ASTM E2708-23

Standard Terminology for Accreditation and Certification

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM Commitee E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge and experience of the committee members.  
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• ICS: 01.040.03 - Services. Company organization, management and quality. Administration. Transport. Sociology. (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources
• Technical Committee: E36 - Accreditation & Certification
• Drafting Committee: E36.95 - Terminology

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2708-21a - Standard Terminology for Accreditation and Certification
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E1732-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E1732-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Referred By: ASTM D8346-21a - Standard Guide for Requirements for Quality Related Professions Within the Cannabis and Hemp Industries
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E1583-21a - Standard Practice for Evaluating Laboratories Engaged in Determination of Lead in Paint, Dust, Airborne Particulates, and Soil Taken From and Around Buildings and Related Structures
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D8452-22 - Standard Guide for Requirements for Medical-related Professionals within the Cannabis and Hemp Industries
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D8348-21a - Standard Guide for Requirements for Transportation and Logistics Related Professions Within the Cannabis and Hemp Industries
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E3416-23 - Standard Practice for Competency-based Workplace Learning Programs
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D8347-21a - Standard Guide for Requirements for Analytical Laboratory Related Professions Within the Cannabis and Hemp Industries
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM E2708-23, Standard Terminology for Accreditation and Certification, is an international standard developed by ASTM International. This document serves as a comprehensive glossary of terms commonly used in the fields of accreditation and certification. Drawing from ASTM Committee E36 standards, international guidelines, and credible industry sources, ASTM E2708-23 provides standardized definitions to support the consistent application and understanding of terminology across accreditation and certification programs worldwide.

The terminology aligns with internationally recognized principles from the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. As accreditation and certification activities are carried out across diverse sectors, the standard is instrumental in clarifying language, promoting best practices, and facilitating the development of future ASTM documents.

Key Topics

ASTM E2708-23 covers a broad range of concepts, including but not limited to:

• Accreditation: Definitions related to the formal recognition of competence by authoritative bodies, including terms such as accreditation body, accreditation certificate, and accreditation scheme.
• Certification: Terminology associated with third-party attestation of conformity for products, services, systems, and personnel. This includes definitions for certification body, certification program, and certification mark.
• Personnel Credentialing: Key terms such as candidate, certificate holder, continuing competence, credentialing body, and recertification processes.
• Assessment Processes: Terms describing assessment types, methods, and roles, including assessor, technical expert, assessment technique, and examination/test formats.
• Conformity Assessment: Vocabulary related to processes for verifying that requirements are fulfilled, such as conformity assessment body, conformity surveillance, and attestation.
• Governance and Fairness: Definitions addressing due process, conflict of interest, governance structures, and public protection.
• Document Types and Procedures: Comprehensive explanations of certificates, agreements, policy documents, audits, and procedural standards.
• Reference to International Practices: Synchronization with terms from ISO/IEC 17000, ISO 9000, and other internationally recognized standards.

Applications

ASTM E2708-23 is a vital resource for diverse stakeholders involved in accreditation and certification programs, including:

• Accreditation Bodies: Ensures consistent usage of key terms and supports transparent communication with conformity assessment bodies.
• Certification Organizations: Helps design, operate, and govern certification schemes with clarity and alignment to international best practices.
• Assessment Professionals: Assists assessors, technical experts, and auditors by providing standardized definitions for roles and processes.
• Regulatory Agencies: Facilitates regulatory oversight and harmonization by unifying terminology and interpretation of requirements.
• Training and Continuing Education Programs: Supports curriculum development and professional training by ensuring accuracy in terminology.
• International Trade and Market Access: Promotes mutual recognition and reduces barriers across national and international markets by standardizing communication.

For those writing new standards, managing credentialing programs, or navigating accreditation requirements, ASTM E2708-23 is an essential reference that ensures shared understanding and operational efficiency.

