For Immediate Release

Washington, D.C. – July 10, 2023 – The newly formed Web3 Certification Board (W3CB) has been established to develop accredited certifications and standards in blockchain technology, distributed ledgers, and related decentralized technologies. 

The W3CB will create certifications aligned with international standards from ANSI and ISO/IEC 17024. This ensures W3CB certifications will meet global requirements for personnel certification programs. Course completion certificates are not the same as accredited certifications, which require independent oversight and renewal requirements.

“There is tremendous demand for trusted, vendor-neutral certifications that validate blockchain skills and knowledge,” said Bryant Nielson, CEO of the Web3 Certification Board. “Our certifications will provide employers, professionals, and consumers confidence in certified blockchain and web3 experts.” 

The W3CB will start by developing foundational certifications around blockchain fundamentals. More specialized tracks will follow, along with assessments that align with industry needs and standards. Programs will be structured to be globally consistent yet locally relevant.

“Completing a blockchain course is just the first step,” added Nielson. “Individuals need to prove they have mastered the skills through independent certification testing. That’s what the W3CB will provide.”

The W3CB plans to have its first certifications available by Q3 2023. It will work closely with industry leaders and experts to ensure programs stay current. Renewal requirements will also help certified individuals demonstrate ongoing learning and development.

 

About the Web3 Certification Board (W3CB)
More information can be found at www.w3cb.org

The Web3 Certification Board (W3CB) is an organization established to develop rigorous, accredited certifications in blockchain technology and related decentralized systems. As blockchain adoption accelerates, demand has grown for trusted certification programs that validate expertise and capabilities in this specialized field. The W3CB was formed to create comprehensive, globally-consistent certifications aligned with international standards and industry needs.

Press Contact Disclaimer
press@w3cb.org 

The Web3 Certification Board (W3CB) accepts press inquiries regarding the organization, its certifications, and related matters. All statements and information provided by the W3CB’s press contacts are solely for informational purposes. This communication does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. W3CB press contacts cannot advise individuals on certification or career decisions. All certification and career decisions should be made independently with advice from appropriate licensed professionals. All business and contractual decisions are at the full discretion and responsibility of relevant stakeholders. The W3CB makes no warranties or guarantees, express or implied, related to any statements by its press contacts.

Achieving ISO 17024 and ANSI accreditation is a significant accomplishment for any certifying body. However, the journey towards this goal can be laden with challenges. From understanding the complexities of the requirements to implementing them effectively, it demands substantial resources, meticulous planning, and a commitment to excellence. This final article in the series explores common obstacles faced during this process and offers practical solutions to overcome them, ensuring a smoother path toward accreditation.

Challenge 1: Understanding the ISO 17024 and ANSI Requirements

ISO 17024 and ANSI accreditation standards are comprehensive and detailed. They cover multiple aspects of the certification process, from the development of certification schemes to examination procedures and management systems.

Solution: Thoroughly studying and understanding the standards are crucial. Consider seeking expert advice or training on ISO 17024 and ANSI accreditation requirements. Also, use the guidance documents provided by ISO and ANSI, which offer detailed explanations and practical advice.

Challenge 2: Developing Robust Certification Schemes

Creating certification schemes that effectively assess professional competence is a challenging task. The scheme needs to cover all essential skills, knowledge, or abilities related to the certification, which can vary considerably based on the industry or profession.

Solution: Engage subject matter experts (SMEs) from the relevant industry or profession to aid in the development of the certification schemes. SMEs can provide valuable insights into the required competencies, ensuring the certification aligns with industry needs and expectations.

Challenge 3: Implementing Fair and Impartial Procedures

Ensuring fairness and impartiality in the certification process can be a complex task. The certifying body must ensure that its processes do not favor certain applicants or discriminate against others.

Solution: Develop clear policies and procedures that explicitly emphasize fairness and impartiality. Include checks and balances, such as periodic reviews and audits, to ensure these principles are upheld. Involving independent parties in key decisions can also aid in preventing potential bias.

Challenge 4: Ensuring Continuous Improvement Post-Accreditation

ISO 17024 and ANSI require certifying bodies to demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. However, maintaining this ongoing commitment post-accreditation can be demanding.

Solution: Implement a robust quality management system that includes regular audits, feedback mechanisms, and procedures for corrective actions. Encourage a culture of continual improvement within the organization, emphasizing the importance of regular self-evaluation and constant enhancement of the certification process.

