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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Certification of Personnel Competencies Scheme
The IECEx Secretariat have compiled the following FAQs for the certification of personnnel scheme (CoPC), which are based on questions from Ex Industry, and Users. The information provided in the FAQs will be helpful for those new to IECEx. If your question has not been addressed in this FAQs, please do not hesitate to contact the IECEx Secretariat at Contact us.
Are IECEx Recognized Training Providers (RTPs) able to issue IECEx Certificates of Personnel Competence at the completion of training?
No, only IECEx Certification Bodies are permitted to issue IECEx Certificates of Personnel Competence and only after an assessment of competence has been satisfactorily completed according to IECEx OD 503. Training, along with experience and other skills and knowledge, is an input to competence however completion of training does not guarantee a person’s competence (being a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results). IECEx RTPs are permitted to issue a Record of Training after completion of training BUT this cannot be used to claim IECEx Certification.
Can an organization be both an IECEx Recognized Training Providers (RTPs) AND an accepted IECEx Certification Body?
Yes, but only if they ensure impartiality in all training and certification activities and operations – for example, organization staff that are involved in training a person cannot be involved in the decision to subsequently certify that person. More information about impartiality is provided in ISO/IEC 17024.
Does IECEx Certification of Personnel Competence automatically and fully qualifies the certificate holder to access and conduct work on any site in any industry in any country?
No, IECEx Certification usually does not provide automatic access and satisfaction of all requirements because these typically vary from site to site, industry to industry and country to country. IECEx Certification can however be used to satisfy some or all of the requirements for elements that are common across companies, sites and countries.
If a person holds certification under any other Scheme for Personnel Certification can they use this as ‘advanced standing’ or ‘recognition of prior learning (RPL)’ to avoid the need for a formal assessment for IECEx Certification?
No, all persons applying for IECEx Certification need to complete a full assessment according to IECEx OD 503 requirements. Records of other certification, training, etcetera may however be used to satisfy the minimum requirements for application for IECEx Certification as defined in IECEx OD 502.
Why does the IECEx Certificates of Personnel Competence Scheme NOT issue certificates for specific jobs, positions or roles common in industry?
As the requirements of jobs, positions or roles vary across industries, companies and countries it is not possible to completely satisfy these for all industries, companies and countries. The Units of Competence that serve as the bases for IECEx Certificates of Personnel Competence Scheme are instead based on work functions and activities that are covered by different IEC Standards (such as IEC 60079-14, IEC 60079-17 and IEC 60079-19) and different combinations of Units enable each person to be certified according to their skill sets, to local industry or regulatory requirements or to complement or partially satisfy licensing requirements in particular countries or industries.
How long does the IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence last?
IECEx CoPC certification is typically valid for 5 years. You will need to undergo re-assessment to renew it.
What does the IECEx Certification of Personnel Compentence process involve?
The process includes assessing your practical skills and knowledge through both written exams and practical assessments in your area of expertise. You would need to contact an approved Ex Certification Body for the Personnel Competency Scheme to investigate further information such as assessment locations, duration and cost.