legal and contractual obligations.
Documented evidence shall include a declaration confirming the availability of sufficient financial resources.
5.1.2 Job Descriptions
The organization shall establish and maintain documented job descriptions for all relevant positions.
Each job description shall clearly define:
- Responsibilities
- Minimum qualifications
- Required education
- Required professional experience
- Reporting relationships
5.1.3 Legal Status
The organization shall be a legally registered entity.
Documented information shall include:
- Certificate of registration
- Organizational structure
- Vision and mission statements
- Quality policy
- Quality objectives
- Description of the corporate structure
5.1.4 Personnel
The organization shall employ a sufficient number of competent personnel to effectively develop, manage, and maintain educational programs in accordance with these standards.
5.1.4.1 Quality Management
The organization shall appoint qualified personnel responsible for maintaining the Quality Management System (QMS).
These personnel shall:
- Have direct access to top management.
- Be provided with sufficient authority to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve the Quality Management System.
5.1.4.2 Facilities
The organization shall provide suitable facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and resources necessary to support all accredited educational program development activities.
Records shall include descriptions of:
- Premises
- Infrastructure
- Equipment
- Information technology resources
- Supporting facilities
5.1.5 Outsourced Services
The organization shall establish, implement, and maintain documented procedures for the selection, evaluation, approval, monitoring, and periodic re-evaluation of all outsourced services that may affect the quality of educational program development.
The organization shall retain full responsibility and accountability for all outsourced activities and shall ensure that external providers comply with applicable World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB) requirements.
Documented records shall include:
- Approved supplier and subcontractor list
- Supplier evaluation criteria
- Service agreements or contracts
- Performance monitoring records
- Corrective actions taken where required
5.1.6 Management System
The organization shall establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a documented Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the applicable requirements of ISO 9001 and these WOAB Accreditation Standards.
The management system shall ensure effective planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and continual improvement of educational program development activities.
5.1.6.1 Internal Audits
The organization shall conduct internal audits at planned intervals, and at least once every twelve (12) months, to verify that the Quality Management System:
- Conforms to planned arrangements.
- Complies with these accreditation requirements.
- Is effectively implemented and maintained.
Records shall include:
- Annual audit programme
- Audit checklists
- Audit reports
- Nonconformity reports
- Corrective action records
- Verification of corrective actions
5.1.6.2 Management Review
Top management shall conduct formal management reviews at least annually to evaluate the continuing suitability, adequacy, effectiveness, and alignment of the Quality Management System.
The review shall include consideration of:
- Results of internal and external audits
- Customer feedback
- Performance indicators
- Status of corrective actions
- Risks and opportunities
- Resource requirements
- Opportunities for continual improvement
Documented records shall include:
- Meeting agenda
- Attendance records
- Minutes of meetings
- Decisions and action plans
- Assigned responsibilities
- Target completion dates
5.1.6.3 Human Resources
The organization shall establish documented procedures for recruiting, selecting, training, evaluating, and developing personnel involved in educational program development.
Personnel shall possess the necessary education, competence, skills, and experience appropriate to their assigned responsibilities.
Training records shall include:
- Qualifications
- Employment records
- Training history
- Competency evaluations
- Performance reviews
- Professional development activities
5.1.6.4 Complaints
The organization shall establish a documented procedure for receiving, recording, investigating, resolving, and monitoring complaints from clients, learners, instructors, and other interested parties.
The complaints process shall ensure:
- Fair and impartial investigation
- Timely resolution
- Confidential handling of information
- Appropriate corrective actions
- Communication of outcomes to complainants
Records shall include:
- Complaint register
- Investigation reports
- Corrective actions
- Resolution records
- Follow-up activities
5.1.6.5 Appeals
The organization shall establish documented procedures for handling appeals against decisions relating to educational programs, assessments, certification activities, or accreditation processes.
The appeals process shall ensure impartiality, transparency, and timely resolution.
Records shall include:
- Appeal submissions
- Investigation findings
- Review committee decisions
- Final outcomes
- Communication records
5.1.6.6 Customer Satisfaction
The organization shall establish procedures for monitoring and measuring customer satisfaction, including feedback from learners, instructors, employers, partner organizations, and other relevant stakeholders.
Feedback shall be analyzed to identify opportunities for continual improvement.
