ISO 29990 is an international standard designed to improve the quality of education and training services, ensuring that the needs of students and learners are effectively met. This standard provides a framework for managing the quality of educational and training services delivered by organizations and institutions.

 

About the Standard

ISO 29990 is a global standard aimed at enhancing the quality of education and training in various fields. It provides a general model for good practices in non-formal education and training, such as vocational training centers. This standard helps educational service providers build high-quality learning relationships with students and enhance the credibility and attractiveness of educational institutions to prospective students and clients.

By adhering to the ISO 29990 requirements, educational service providers can improve the quality of their services and gain international recognition.

 

Benefits of ISO 29990 Certification

• Enhances the quality of education through continuous monitoring of educational processes.

• Improves the credibility and reputation of educational institutions.

• Establishes a culture of organizational improvement.

• Demonstrates commitment to effective educational management practices.

• Increases student and customer satisfaction by promoting transparency in service delivery.

• Reduces processes that waste or lose resources.

• Focuses on the needs of students, including those with special needs.

• Increases the organization's credibility and competitive edge in the education and training sector.

• Ensures equal opportunities for all learners regardless of their background, race, gender, or abilities.

 

Requirements for ISO 29990 Certification

• The organization must be legally established, with a valid business license or legal entity.

• Commitment to applying the latest version of ISO 29990 standards.

• A documented and reliable management system.

• Staff training and qualification to fully understand ISO 29990 requirements and international standards.

• The ability to correct errors, implement preventive measures, and identify root causes through internal audit teams.

• Successful completion of an external audit with no significant non-conformities, leading to certification.

• Submission of a certification application to an accredited and internationally recognized certification body.

 

Organizations Interested in ISO 29990 Certification

1. Vocational Training Institutes: Offering specialized vocational training programs.

2. Training Centers: Providing various courses and training programs.

3. Special Education Centers: Offering educational services tailored to individuals with special needs.

4. Corporate Training Departments: Focused on developing employee skills.

5. Remote Learning Institutes: Providing training and education remotely.

6. Professional Training Centers: Offering industry-specific training and development programs.

 

Steps to Obtain ISO 29990 Certification

1. Employee Training: Staff are trained on ISO 29990 requirements through workshops and seminars to ensure a full understanding of the standard's objectives.

2. Internal Audit Team Qualification: The internal audit team is trained to audit and evaluate the quality management system within the institution.

3. Documentation: Policy, vision, mission, and objectives are documented, along with detailed procedures for the implementation of the quality management system.

4. Final Implementation: Implementing the system according to the documented procedures and conducting internal audits to ensure compliance.

5. External Audit and Certification: Requesting an external audit to assess the quality management system and granting certification if all requirements are met.

 

Requirements for Implementing ISO 29990 to Improve Educational Services Quality

1. Set a Committed Policy and Objectives: Institutions must develop a policy that aligns with ISO 29990 standards and defines clear objectives that support the policy.

2. Risk Assessment: Regularly analyze and evaluate risks related to educational services to identify weaknesses and develop strategies to address them.

3. Develop Procedures and Mechanisms: Institutions must establish precise procedures and effective mechanisms for managing the quality of educational services and ensuring consistency.

4. Implementation: Apply policies and procedures efficiently and effectively to manage educational quality.

5. Legal Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant local and international laws related to the educational sector.

6. Continuous Review: Institutions must conduct periodic internal and external reviews of the management system to ensure performance improvement and service quality.

 

Strong Steps for ISO 29990 Compliance

1. Apply for ISO 29990 Certification.

2. Conduct a two-stage audit of the institution’s management system, reviewed by certified auditors.

3. Hold opening and closing meetings to ensure the audit plan’s accuracy and resolve any organizational difficulties.

4. Prepare a comprehensive report on audit results and submit it to the certification committee for review.

5. Notify the organization of the certification process results and final feedback.

6. Implement corrective measures and review their effectiveness.

7. Award the certification after ensuring that corrective measures have been successfully implemented.

8. Conduct periodic monitoring of the management system by expert teams to assess implementation and control effectiveness.

 

Validity of ISO 29990 Certification

ISO 29990 certification is valid for three years. During this period, periodic audits are conducted to ensure the continuous application and effectiveness of the management system. These audits are divided as follows:

1. First-Year Audit: A preliminary review of documents and the organization’s scope to verify compliance with ISO 29990.

2. Second-Year Audit: A periodic audit to ensure continued system application, reviewing processes, and assessing improvements made.

3. Third-Year Audit: A final audit to confirm ongoing effective application and evaluate corrective actions taken.

After three years, organizations must undergo a new audit cycle to renew their certification. This includes updating documents and ensuring continuous system operation, which may involve additional costs.

 

Key Clauses of ISO 29990

• Learner Focus: The core of the educational management system is to meet and exceed the expectations of learners and other stakeholders.

• Wise Leadership: The success of educational organizations requires engaging all learners and stakeholders in defining and implementing the organization’s vision and goals.

• Individual Involvement: All relevant personnel should be competent, empowered, and engaged in adding value.

• Process Approach: Consistent and predictable results are achieved by managing activities as interrelated processes.

• Continuous Improvement: Successful organizations continuously focus on improving their performance.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Effective decisions are based on the analysis and evaluation of data and information.

• Relationship Management: Educational organizations must manage relationships with stakeholders transparently and accountably.

• Social Responsibility: Educational organizations operate sustainably and responsibly, following sustainability and social responsibility principles.

• Accessibility and Equity: Providing a transparent and flexible environment that meets learners’ needs and interests.

• Ethical Conduct in Education: Creating an ethical environment for fair interaction, avoiding conflicts of interest, and serving society.

• Data Security and Protection: Providing a secure environment that enables stakeholders to interact with the institution with confidence in the confidentiality of their data.

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Smart Innovations for Professional Consulting (SIFC): The Trusted Partner for ISO Certification Services

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SIFC is a trusted partner for organizations in their journey to obtain various ISO accreditation and quality certificates. We offer specialized consulting services to help these organizations understand the requirements of the needed certificate and implement the correct practices to achieve it. The company relies on a team of quality management experts accredited by IRCA, who have the experience and knowledge to help government agencies, institutions, factories, banks, and others maximize the benefits of obtaining the certificate. With a constant focus on providing innovative and results-oriented solutions, SIFC ensures the successful completion of all qualification stages, from gap analysis, system development, documentation, error correction, awareness, and training, to internal review, external audit, and obtaining the recognized international certificate and enhancing the organization’s profile in the international accreditation forum.