Related Standards

ASTM E2708-23 references several other important standards and documents, such as:

• ASTM E2659 – Practice for Certificate Programs
• ISO 9000 – Quality management systems - Fundamentals and vocabulary
• ISO/IEC 17000 – Conformity assessment - Vocabulary and general principles
• ISO/IEC 17011 – Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies
• ISO/IEC 17024 – Requirements for bodies certifying persons
• ASAE Certification and Accreditation Law Handbook
• ICE Basic Guide to Credentialing Terminology

By integrating terminology from these references, ASTM E2708-23 serves as a bridge between national and international accreditation and certification practices, supporting uniformity and global best practices in terminology management.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2708 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Terminology for
Accreditation and Certification
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2708; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1187 Terminology Relating to Conformity Assessment
(Withdrawn 2006)
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation
E1424 Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage
and certification. These terms are compiled from existing
Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and
ASTM Commitee E36 standards and other sources to enable
Doors Under Specified Pressure and Temperature Differ-
the development of future ASTM documents and to provide
ences Across the Specimen
guidance on proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this
E1605 Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
certification programs and is expanded. The source document
E1986 Guide for Information Access Privileges to Health
for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is
Information (Withdrawn 2017)
available. Many definitions are the product of the committee
E2135 Terminology for Property and Asset Management
that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of
E2159 Guide for Selection, Assignment, and Monitoring of
the collected knowledge and experience of the committee
Persons To Be Utilized as Assessors/Auditors or Technical
members.
Experts
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried
E2161 Terminology Relating to Performance Validation in
out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descrip-
Thermal Analysis and Rheology
tive terms can vary. There is no attempt to include all
E2659 Practice for Certificate Programs
accreditation and certification terms in this terminology.
2.2 Other Standards:
Rather, this terminology contains those terms most commonly
ASAE Certification and Accreditation Law Handbook, Sec-
encountered in accreditation and certification programs.
ond Edition, 2004
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor- 5
ICE Basic Guide to Credentialing Terminology, 2006
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ISO 9000 Quality management systems — Fundamentals
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 6
and vocabulary, 2015
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ISO/IEC 17000 Conformity assessment — Vocabulary and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 6
general principles, 2020
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity assessment — Requirements for
accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment
2. Referenced Documents
bodies, 2017
2.1 ASTM Standards: ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment — General require-
D4538 Terminology Relating to Protective Coating and
ments for bodies operating certification of persons, 2012
Lining Work for Power Generation Facilities ISO/IEC 17050-1 Conformity assessment — Supplier’s dec-
laration of conformity — Part 1: General requirements,
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E36 on
Accreditation & Certification and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
E36.95 on Terminology. www.astm.org.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally Available from American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), 1575 I St.
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as E2708 – 21a. DOI: NW, Washington, DC 20005, https://www.asaecenter.org.
10.1520/E2708-23. Available from Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), 2001 K Street NW,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 3rd Floor North, Washington, DC 20006, https://www.credentialingexcellence.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
the ASTM website. Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2708 − 23
3. Definitions of another body, which includes assessment of the quality
management system, policies, and procedures, etc. E2159
Terms Related to Accreditation
DISCUSSION—An assessor/auditor should be fully qualified in the
performance of a full assessment/audit, with the exception of evaluat-
accreditation, n—third-party attestation related to a body
ing specific technical areas. An assessor may also be qualified as a
conveying formal demonstration of its competence to carry
technical expert and bring such additional skills to the assessment/
out specific conformity assessment tasks.
audit.
accreditation body, n—authoritative entity/organization that
consultancy, n—participation in any of the activities of a
performs accreditation.
conformity assessment body subject to accreditation.
ISO/IEC 17011
