Introduction: Project Kick-off and Gap Analysis 

Introductory Tasks

1.1 ISO/IEC 17024 Kick-off and Awareness

Task: Organize Kick-off Meeting

• Description: Conduct a kick-off meeting to introduce the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 project to key stakeholders. Discuss objectives, scope, timelines, and responsibilities.
• Deliverables: Project plan, meeting agenda, and minutes.
• Meeting: Initial consultation with senior management, certification program heads, and implementation team.

1.2 Perform Gap Analysis

Task: Conduct Gap Analysis Against ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Requirements

• Description: Assess the current certification process, management system, and certification operations against ISO/IEC 17024:2012 requirements to identify gaps.
• Deliverables: Gap analysis report with identified non-conformities.
• Meeting: Present findings to senior management and certification teams.

Section 1: Certification Scheme Development and Documentation 

2.1 Develop Certification Scheme (ISO 17024 Clause 8.3)

Task: Define Certification Scheme and Requirements

• Description: Establish the certification scheme, specifying the competence requirements, exam methods, recertification policies, and qualification criteria for persons to be certified.
• Deliverables: Certification scheme document, competence requirements, and assessment criteria.
• Meeting: Review and approve the certification scheme with senior management and program heads.

2.2 Develop Certification Process Documentation (ISO 17024 Clauses 8.1 & 8.2)

Task: Document Certification Processes (Application, Examination, Decision)

• Description: Develop necessary documentation for the certification process, including application forms, examination procedures, evaluation methods, and decision-making criteria.
• Deliverables: Certification process documentation, application forms, examination guidelines.
• Meeting: Review certification process documentation with certification teams.

Section 2: Impartiality, Confidentiality, and Competence 

3.1 Establish Policies for Impartiality and Confidentiality (ISO 17024 Clause 4.3 & 5.1)

Task: Develop Impartiality and Confidentiality Policy

• Description: Create policies to ensure that the certification body operates impartially, without conflicts of interest, and maintains the confidentiality of candidate information.
• Deliverables: Impartiality and confidentiality policy.
• Meeting: Review policy with senior management, certification program managers, and relevant stakeholders.

3.2 Define Competence Requirements for Certification Personnel (ISO 17024 Clause 6.1)

Task: Establish Competence Criteria for Certification Personnel

• Description: Define the qualifications, experience, and skills required for personnel involved in the certification process, including evaluators and decision-makers.
• Deliverables: Competence matrix, job descriptions, and training plans.
• Meeting: Review competence criteria with HR and certification team leaders.

Section 3: Certification Process Implementation 

4.1 Implement Certification Procedures (ISO 17024 Clauses 9.1-9.5)

Task: Roll Out Certification Application and Assessment Procedures

• Description: Implement the certification procedures for receiving and processing applications, evaluating candidate qualifications, and conducting examinations or assessments.
• Deliverables: Certification procedure roll-out, candidate assessment guidelines, and records.
• Meeting: Train certification staff on new processes and tools.

4.2 Implement Certification Decision-Making Process (ISO 17024 Clause 9.5)

Task: Define and Implement the Certification Decision-Making Process

• Description: Establish a structured process for making certification decisions based on assessment outcomes, ensuring impartiality and fairness.
• Deliverables: Certification decision-making procedures and records.
• Meeting: Train decision-makers and review the decision-making process with relevant personnel.

Section 4: Control of Documents and Records 

5.1 Implement Document Control System (ISO 17024 Clause 10.1)

Task: Establish Procedures for Document Control

• Description: Implement a document control system to ensure all certification-related documents, policies, and records are reviewed, updated, and managed according to ISO 17024.
• Deliverables: Document control procedures and document register.
• Meeting: Train staff on the document control system.

5.2 Implement Record Keeping and Traceability (ISO 17024 Clause 10.2)

Task: Establish Procedures for Certification Record Control

• Description: Develop procedures to securely manage and retain records of certification activities, ensuring traceability of assessments and decisions.
• Deliverables: Record control procedures, record retention schedules.
• Meeting: Review procedures with the quality team and train staff on record management.

Section 5: Surveillance, Recertification, and Corrective Actions 

6.1 Implement Surveillance and Recertification Procedures (ISO 17024 Clause 9.6)

Task: Develop Procedures for Certification Surveillance and Recertification

• Description: Establish procedures for ongoing surveillance and recertification of certified persons to ensure continued competence and compliance with the certification scheme.
• Deliverables: Recertification procedures, surveillance schedules, and documentation.
• Meeting: Review recertification processes with certification teams and train staff.

6.2 Implement Non-Conformity and Corrective Action Procedures (ISO 17024 Clause 10.3)

Task: Develop Procedures for Managing Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions

• Description: Establish procedures to handle non-conformities in certification processes and implement corrective actions to address root causes.
• Deliverables: Non-conformance reports, corrective action plans.
• Meeting: Review corrective actions and non-conformity handling with senior management.

Section 6: Internal Audits and Management Review

7.1 Develop Internal Audit Program (ISO 17024 Clause 10.2)

Task: Create Internal Audit Plan

• Description: Develop an internal audit program to regularly assess the effectiveness of the certification body’s processes and compliance with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements.
• Deliverables: Internal audit plan, audit schedule, and checklist.
• Meeting: Review audit plan with internal auditors and certification management.

7.2 Conduct Internal Audits

Task: Perform Internal Audits

• Description: Conduct internal audits to evaluate the certification body’s adherence to ISO/IEC 17024 standards, including impartiality, confidentiality, and competence requirements.
• Deliverables: Internal audit reports, non-conformance reports.
• Meeting: Post-audit review meeting to discuss findings and corrective actions.

7.3 Conduct Management Review (ISO 17024 Clause 10.2)

Task: Perform Management Review of the Certification Body’s QMS

• Description: Conduct a management review to evaluate the performance of the certification body, including an analysis of audit results, recertification outcomes, and opportunities for improvement.
• Deliverables: Management review minutes and action plans.
• Meeting: Present findings and improvement plans to senior management.

Final Assessment: Certification Preparation and External Audit 

8.1 Conduct Pre-Certification Internal Audit

Task: Perform Pre-Certification Internal Audit

• Description: Conduct a final internal audit to ensure the certification body meets ISO/IEC 17024:2012 requirements and is ready for external accreditation.
• Deliverables: Pre-certification audit report, corrective action plans.
• Meeting: Final review meeting with senior management and the certification team.

8.2 Certification Body Selection and External Audit

Task: Select Certification Body and Schedule Certification Audit

• Description: Research and select an accredited certification body for ISO/IEC 17024. Schedule the external audit and ensure the organization is fully prepared.
• Deliverables: Certification body selection report, external audit schedule.
• Meeting: Final meeting with management and certification teams to confirm readiness for accreditation.

This 8-month project plan for ISO/IEC 17024:2012 implementation ensures a structured approach to achieving accreditation for bodies certifying persons. It covers key areas such as certification scheme development, impartiality, competence, certification processes, internal audits, and continual improvement, aligning the organization with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements for personnel certification bodies.