Standards Framework
The Professional
Standards
Framework.
The flagship standards document for professional certification bodies and training providers. Currently at version PSF-2026.1.
Framework Structure
Ten core
chapters.
Organizational Governance & Independence
Requirements for legal status, governance bodies, conflict-of-interest controls, and operational independence.
Scheme Design & Approval
Requirements for designing certification or training schemes, including job analysis, competency mapping, and stakeholder consultation.
Examinations & Assessment Integrity
Standards for item development, test construction, exam delivery, proctoring, and post-administration analysis.
Digital Credentials & Verifiable Records
Technical and operational requirements for issuing verifiable digital credentials.
Continuing Professional Development
Requirements for CPD policies, recognition of learning, and recertification controls.
Ethics & Disciplinary Procedures
Code of ethics for credential holders, complaints handling, and disciplinary procedures.
Impartiality, Confidentiality & Data Protection
Impartiality safeguards, confidentiality controls, and data-protection compliance.
Resources, Personnel & Assessor Competence
Requirements for staff competence, training, and assessor qualification programs.
Internal Audit & Management Review
Internal audit programs, management review, and continual improvement.
Risk Management & Business Continuity
Enterprise risk management, business continuity, and incident response.
Standards Family
Supporting
documents.
ICPA Code of Ethics
v3.0Code of ethics applicable to ICPA staff, assessors, and accredited bodies.
Examination Integrity Guideline
v2.1Best-practice guidance on examination security and remote proctoring.
Digital Credentials Standard
v1.2Technical standard for issuing verifiable digital credentials.
Risk-Based Surveillance Methodology
v2.0Methodology for risk-based surveillance of accredited bodies.
Cross-Border Recognition Framework
v1.5Framework governing mutual recognition arrangements.
Appeals & Complaints Procedure
v3.1Procedure governing appeals and complaints handling.
Standards Lifecycle
How standards
evolve.
Horizon Scanning
Continuous monitoring of regulatory, technological, and market developments affecting professional certification.
Working Group Drafting
Domain-specific working groups draft proposed changes with input from stakeholder advisory panels.
Public Consultation
Draft revisions are released for 90-day public consultation. All comments are logged and addressed.
Standards Committee Approval
The Standards Committee reviews consultation outcomes and recommends approval to the Board.
Board Adoption & Transition
The Board adopts updated standards with a defined transition period (typically 12 – 24 months) for accredited bodies.