Challenge 5: Resource Management

Achieving ISO 17024 and ANSI accreditation requires considerable resources, including time, personnel, and finances. Smaller organizations, in particular, may struggle with the allocation of these resources.

Solution: Plan meticulously, outlining a realistic timetable and budget for the accreditation process. Consider seeking external funding or partnerships if necessary. Allocate specific roles and responsibilities to personnel involved in the process, ensuring adequate resources are devoted to the task.

In conclusion, while the journey towards ISO 17024 and ANSI accreditation may present challenges, they are not insurmountable. With careful planning, dedicated resources, a deep understanding of the requirements, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, these hurdles can be successfully overcome. The resulting benefits, including enhanced credibility, international recognition, and the ability to issue globally accepted certifications, make this journey a worthy endeavor for any certifying body.

In an era defined by rapidly evolving industries and increasing competition, professionals must continually validate and develop their skills. Certifications play a crucial role in this process, providing a measure of knowledge, competence, and commitment to excellence. Particularly, certifications adhering to ISO 17024 and the ANSI model carry significant weight, offering globally recognized benchmarks of professional ability. This article explores the importance of these certifications for individual career growth and progression in the dynamic global workforce.

ISO 17024 Certifications: A Badge of Global Competence

ISO 17024, as a globally recognized standard for personal certification, provides professionals a significant advantage. Holding an ISO 17024 certified credential essentially means that the professional’s skills, knowledge, and competence are recognized anywhere in the world. The reason lies in the rigorous process of ISO 17024 accreditation, which mandates that certification bodies maintain a high level of consistency, impartiality, and quality in their assessment methods.

By obtaining an ISO 17024 certified credential, professionals demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices and continuous improvement. This commitment makes them stand out in the crowd, enhancing their credibility in the eyes of employers and industry peers. Moreover, because the standard is recognized internationally, it opens doors to a myriad of global opportunities, transcending geographical limitations that might have existed otherwise.

The Assurance of ANSI Model Certifications

While ISO 17024 ensures global recognition, the ANSI model provides an additional level of assurance within the U.S. As the U.S. representative to ISO, ANSI has the authority to accredit certification bodies that meet ISO 17024 requirements, reinforcing their credibility.

For professionals, holding an ANSI-accredited certification signifies that they have met internationally recognized standards. This recognition can enhance their professional standing within the U.S., and also internationally, given ANSI’s commitment to adhering to ISO 17024 standards. Thus, ANSI model certifications can be instrumental in paving the way for career advancement and increased professional visibility.

A Game-Changer in the Evolving World of Work

In the modern, globalized world of work, the value of certifications cannot be overstated. However, not all certifications are created equal. Those adhering to ISO 17024 and the ANSI model are particularly potent, offering a validated measure of a professional’s skills and knowledge. They serve as an indicator of a professional’s commitment to quality, continual learning, and adherence to recognized standards of competence.

The ability to demonstrate such a commitment can be a significant differentiator in competitive job markets. It can position professionals as desirable candidates for promotion or new roles, leading to potential career advancement opportunities. Moreover, in industries where keeping pace with technological advancements and evolving best practices is essential, these certifications provide a structure for ongoing professional development.

In conclusion, ISO 17024 and ANSI model certifications are not just about gaining a credential; they’re about asserting professional competence, showcasing commitment to excellence, and driving career growth. For professionals navigating the evolving world of work, they can indeed be a game-changer.

In an era defined by rapidly evolving industries and increasing competition, professionals must continually validate and develop their skills. Certifications play a crucial role in this process, providing a measure of knowledge, competence, and commitment to excellence. Particularly, certifications adhering to ISO 17024 and the ANSI model carry significant weight, offering globally recognized benchmarks of professional ability. This article explores the importance of these certifications for individual career growth and progression in the dynamic global workforce.

ISO 17024 Certifications: A Badge of Global Competence

ISO 17024, as a globally recognized standard for person certification, provides professionals a significant advantage. Holding an ISO 17024 certified credential essentially means that the professional’s skills, knowledge, and competence are recognized anywhere in the world. The reason lies in the rigorous process of ISO 17024 accreditation, which mandates that certification bodies maintain a high level of consistency, impartiality, and quality in their assessment methods.