accreditation body logo, n—emblem used by an accreditation
DISCUSSION—Examples include:
body to identify itself.
(1) Preparing or producing manuals or procedures for a
DISCUSSION—See definition of accreditation symbol in contrast to
conformity assessment body.
this definition.
(2) Participating in the operation or management of a
accreditation certificate, n—formal document or a set of conformity assessment body.
(3) Giving specific advice or specific training towards the
documents, stating that accreditation has been granted for
the defined scope. development and implementation of the management system,
operational procedures and/or competence of a conformity
accreditation scheme, n—rules and processes relating to the
assessment body.
accreditation of conformity assessment bodies to which the
extending accreditation, n—adding conformity assessment
same requirements apply.
activities to the scope of accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
DISCUSSION—Accreditation scheme requirements include, but are not
limited to, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC
flexible scope of accreditation, n—scope of accreditation
17024, ISO 17034, ISO/IEC 17043, ISO/IEC 17065, ISO 15189, and
expressed to allow conformity assessment bodies to make
ISO 14065. ISO/IEC 17011
changes in methodology and other parameters which fall
within the competence of the conformity assessment body as
accreditation scope, n—set of specific conformity assessment
confirmed by the accreditation body. ISO/IEC 17011
activities for which a conformity assessment body is accred-
ited.
interested parties, n—parties with a direct or indirect interest
in accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
accreditation symbol, n—symbol issued by an accreditation
DISCUSSION—Direct interest refers to the interest of those who
body to be used by accredited conformity assessment bodies
undergo accreditation; indirect interest refers to the interests of those
to indicate their accredited status.
who use or rely on accredited conformity assessment services.
DISCUSSION—“Mark” is to be reserved to indicate direct conformity
of an entity (for example, product, process, system, or person) against reducing accreditation, n—cancelling part of the scope of
a set of requirements.
accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
assessment, n—process undertaken by an accreditation body
scope of accreditation, n—specific conformity assessment
to determine the competence of a conformity assessment
services for which accreditation is sought or has been
body, based on standard(s) and/or other normative docu-
granted. ISO/IEC 17000
ments and for a defined scope of accreditation.
technical expert, n—person assigned by an accreditation body,
ISO/IEC 17011
and responsible to an assessor, who provides specific knowl-
assessment technique, n—method used by an accreditation
edge or expertise with respect to the scope of accreditation to
body to perform an assessment.
be assessed.
DISCUSSION—A technical expert may, but is not expected to, have
DISCUSSION—Assessment techniques, can include, but are not limited
assessor qualifications or training and does not assess independently.
to:
— on-site assessment;
witnessing, n—observation by the accreditation body of a
— remote assessment;
conformity assessment body carrying out conformity assess-
— witnessing;
ment activities within its scope of accreditation.
— document review;
Terms Related to Certification
— file review;
— measurement audits;
certification, n—third-party attestation of conformity to speci-
— review of performance in proficiency testing and other
fied requirements related to products, processes, systems, or
interlaboratory comparisons;
persons. E1424
— validation audits;
— unannounced visits; and certification body/entity, n—a body that conducts certifica-
— interviewing. ISO/IEC 17011 tions of conformity. E1187
assessor, n—an individual who has the knowledge, experience certification mark, n—the symbol and use thereof which has
and skills necessary to perform a comprehensive assessment been authorized by a certification body.
E2708 − 23
certification process, n—all activities by which a certification certification agency, n—the organizational or administrative
body establishes that an individual fulfills specified unit that offers or operates, or both, a certification program.
requirements, including application, evaluation, decision on ICE
certification, surveillance, and recertification. ISO/IEC
certification board, n—a group of individuals appointed or
elected to govern one or more certification programs, as well
scheme/certification scheme, n—certification system as re- as the certification agency, and responsible for all certifica-
lated to specified processes or services to which the same tion decision making, including governance. ICE
particular standards, rules, and procedure apply.
certification program, n—the standards, policies, procedures,
assessment instruments, and related products and activities
Terms Related to Personnel Credentialing
through which individuals are publicly identified as qualified
accommodation, n—a reasonable modification in an assess-
in a profession, occupation, role, or skill. ICE
ment instrument or its administration made to compensate
committee/certification committee, n—a group of individuals
for the effects of a qualified disability without altering the
appointed or elected to recommend and implement policy
