ISO/IEC 17020 vs ISO/IEC 17024: Key Differences Explained
In today’s quality-driven and highly regulated industries, demonstrating competence is essential. Organizations must not only prove that their processes are reliable, but also that their people are qualified. While ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024 fall under conformity assessment, both of these internationally recognized standards serve very different purposes: one assures the credibility of inspection bodies, and the other validates the competence of individuals. Understanding these differences helps organizations choose the right path to accreditation, improve trust, and strengthen their competitive position.
Key Difference Between ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024
Simply put, ISO/IEC 17020 applies to the organization performing the inspection; whereas, ISO/IEC 17024 applies to the organization that certifies a person’s skills.
What Are ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024?
ISO/IEC 17020 is the international standard for inspection bodies. It establishes requirements for organizations that evaluate products, services, or processes to determine whether they meet specified requirements. Inspection bodies operating under ISO/IEC 17020 are responsible for making objective conformity decisions, often based on professional judgment rather than purely measurable data.
ISO/IEC 17024 applies to certification bodies for persons. It defines how organizations should assess and certify individuals to assure they possess the required skills, knowledge, and competence ISO/IEC 17024 assures that professional certifications are credible, consistent, and globally recognized.
What Is New in the 2026 Editions of ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024?
The 2026 updates to ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024, published in March 2026, modernize standards for inspection and personnel certification bodies. ISO/IEC 17020:2026 introduces significant updates, including a shift to Type A/Type non-A independence, enhanced risk-based requirements, and a new focus on data control.
Furthermore, ISO/IEC 17024:2026 introducing mandatory requirements for artificial intelligence (AI) in certification processes, strengthened impartiality, and improved remote examination protocols. It enhances impartiality, risk management, and aligns with current CASCO (Committee on Conformity Assessment) common elements for international consistency.
Together, these updated standards strengthen trust, transparency, and global recognition in conformity assessment.
What Is the Difference Between ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024?
ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024 are international standards for different conformity assessments: one or more activities that demonstrate standards (or more generally, specified requirements) are fulfilled.
ISO/IEC 17020:2026 — Conformity Assessment – Requirements for Bodies Performing Inspection
ISO/IEC 17020 defines requirements for the competence and impartiality of bodies performing inspections of products, services, or processes. The standard involves a “third-party” agency verifying a physical item or process. It assures the processes, equipment, and reporting are robust. For example, ISO/IEC 17020 sets requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspections (e.g., lift inspectors), focusing on technical judgment.
ISO/IEC 17024:2026 — Conformity Assessment – General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification of Persons
ISO/IEC 17024 outlines requirements for bodies certifying individuals, assuring their skills and knowledge are verified fairly. This standard involves verifying that a person possesses the skills and knowledge to do a job. In other words, it provides assurance that inspectors have the required knowledge, skills, and behavior to perform their jobs. For example, ISO/IEC 17024 sets requirements for bodies certifying persons (e.g., welder certification), focusing on individual competency.
ISO/IEC 17020 vs ISO/IEC 17024 Comparison Chart
| Standard | ISO/IEC 17020 | ISO/IEC 17024 |
| Scope | Inspection bodies | Certification bodies for persons |
| Focus | Inspection of products, processes, services | Certification of individual competence |
| Purpose | Assure inspections are impartial and consistent | Assure individuals are assessed fairly and competently |
| Output | Inspection reports / compliance decisions | Certifications / credentials |
| Key Activities | Inspection, evaluation, reporting | Exams, assessment, certification schemes |
| Decision Basis | Professional judgment and inspection criteria | Structured evaluation of skills and knowledge |
| Industries | Construction, manufacturing, oil & gas | Training, professional certification, technical trades |
| Core Emphasis | Independence, impartiality, technical judgment | Competence, fairness, exam integrity |
| Example | Third party welding, automotive, or governmental inspection agency | Certified welder or Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technician |
Understanding both of these standards helps organizations distinguish between certifying that an inspection was carried out properly (ISO/IEC 17020) and certifying a person’s skills (ISO/IEC 17024).
Why ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024 Matter Together
In today’s global marketplace, organizations must demonstrate competence, consistency, and credibility. Adhering to ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024 helps meet these expectations by assuring technical competence, impartiality, and international recognition in both inspection activities and personnel certification. An ISO/IEC 17020 accredited inspection body, for example, may employ ISO/IEC 17024 certified inspectors to enhance the credibility of its operations. Together, these standards create a complete system of trust—covering all bases from the people, process, and outcome.
Where to Find ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO/IEC 17024
ISO/IEC 17020:2026— Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies performing inspection and ISO/IEC 17024:2026—Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons are available on the ANSI Webstore. Both international standards are also available in the following Standards package, ISO/IEC 17000 / 17020 / 17021 / 17024 – Conformity Assessment Package.
Accredited personnel certification bodies should register for the ISO/IEC 17024:2026 Transition Workshop, an ANAB training course taught by the experts who helped develop the new revision of the standard.
