Following the publication of ISO/IEC 17024:2026 on 31 March 2026, this bulletin has been produced to update Certification Bodies (CBs) and stakeholders on the UKAS transition process and overall timelines for transitioning accreditation from ISO/IEC 17024:2012 to the revised standard. UKAS transition arrangements are aligned with the internationally agreed Global ACI transition requirements for ISO/IEC 17024:2026.
Summary of changes
The following summary highlights the principal changes introduced within ISO/IEC 17024:2026. It is not intended to be exhaustive and certification bodies are expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the revised standard and determine the impact on their certification schemes, processes and management systems.
Key changes include:
- Enhanced focus on fairness, security, comparability, validity and traceability throughout the certification lifecycle
- Expanded and updated terminology, including new and revised definitions relating to artificial intelligence (AI), bias, invigilation, recertification and other certification activities.
- New requirements addressing the use of artificial intelligence within certification processes, including governance, validation, monitoring, competence, human oversight, fairness and transparency.
- Strengthened impartiality requirements, including consideration of risks associated with AI-enabled decision-making and outsourced activities.
- Enhanced competence requirements for personnel involved in certification activities, including determination, monitoring and evaluation of competence.
- More explicit requirements relating to examination development, delivery, monitoring and maintenance of examination integrity.
- Expanded requirements for examination security and controls, particularly where remote technologies or technology-enabled assessment methods are utilised.
- Additional requirements relating to recertification and maintaining confidence in the continuing competence of certified persons.
- Greater emphasis on information management, digital systems, records control and protection of certification data.
- Increased focus on risk-based thinking, governance, monitoring and continual improvement throughout certification operations.
Timeline:
| Date | Milestone / Activity |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2026 | ISO/IEC 17024:2026 published |
| April 2026 - March 2027 | UKAS preparation and assessor awareness activities |
| 31 March 2027 | Accreditation Bodies ready to assess against ISO/IEC 17024:2026 |
| 31 March 2028 | Certification Bodies to submit transition declaration and supporting evidence to UKAS |
| 31 March 2029 | Transition of accredited certification bodies to ISO/IEC 17024:2026 to be completed |
| 31 March 2029 | Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024:2012 ceases to be valid worldwide and all accredited certification activity must be undertaken against ISO/IEC 17024:2026 |
The above dates reflect the Global ACI transition requirements approved internationally for the transition to ISO/IEC 17024:2026.
UKAS transition process for accredited Inspection Bodies
UKAS will implement the transition requirements in accordance with the Global ACI mandatory transition document. Accredited certification bodies are expected to undertake a structured review of the revised standard, identify all changes relevant to their activities and implement the necessary modifications to their management systems, certification schemes and operational processes.
Certification bodies will be required to:
- Undertake a documented review and gap analysis against ISO/IEC 17024:2026.
- Establish and implement a transition plan.
- Review certification documentation, procedures and schemes.
- Evaluate competence requirements arising from the revised standard.
- Implement any required controls relating to artificial intelligence.
- Review examination development, delivery, invigilation and security arrangements.
- Demonstrate implementation and effectiveness of all changes prior to transition.
- Submit a declaration of readiness and supporting evidence to UKAS.
UKAS assessments undertaken during the transition period will evaluate both implementation of the revised requirements and the effectiveness of those arrangements. Transition decisions will be based upon assessment of the certification body’s transition activities and supporting evidence. The transition process is not based solely upon a declaration of conformity.
Particular attention is expected to be paid to:
- AI governance, validation and oversight.
- Fairness and avoidance of bias.
- Examination and assessment security.
- Monitoring of examiners, invigilators and decision makers.
- Recertification arrangements.
- Risk management and impartiality controls.
- Information security and protection of certification records.
- Demonstration of competence throughout certification activities.
Transition activities will normally be incorporated into routine surveillance, reassessment or other scheduled assessment activity wherever practicable. Additional assessment activity may be conducted where UKAS determines it is necessary to establish confidence in implementation of the revised requirements.
Following a successful transition decision, UKAS will issue an updated accreditation certificate and schedule referencing ISO/IEC 17024:2026. Accreditation dates and UKAS reference numbers will remain unchanged. This approach is consistent with the Global ACI transition requirements.
Certification bodies that have not completed transition by 31 March 2029 will no longer be permitted to claim accreditation against ISO/IEC 17024:2012.
UKAS transition process for applicant Inspection Bodies
Applicants seeking accreditation for certification of persons should design and implement their systems in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024:2026.
Applications submitted after UKAS commences operation of the transition programme may be assessed directly against ISO/IEC 17024:2026. Applicants that have commenced accreditation activities under ISO/IEC 17024:2012 will be required to transition to the revised standard in accordance with the internationally agreed transition timetable.
Applicants should ensure that particular consideration is given to:
- Use of AI within certification activities.
- Security and integrity of examinations.
- Fairness and accessibility.
- Competence management.
- Recertification arrangements.
- Risk and impartiality management.
- Digital information and records management.
Further details and contact
Further details regarding the transition, implementation expectations and supporting documentation will be published within the UKAS customer area and communicated directly to accredited certification bodies.
Supporting resources include:
- ISO/IEC 17024:2026 Transition Technical Bulletin.
- ISO/IEC 17024:2026 Gap Analysis Template.
- ISO/IEC 17024:2026 UKAS Awareness Course and supporting materials.
- Global ACI Transition Requirements for ISO/IEC 17024:2026.
Queries regarding the transition process should be directed to the Certification Body’s appointed Assessment Manager.