purpose of the assessment instrument. ICE
related to certification program operations. ICE
accountability, n—the responsibility of a governing board,
computer-based testing (CBT), n—use of computers to de-
committee, or other sponsor of a credentialing program to
liver assessments of conformity.
demonstrate the efficacy and fairness of policies, procedures,
and assessment instruments to its stakeholders. ICE
constructed-response question, n—a type of test item in
which the candidate produces the answer (for example, an
adverse impact, n—a significantly higher failure rate for
essay or a fill in the blank) rather than selecting from
candidates in legally protected classes of people, such as
multiple-choice options.
females, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
content domains, n—the set of organized categories charac-
assessment instruments, n—any one of several standardized
terizing subject matter under which knowledge and skills
methods or tools for determining if individuals possess the
may be represented in specifications for assessment
necessary knowledge or skill, or both, related to the purpose
instruments. ICE
of the credential. ICE
continuing competence, n—the ability to provide service at
autonomy, n—organizational control over all essential creden-
specified levels of knowledge and skill, not only at the time
tialing decisions without being subject to approval by or
of initial certification/licensure but throughout an individu-
undue influence from any other body. ICE
al’s professional career. ICE
candidate, n—an applicant who has fulfilled specified
continuing education, n—activities, often short courses, that
prerequisites, establishing eligibility to participate in the
certified or licensed professionals engage in to receive credit
credentialing process. ISO/IEC 17024
for the purpose of maintaining continuing competence and
certificant, n—an individual who has earned a credential
renewing certification or licensure. ICE
awarded through a certification program. ICE
credentialing, n—the process by which an entity qualified to
certificate holder, n—an entity (person or body) which has
do so, grants formal recognition to, or records the recogni-
been issued a certificate after successfully completing the
tion status of persons, organizations, institutions, programs,
requisites of a credentialing program (certification or
processes, services, or products that meet predetermined and
accreditation). E2659
standardized criteria. ASAE
certificate of attendance/certificate of participation, n—a
credentialing body, n—an entity qualified to do so, that grants
document issued after an individual attends or participates in
formal recognition to, or records the recognition status of
a particular meeting or course. ICE
persons, organizations, institutions, programs, processes,
DISCUSSION—Typically, there is no knowledge assessed prior to
services, or products that meet predetermined and standard-
issuing this type of document. A certificate of attendance or participa-
ized criteria. ASAE
tion is not a credential, because the recipients are not required to
demonstrate competence through assessment or meet agreed upon
credentialing process, n—a method for maintaining quality
professional or trade standards.
standards of knowledge and performance, and in some cases,
for stimulating continued self-improvement. ICE
certificate program, n—a nondegree-granting education or
training program consisting of (1) a learning event or series
criterion-referenced standard, n—a pass-fail standard deter-
of events designed to educate or train individuals to achieve
mined by characteristics of the test (for example, the
specified learning outcomes within a defined scope, and (2)
difficulty) rather than characteristics of the candidates (for
a system designed to ensure individuals receive a certificate
example, the ability).
only after verification of successful completion of all pro-
gram requisites, including but not limited to an evaluation of decertify/decertification, n—to withdraw certification from an
learner attainment of intended learning outcomes. E2659 individual.
E2708 − 23
expertise of long-term experts or to allow grandfathered individuals to
designation, n—the title or trademarked label applied to the
develop the initial examination form(s), or both.
achievement of a credential.
indefinite, n—not fixed or limited in length, size, duration, or
discipline/disciplinary action, n—a formal, published process
quantity as in a lifetime credential.
for the enforcement of standards governing the professional
behavior (that is, ethics, standards of practice) of certificants
inter-rater reliability, n—the degree of consistency with
or licensees. ICE
which different raters assign scores to the same observed
eligibility criteria, n—published criteria or prerequisites, often
performance or product of a candidate.
benchmarks for education, training and experience, with
item analysis, n—a statistical report of performance of each
which applicants must demonstrate compliance in order to
test item that provides information regarding difficulty and
qualify for certification or licensure. ICE
other characteristics.
eligibility requirements, n—the documents that support and
show compliance with eligibility criteria. item bank, n—the system by which test items are maintained,
stored, and classified to facilitate item review, item
endorsement, n—the act of pledging or committing support to