Records shall include:
- Surveys
- Feedback forms
- Performance evaluations
- Customer satisfaction reports
- Improvement action plans
5.1.6.7 Document and Record Retention
The organization shall establish documented procedures for the identification, storage, protection, retrieval, retention, and disposal of records.
Unless otherwise required by applicable laws or contractual obligations, records shall be retained for a minimum period of three (3) years.
Records shall remain:
- Legible
- Readily identifiable
- Easily retrievable
- Protected against loss or unauthorized access
5.1.6.8 Document Control
The organization shall maintain documented procedures to ensure that all controlled documents are:
- Reviewed and approved before issue
- Periodically reviewed and updated
- Identified by revision status
- Available at points of use
- Protected from unintended use of obsolete documents
Records shall include:
- Master document register
- Revision history
- Approval records
- Distribution lists
5.1.6.9 Control of Records
The organization shall maintain documented procedures to ensure that records provide objective evidence of conformity and effective operation of the Quality Management System.
Records shall be:
- Securely maintained
- Protected from unauthorized alteration
- Easily retrievable
- Available during WOAB assessments
5.1.6.10 Corrective Action
The organization shall establish documented procedures for identifying nonconformities, determining root causes, implementing corrective actions, and verifying the effectiveness of those actions.
Corrective action procedures shall include:
- Identification of nonconformities
- Root cause analysis
- Implementation of corrective measures
- Verification of effectiveness
- Documentation of completed actions
- Preventive measures to minimize recurrence
All corrective actions shall be completed within defined timeframes and reviewed during management review meetings.
5.1.7 Process Monitoring
The organization shall establish documented procedures for monitoring, measuring, analyzing, and improving all processes associated with educational program development to ensure their effectiveness and continual improvement.
Process monitoring shall include, where applicable:
- Achievement of program objectives
- Process performance indicators
- Quality objectives
- Customer satisfaction
- Nonconformities
- Risk management
- Opportunities for improvement
Documented records shall demonstrate that monitoring results are reviewed and appropriate actions are taken to improve organizational performance.
5.2 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
The organization shall establish and maintain documented procedures to ensure that educational programs are developed, implemented, evaluated, and continually improved in accordance with internationally recognized educational and accreditation practices.
5.2.1 Technical and Administrative Oversight
The organization shall establish an independent Technical Advisory Committee responsible for overseeing the quality, relevance, and integrity of educational program development.
The committee shall include representatives from relevant industries, academia, professional bodies, employers, and other interested stakeholders.
The responsibilities of the committee shall include:
- Reviewing curriculum development activities.
- Monitoring technical quality.
- Evaluating program effectiveness.
- Recommending improvements.
- Ensuring alignment with industry needs.
The committee shall meet at least once each calendar year.
Documented records shall include:
- Committee membership
- Meeting agendas
- Attendance records
- Minutes of meetings
- Recommendations
- Action plans
5.2.2 Program Design
Educational programs shall be developed using a systematic instructional design methodology that ensures consistency, relevance, and measurable learning outcomes.
Program design shall consider:
- Learning objectives
- Competency requirements
- Target audience
- Entry requirements
- Class size
- Delivery methods
- Duration
- Learning resources
- Assessment strategy
- Practical activities
- Health and safety requirements
- Industry expectations
Programs shall be based upon:
- Occupational analysis
- Industry consultation
- Competency standards
- Learning needs analysis
- Regulatory requirements
- Applicable international standards
Educational programs developed in accordance with ASTM E2659 shall be considered acceptable evidence of compliance with this requirement.
5.2.3 Educational Program Development
The organization shall establish documented procedures governing the development and revision of educational programs.
Program development shall include:
- Learning materials
- Instructor guides
- Student manuals
- Presentations
- Practical exercises
- Multimedia resources
- Assessment tools
- Supporting documentation
All educational materials shall be technically accurate, current, and reviewed before implementation.
Records shall include:
- Development plans
- Review reports
- Approval records
- Version history
- Revision records
5.2.4 Assessment of Learner Competence
Educational programs shall include appropriate methods for evaluating learner achievement and competence.
Assessment activities may include:
- Written examinations
- Practical demonstrations
- Oral examinations
- Projects
- Assignments
- Continuous assessment
- Workplace evaluation
- Final competency assessment
Assessments shall:
- Measure achievement of learning outcomes.
- Be valid and reliable.
- Be fair and impartial.
