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ANAB's Transition Plan for ANSI/ASTM E2659 Standard

In a significant announcement, the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) has unveiled a comprehensive one-year transition plan aimed at certificate issuers. This initiative is in response to the release of the updated ANSI/ASTM E2659-24 standard, which is designed to improve the quality and administration of certificate programs. The transition period is set to commence in February 2025 and conclude in January 2026.

Overview of the Updated ANSI/ASTM E2659-24 Standard

The ANSI/ASTM E2659-24 standard supersedes the previous ANSI/ASTM E2659-18 version, providing enhanced guidelines for certificate issuers and stakeholders. The new version not only introduces five additional terms but also clarifies several existing definitions, enhancing comprehension and application.

Key changes in the updated standard focus on critical areas such as exam security, the integration of artificial intelligence in assessment processes, provisions for learner accommodations, ensuring impartiality among personnel, and methodologies for effective program evaluation. These enhancements reflect an understanding of the evolving landscape of certification and the need for innovative approaches to education and assessment.

Training and Resources for Certificate Issuers

To assist accredited certificate issuers during this transition, ANAB will be hosting a series of workshops and webinars. These sessions are designed to ensure that certificate providers fully understand the updated requirements of ANSI/ASTM E2659-24 and begin to integrate them into their existing programs.

Issuers are also encouraged to develop a personalized transition plan that outlines necessary changes and an appropriate timeline for implementation. This proactive approach will help organizations adapt to the new standards without hindrance.

Implementation Timeline

The structured timeline for the implementation is as follows:

• - February 2025: Commencement of the transition period.
• - June 15, 2025: Application materials for ANSI/ASTM E2659-24 will be publicly available.
• - Organizations may start applying under the new standard post-June 15, 2025.
• - December 31, 2025: Applications under the previous ANSI/ASTM E2659-18 standard will no longer be accepted.
• - December 31, 2026: All accredited organizations must demonstrate compliance with the new standard during their annual surveillance assessments.

The Role of ANAB

As a leading accreditation body, ANAB plays a vital role in endorsing effective quality management systems across various sectors. Recognized for its adherence to ISO/IEC 17011 standards, ANAB's Certificate Accreditation Program (CAP) ensures that certificate issuers maintain high standards of quality and reliability in their offerings.

Conclusion

In summary, the updated ANSI/ASTM E2659-24 standard marks a pivotal move towards enhancing the integrity and effectiveness of certification programs. As organizations align themselves with the new guidelines, they not only improve their offerings but also contribute to the credibility and value of certifications in the broader market. For further details about the ANAB Certificate Accreditation Program, interested parties can reach out to Caitlin O'Connell, senior accreditation manager, or visit the CAP webpage for updates and resources.