development, and examination assembly. ICE
a program, proposal, or candidate.
items/test items, n—the questions or tasks that comprise
equating, n—a statistical process for determining comparabil-
assessment instruments against which candidates are graded.
ity of scores across test forms in a given credentialing
ICE
program.
DISCUSSION—The following are elements of a multiple-choice test
essential element, n—a statement that is directly related to a
item:
Stem: the premise, including the facts/details about which a test
standard and specifies what a credentialing program must do
question is structured.
to fulfill the requirement of the standard. ICE
Options: the choices in selected response questions.
examination/test, n—a mechanism(s) that is part of the
Key: the correct response to a test question, including all scoreable
elements.
evaluation, which measures a candidate’s knowledge or skill
Distracters: the incorrect or not best choice options in a multiple-
using one or more means, such as written, oral, practical, and
choice item.
observational. E1187
essay, n—an examination that requires a relatively lengthy,
job/practice analysis/role delineation study, n—any of sev-
written response to the presentation of the writer’s topic.
eral methods used singly or in combination to identify the
performance domains and associated tasks, knowledge, or
multiple choice examination/test, n—an assessment of
skills, or combination thereof, relating to the purpose of the
knowledge in which candidates select the correct response
credential and providing the basis for the validation of any
from among several choices or alternatives.
assessments used in the credentialing process. ICE
performance examination/test, n—an examination approach
wherein candidates must interact with real or simulated sys-
license, n—a document issued by a governmental agency,
tems.
granting an individual time-limited permission to engage in
DISCUSSION—Performance examinations/tests can be portfolios, on
a given occupation after verifying that he or she has met
demand tasks that may be essays or experiments in response to a
predetermined and standardized criteria and offering title
prompt or a problem, long term projects, demonstrations of work,
protection for those who meet the criteria.
observations, etc.
DISCUSSION—The purpose of professional/occupational licensing is
practical examination/test, n—an examination that requires
to protect the public from practitioners who, because of the scope of
participation in an activity.
their job functions, may have the potential to cause harm.
examiner, n—an individual with relevant technical and per-
license by endorsement, n—obtaining a license in a U.S.
sonal qualifications, competent to conduct or score, or both,
jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction of original licensure
an examination. ISO/IEC 17024
(where licensure was likely given at time of examination).
fairness, n—the principle that all individuals will be treated in
licensing authority, n—a governmental body that reviews new
an equitable manner throughout the entire credentialing
and renewal applications for licenses, may conduct public
process. ICE
hearings on new licenses, reviews and investigates alleged
governance, n—control or authority; often understood as a violations of state and local codes, and, if necessary, con-
ducts show cause hearings.
structure describing the authority to implement the policies
and practices of a credentialing body.
licensing board/entity, n—a governmental body that regulates
grandfathering, n—the process by which individuals are
the practice of a profession.
granted a credential without being required to meet all
limitation, n—a restriction imposed by accepted standards or
requirements. ICE
organizational policy that cannot be exceeded or sidestepped
DISCUSSION—This process is occasionally invoked when a creden-
tialing program is initiated as a way of recognizing the experience and by a credentialing body.
E2708 − 23
norm-referenced testing, n—a pass-fail standard determined reduction in scope, n—decreasing the scope of a credentialing
by characteristics of the candidates (for example, ability) program in size, extent, or degree.
rather than characteristics of the test (for example, diffi-
registration, n—the process by which an agency or organiza-
culty).
tion grants a time-limited status on a registry, determined by
operational items, n—questions on a test that are scored and specified requirements (for example, experience, education,
and examinations), thereby authorizing those individuals to
contribute to the pass/fail decision.
practice, similar to licensure. ICE
parent organization, n—the legal entity under which a cre-
DISCUSSION—Its purpose is to maintain a continuous record of past
dentialing body is established to independently govern a
and current occupational status of that individual and to provide title
credentialing program. ICE protection or listing of practitioners maintained by an entity, without
educational, experiential, or competency-based requirements; for
penalty, n—a sanction imposed on a certificant or license
example, m
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2708 − 21a E2708 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Terminology for
Accreditation and Certification
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2708; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This terminology defines terms related to accreditation and certification. These terms are compiled from existing ASTM
