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How Does it Work?
Conformity assessment certification is the process of evaluating and verifying whether a product, service, or system meets specific requirements or standards. The process typically involves a series of tests, inspections, and audits conducted by an independent third-party organization.
The IECEx system provides global consistency in certification through a unified set of standardised rules, procedures and Certificate formats adhered to by all IECEx appointed Certification Bodies (ExCBs). These IECEx bodies are responsible for conducting tests and issuing IECEx Certificates of Conformity (CoCs), Ex Test Reports (ExTRs), and Quality Assessment Reports (QARs). Applications for IECEx Certificates of Conformity are made directly to the IECEx Certification Bodies.
Conformity assessment certification can be a complex process, and the specific steps involved may vary depending on the product, service, or system being evaluated. However, the basic principles of the process remain the same, with the goal of ensuring that products, services, or personnel meet established international standards and regulations.
Certificates and licences issued by all IECEx ExCBs are listed on the official IECEx website (Certificates and Licenses), making it easy for end users, manufacturers, and regulators to find and confirm the certification status of equipment (including assemblies), components, services or personnel.
Operational Model
The fundamental strength, the same as that for all of the IEC Conformity Assessment Systems, consists in the fact that the IECEx creates the essential confidence needed for worldwide acceptance of test and certification results.
The way it does this via two key "pillars":
Pillar 1 - Predefined and harmonized operational rules and procedures and a common interpretation of the standards used.
The first pillar creates the conditions for consistent, reproducible and comparable results. It is based on the use of common predefined rules and procedures and a common interpretation of the standards being used.
Supporting the first pillar in the IECEx is a management group called the ExTAG (Ex Testing and Assessment Group).
Much of the ExTAG’s time is devoted to determining best practices for testing against specific standards.
Much effort also goes into developing a common application of the standards.
All of this is then recorded in in rules and operational documents (ODs). These ODs become the basis for ensuring that work is done in the same way, all over the world.
Pillar 2 - Peer assessment checking capabilities and adherence to the operational rules and procedures.
The second pillar ensures that those doing the testing and certification have the qualifications, competencies and capability to do the work correctly. It also ensures that the work is performed in the same manner by all, according to the common rules and procedures of the first pillar.
It is achieved through a robust operational model of peer assessement where the the Ex Certification Bodies and the Ex Testing Laboratories themselves assess each other.
These are not only quality management system auditors but rather testing and operational experts, who perform the exact same work that they are assessing in others. Every Ex Testing Laboratory and Ex Certification Body participates in peer assessment, and is peer assessed by others, in this same way.
Peer assessment is based on the concept that a larger and more diverse group of persons are more likely to identify weaknesses and errors in an organization and its performance. This group, supported by appropriate procedures, is able to make a more impartial evaluation of the organization’s ability to conduct specific work or achieve the level of performance required.