By obtaining an ISO 17024 certified credential, professionals demonstrate their commitment to industry best practices and continuous improvement. This commitment makes them stand out in the crowd, enhancing their credibility in the eyes of employers and industry peers. Moreover, because the standard is recognized internationally, it opens doors to a myriad of global opportunities, transcending geographical limitations that might have existed otherwise.

The Assurance of ANSI Model Certifications

While ISO 17024 ensures global recognition, the ANSI model provides an additional level of assurance within the U.S. As the U.S. representative to ISO, ANSI has the authority to accredit certification bodies that meet ISO 17024 requirements, reinforcing their credibility.

For professionals, holding an ANSI-accredited certification signifies that they have met internationally recognized standards. This recognition can enhance their professional standing within the U.S., and also internationally, given ANSI’s commitment to adhering to ISO 17024 standards. Thus, ANSI model certifications can be instrumental in paving the way for career advancement and increased professional visibility.

A Game-Changer in the Evolving World of Work

In the modern, globalized world of work, the value of certifications cannot be overstated. However, not all certifications are created equal. Those adhering to ISO 17024 and the ANSI model are particularly potent, offering a validated measure of a professional’s skills and knowledge. They serve as an indicator of a professional’s commitment to quality, continual learning, and adherence to recognized standards of competence.

The ability to demonstrate such a commitment can be a significant differentiator in competitive job markets. It can position professionals as desirable candidates for promotion or new roles, leading to potential career advancement opportunities. Moreover, in industries where keeping pace with technological advancements and evolving best practices is essential, these certifications provide a structure for ongoing professional development.

In conclusion, ISO 17024 and ANSI model certifications are not just about gaining a credential; they’re about asserting professional competence, showcasing commitment to excellence, and driving career growth. For professionals navigating the evolving world of work, they can indeed be a game-changer.

Professional certification acts as a bridge between individuals seeking to validate their skills and organizations requiring a certain level of competence in their industry. In this context, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) play a pivotal role in defining the criteria that make these certifications credible and valuable. This article aims to present a comprehensive introduction to ISO 17024 and the ANSI model, fundamental standards in the field of certification, discussing their purpose, implications, and value for organizations and professionals.

ISO 17024: Establishing Global Benchmarks for Certifications

ISO 17024 is a globally recognized standard that sets specific procedures and requirements for a certifying body. Developed by the ISO, it aims to increase the overall quality, transparency, and international recognition of certifications. The goal is to make them more meaningful and relevant to employers, professionals, and stakeholders.

The standard ensures that certifications reflect real-world needs and are awarded based on a standardized set of criteria. It allows employers and consumers to trust that a certified professional has achieved a certain level of competence in their field.

ISO 17024 covers essential aspects of a certification program, such as the examination process, assessment methods, and the management system used by the certifying body. It also mandates ongoing improvement to ensure that certifications remain relevant as the industry needs to change. Furthermore, it emphasizes impartiality, ensuring that the certification process is fair and unbiased.

The ANSI Model: Aligning U.S. Certifications with Global Standards

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) model is a vital component within the U.S., providing an accreditation framework that aligns with ISO requirements. ANSI, a private non-profit organization, is the U.S. representative of ISO and plays a crucial role in bridging the U.S. economy to the international market.

ANSI accredits certifying bodies that have demonstrated adherence to the ISO 17024 standard and ANSI’s accreditation rules. It helps ensure that the procedures, management systems, and personnel qualifications of these bodies meet the globally recognized benchmarks set by ISO. ANSI accreditation, thus, adds another level of credibility to certifications, particularly within the U.S.

The Mutual Importance of ISO 17024 and ANSI

ISO 17024 and the ANSI model complement each other in establishing credibility and recognition for certifications. The global nature of ISO 17024 ensures that certifications are recognized internationally, breaking down geographical barriers for certified professionals. On the other hand, ANSI accreditation strengthens this credibility within the U.S., aligning it with international standards and ensuring its acceptability in the domestic market.

These standards play a crucial role in defining what it means to be a certified professional. They ensure that certifications are based on consistent, impartial, and fair evaluations of competence. This not only benefits professionals seeking to validate their skills but also organizations and employers looking to hire competent and skilled individuals.

As we proceed to delve deeper into this topic in the following articles, we’ll explore the impacts of these standards on professional development, and business growth, and how they shape our global economy. Through this exploration, the value of ISO 17024 and ANSI model certifications will become apparent, demonstrating their importance in driving standards and excellence in the professional world.