Commitee E36 standards and other sources to enable the development of future ASTM documents and to provide guidance on
proper usage of the terms. The first edition of this standard contained terms relating to personnel certificate and certification
programs and is expanded. The source document for each definition is cited when an appropriate document is available. Many
definitions are the product of the committee that compiled this terminology, and as such, are the result of the collected knowledge
and experience of the committee members.
1.1.1 Since accreditation and certification are being carried out by many different bodies in many fields, usage of descriptive terms
can vary. There is no attempt to include all accreditation and certification terms in this terminology. Rather, this terminology
contains those terms most commonly encountered in accreditation and certification programs.
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4538 Terminology Relating to Protective Coating and Lining Work for Power Generation Facilities
E1187 Terminology Relating to Conformity Assessment (Withdrawn 2006)
E1424 Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors
Under Specified Pressure and Temperature Differences Across the Specimen
E1605 Terminology Relating to Lead in Buildings
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E1986 Guide for Information Access Privileges to Health Information (Withdrawn 2017)
E2135 Terminology for Property and Asset Management
E2159 Guide for Selection, Assignment, and Monitoring of Persons To Be Utilized as Assessors/Auditors or Technical Experts
E2161 Terminology Relating to Performance Validation in Thermal Analysis and Rheology
E2659 Practice for Certificate Programs
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E36 on Accreditation & Certification and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E36.95 on
Terminology.
Current edition approved May 15, 2021Nov. 1, 2023. Published May 2021January 2024. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as E2708
– 21. DOI: 10.1520/E2708-21A.21a. DOI: 10.1520/E2708-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2708 − 23
2.2 Other Standards:
ASAE Certification and Accreditation Law Handbook, Second Edition, 2004
ICE Basic Guide to Credentialing Terminology, 2006
ISO 9000 Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary, 2015
ISO/IEC 17000 Conformity assessment — Vocabulary and general principles, 2020
ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity assessment — Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies,
ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment — General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons, 2012
ISO/IEC 17050-1 Conformity assessment — Supplier’s declaration of conformity — Part 1: General requirements, 2004
Available from American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), 1575 I St. NW, Washington, DC 20005, https://www.asaecenter.org.
Available from Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), 2001 K Street NW, 3rd Floor North, Washington, DC 20006, https://www.credentialingexcellence.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
https://www.iso.org.
E2708 − 23
3. Definitions
access/access to a scheme, n—opportunity for an applicant to obtain a conformity assessment service from a body under a
conformity assessment scheme. ISO/IEC 17000
Terms Related to Accreditation
accommodation, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, a reasonable modification in an assessment instrument or its
administration made to compensate for the effects of a qualified disability without altering the purpose of the assessment
instrument. ICE
accountability, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, the responsibility of a governing board, committee, or other
sponsor of a credentialing program to demonstrate the efficacy and fairness of policies, procedures, and assessment instruments
to its stakeholders. ICE
accreditation, n—third-party attestation related to a body conveying formal demonstration of its competence to carry out
specific conformity assessment tasks.
accreditation body, n—authoritative entity/organization that performs accreditation.
accreditation body logo, n—emblem used by an accreditation body to identify itself.
DISCUSSION—
See definition of accreditation symbol in contrast to this definition.
accreditation certificate, n—formal document or a set of documents, stating that accreditation has been granted for the defined
scope.
accreditation scheme, n—rules and processes relating to the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies to which the same
requirements apply.
DISCUSSION—
Accreditation scheme requirements include, but are not limited to, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17024, ISO 17034,
ISO/IEC 17043, ISO/IEC 17065, ISO 15189, and ISO 14065. ISO/IEC 17011
accreditation scope, n—set of specific conformity assessment activities for which a conformity assessment body is accredited.
accreditation symbol, n—symbol issued by an accreditation body to be used by accredited conformity assessment bodies to
indicate their accredited status.
DISCUSSION—
“Mark” is to be reserved to indicate direct conformity of an entity (for example, product, process, system, or person) against a set of requirements.
adverse action or decision, n—an action or decision signifying opposition.
