ISO 29993:2017 specifies requirements for learning services outside formal education, including all types of life-long learning (e.g. vocational training and in-company training, either outsourced or in-house). These include any learning services provided by a learning service provider (LSP) that are addressed to learners themselves, as well as to sponsors who are acquiring the services on behalf of the learners. The key features of these kinds of services are that the goals of learning are defined and the services are evaluated, and that they involve interaction with the learner. The learning can be face-to-face, mediated by technology, or a blend of both.
This standard is not aimed at schools, colleges and universities providing learning services as part of a formal education system, but it can be useful to them as a tool for reflection and self-evaluation.
ISO 29993:2017 focuses on the competency of LSPs. It is intended to assist organizations and individuals to select an LSP who will meet the organization's needs and expectations for competency and capability development and can be used to certify LSPs.
·
Align various elements of
learning services, including advertising, information provided to learners,
needs analysis, design, assessment and evaluation, for the purpose of improving
the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of learning services.
·
Enhance the credibility of
learning services.
·
Provide a model for
improving learning services that can be shared within an organization.
·
Provide an internationally
recognized instrument that demonstrates the reliability and quality of learning
services.
ISO 21001 standard applies to all levels of
educational institute, basically into formal education types and their
associated products & services. It can be applied to educational
organizations within larger organizations whose core business is not education,
such as professional training departments.
Any organization that uses a curriculum of
competence through teaching, learning, or research to support the development
of the learners can acquire ISO 21001 certificate. The training department of
whose core business is not Education can also take the certification.
Non-formal education refers to education that occurs outside the formal education from schools, colleges, and universities. It includes sports or fitness programs, extracurricular activities like dancing, singing, and acting, etc.
ISO 29993 is a voluntary standard. Though, implementing ISO 29990 endeavours quality of non-formal education and develop the scope in LSPs (Learning service providers).
The cycle of the certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of certification, subject to the successful conduct of surveillance audits before completion of the 1st & 2nd year respectively.