- Be documented.
- Be consistently applied.
Assessment methods conforming to internationally recognized standards, including APA/AERA/NCME, ISO, or other applicable educational standards, shall be considered acceptable.
5.2.5 Program Delivery
The organization shall establish documented procedures to ensure educational programs are delivered consistently and effectively.
Program delivery shall address:
- Instructor competence
- Learner support
- Classroom management
- Training facilities
- Equipment availability
- Learning resources
- Health and safety
- Attendance monitoring
- Evaluation of training effectiveness
Recommendations shall be provided to clients regarding:
- Instructor qualification
- Delivery methodology
- Learner evaluation
- Continuous improvement
- Educational technology
- Accessibility requirements
5.2.6 Monitoring of Approved Users
The organization shall maintain a register of organizations, institutions, instructors, and other approved users authorized to implement its educational programs.
Monitoring activities shall verify that approved users continue to:
- Use current program versions.
- Meet licensing requirements.
- Maintain educational quality.
- Protect intellectual property.
- Comply with WOAB requirements.
Records shall include:
- Approved user register
- Monitoring reports
- Site visit reports
- Corrective actions
- Renewal records
5.2.7 Program Review and Updates
The organization shall establish documented procedures for reviewing educational programs at planned intervals or whenever significant changes occur.
Reviews shall consider:
- Regulatory changes
- Industry developments
- Customer feedback
- Technological advancements
- Assessment outcomes
- Instructor recommendations
- Learner feedback
Approved users shall be promptly notified of:
- Program revisions
- New editions
- Corrections
- Withdrawn materials
- Safety updates
Documented evidence of all communications shall be maintained.
5.2.8 Information Security and Intellectual Property
The organization shall establish policies and procedures to protect confidential information, educational content, and intellectual property.
Security measures shall address:
- Physical security
- Information security
- Digital document protection
- Copyright protection
- Trademark protection
- Data privacy
- Access control
- Backup and recovery
Only authorized personnel shall have access to confidential information and controlled documents.
5.2.9 Benchmarking and Continual Improvement
The organization shall regularly evaluate its educational programs against national and international best practices.
Benchmarking activities shall consider:
- International standards
- Industry trends
- Research findings
- Customer expectations
- Competitor analysis
- Educational innovations
- Technological developments
Documented records shall include benchmarking reports, identified improvement opportunities, and actions taken.
5.2.10 Library and Knowledge Management
The organization shall maintain a documented knowledge management system containing current reference materials relevant to educational program development and accreditation.
The library may include:
- International standards
- National regulations
- Technical publications
- Research papers
- Industry guidelines
- Educational resources
- WOAB publications
- Digital reference materials
The organization shall ensure that appropriate personnel have access to these resources and that the collection is periodically reviewed and updated to maintain its relevance and accuracy.
6. REFERENCES
The following international standards, guidance documents, and regulatory publications are referenced within these accreditation requirements. Unless otherwise specified, the latest published editions shall apply.
6.1 International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
Website: www.ilac.org
6.2 Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC)
Website: www.apac-accreditation.org
6.3 International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
Website: www.iaf.nu
6.4 International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Website: www.iso.org
6.5 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Website: www.iec.ch
6.6 World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB)
Website: www.worldorganic.us
6.7 International Code Council (ICC)
Website: www.iccsafe.org
6.8 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Website: www.bis.gov.in
CONTACT INFORMATION
WORLD HEAD OFFICE
World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB)
WOAB House
C/O Mr. Garry
54 Glengarnock Avenue
Isle of Dogs
London E14 3BP
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 8369083940
Email: info@ssqiindia1999gmail.com
Website: www.worldorganic.us
INDIA HEAD OFFICE (MUMBAI)
World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB)
WOAB House
B-401, New Om Kaveri CHS Ltd.
Nagindaspada
Next to Shiv Sena Office
Nallasopara (East)
Maharashtra, India
Telephone: +91 7499991895
Email: info@ssqiindia1999gmail.com
Website: www.worldorganic.us
DELHI–NCR REGISTERED OFFICE
World Organic Accreditation Board (WOAB)
WOAB House
Asaoti
District Palwal
Faridabad – Delhi NCR
Haryana, India
Telephone: +91 7979801035
Fax: +91 250 2341170
Email: info@ssqiindia1999gmail.com
Website: www.worldorganic.us