ITCC June Education Session - Panel Discussion on accreditation

Summary

The video script features a panel discussion on the topic of accreditation in certification programs. Panelists from various organizations, including Microsoft, the Linux Foundation, and CompTIA, share their experiences and insights on the value and challenges of accreditation, the importance of maintaining standards, and the potential for innovation within the industry. The conversation highlights the balance between adhering to rigorous standards and pushing the envelope to improve and evolve certification practices.

Takeaways

• 📅 The ITCC meeting will be held at SAS headquarters in Cary, North Carolina on November 6-7, with registration opening on August 1.
• 🎉 The panel discussion featured a range of perspectives on accreditation, including representatives from Microsoft, the Linux Foundation, Criterion, Alpine Testing, and CompTIA.
• 🛂 The importance of accreditation lies in providing an independent validation of the certification process, thus lending credibility to the assertion of an individual's professional competence.
• 🚫 The 17024 standard, which accreditation is based on, prohibits a training program from being too closely tied to a certification program to maintain independence and avoid mandating training as a prerequisite for certification.
• 🔄 There is a shift towards more flexibility in accreditation standards, allowing organizations to innovate while still meeting the established criteria.
• 💡 The panel suggested that organizations should be prepared to defend their methodologies and demonstrate how they meet accreditation standards, even if they differ from traditional approaches.
• 📈 Microsoft's experience with accreditation highlighted the rigorous standards and the potential for using these as a guide to improve program quality, even without current accreditation.
• 📊 Data and evidence play a crucial role in demonstrating the effectiveness and validity of new or innovative approaches to certification and exam development.
• 🛑 The cost and effort of maintaining accreditation can be burdensome, and organizations must weigh the benefits against these demands, as seen in Microsoft's decision to not pursue accreditation.
• 🤝 The panel encouraged open communication and willingness to challenge the status quo in accreditation, pushing for innovation while adhering to high standards.
• 🔑 Accurate documentation and clear policies are essential for organizations seeking accreditation or looking to innovate within the certification landscape.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the discussion in the video script?

The main topic of the discussion is accreditation in the context of certification programs, with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of various organizations such as the Linux Foundation, CompTIA, and Microsoft.

Why is accreditation important for certification bodies?

Accreditation is important as it provides an independent validation of the certification process, lending additional credibility to the assertion that an individual or organization has met a minimum threshold of professional competence.

What does the 17024 standard refer to in the context of this discussion?

The 17024 standard, now known as ANAB, refers to the accreditation criteria for organizations that certify personnel. It ensures that the certification process is rigorous, fair, and valid.

Why did the Linux Foundation initially decide against pursuing accreditation?

The Linux Foundation initially decided against accreditation because their clients were not asking for it and were not familiar with what it entailed, making it hard to justify the process and documentation required for accreditation.

What are some of the challenges organizations face when seeking accreditation?

Some challenges include conducting a job task analysis with a broad and diverse representation, maintaining thorough documentation, adhering to the standard's requirements, and demonstrating ongoing compliance with the standard.

How does CompTIA benefit from being accredited?

CompTIA benefits from accreditation by meeting a requirement of certain organizations for doing business, providing internal discipline to their operations, and offering a solid onboarding experience for new staff members.

What was Microsoft's reason for initially pursuing accreditation?

Microsoft initially pursued accreditation because of a directive from the Department of Defense (DoD) that required accredited certifications to be listed for specific roles in the military, primarily related to security.

Why did Microsoft decide to drop their accreditation?

Microsoft decided to drop their accreditation due to the lack of return on investment they were seeing and the burdensome annual renewal requirements, which were not justified by the benefits they were receiving.

What is the role of a consultant when an organization is seeking accreditation?

A consultant can help guide an organization through the accreditation process, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards and documentation requirements. However, it's important that the consultant is willing to push the envelope and support the organization's innovative approaches.

How can an organization demonstrate its commitment to quality without accreditation?

An organization can demonstrate its commitment to quality by adhering to industry best practices and standards, such as those outlined in the ISO or NCCA standards, and by maintaining rigorous internal processes and documentation.

What is the potential drawback of the accreditation process for innovative organizations?

The potential drawback is that the accreditation process may stifle innovation by imposing strict rules and standards that can be difficult for organizations to adhere to while also pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable in the industry.