DISCUSSION—
Adverse decisions include:
(1) Refusal to accept an application,
(2) Refusal to proceed with an assessment,
(3) Refusal to grant a credential,
(4) Any other action that impedes the attainment of a credential, and
(5) Revoking a credential.
adverse impact, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, a significantly higher failure rate for candidates in legally
protected classes of people, such as females, African Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
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agreement, n—a document that sets forth the terms of an arrangement and to which the parties in the arrangement are
signatories.
agreement group, n—bodies that are signatories to the agreement on which an arrangement is based. ISO/IEC 17000
appeal, n—request by the person or organization that provides, or that is, the object of conformity assessment to a conformity
assessment body or an accreditation body for reconsideration by that body of a decision it has made relating to that object.
ISO/IEC 17000
applicant, n—an entity (person or body) declaring interest in earning a credential offered by a certification body or accreditation
body, usually through a request for information and the submission of materials. ICE
assessment, n—process undertaken by an accreditation body to determine the competence of a conformity assessment body,
based on standard(s) and/or other normative documents and for a defined scope of accreditation.
ISO/IEC 17011
assessment instruments, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, any one of several standardized methods or tools for
determining if individuals possess the necessary knowledge or skill, or both, related to the purpose of the credential. ICE
assessment technique, n—method used by an accreditation body to perform an assessment.
DISCUSSION—
Assessment techniques, can include, but are not limited to:
— on-site assessment;
— remote assessment;
— witnessing;
— document review;
— file review;
— measurement audits;
— review of performance in proficiency testing and other interlaboratory comparisons;
— validation audits;
— unannounced visits; and
— interviewing. ISO/IEC 17011
assessor, n—an individual who has the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to perform a comprehensive assessment of
another body, which includes assessment of the quality management system, policies, and procedures, etc. E2159
DISCUSSION—
An assessor/auditor should be fully qualified in the performance of a full assessment/audit, with the exception of evaluating specific technical areas.
An assessor may also be qualified as a technical expert and bring such additional skills to the assessment/audit.
consultancy, n—participation in any of the activities of a conformity assessment body subject to accreditation. ISO/IEC 17011
DISCUSSION—
Examples include:
(1) Preparing or producing manuals or procedures for a conformity assessment body.
(2) Participating in the operation or management of a conformity assessment body.
(3) Giving specific advice or specific training towards the development and implementation of the management system,
operational procedures and/or competence of a conformity assessment body.
extending accreditation, n—adding conformity assessment activities to the scope of accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
attestation, flexible scope of accreditation, n—issue of ascope of accreditation statement, based on a decision, that fulfilment
of expressed to allow conformity assessment bodies to make changes in methodology and other parameters which fall within
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the competence of the specified requirementsconformity assessment body has been demonstrated.as confirmed by the
accreditation body. ISO/IEC 1700017011
DISCUSSION—
The resulting statement, referred to in this document as a “statement of conformity,” is intended to convey the assurance that the specified requirements
have been fulfilled. Such an assurance does not, of itself, provide contractual or other legal guarantees.
DISCUSSION—
First-party attestation and third-party attestation are distinguished by the terms declaration, certification, and accreditation, but there is no
corresponding term applicable to second-party attestation.
scope of attestation, n—range or characteristics of conformity assessment covered by attestation. ISO/IEC 17000
interested parties, n—parties with a direct or indirect interest in accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
DISCUSSION—
Direct interest refers to the interest of those who undergo accreditation; indirect interest refers to the interests of those who use or rely on accredited
conformity assessment services.
reducing accreditation, n—cancelling part of the scope of accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
scope of accreditation, n—specific conformity assessment services for which accreditation is sought or has been granted.
ISO/IEC 17000
technical expert, n—person assigned by an accreditation body, and responsible to an assessor, who provides specific knowledge
or expertise with respect to the scope of accreditation to be assessed.
DISCUSSION—
A technical expert may, but is not expected to, have assessor qualifications or training and does not assess independently.
audit,witnessing, n—process for obtaining relevant information about an observation by the object of conformity assessmen-
taccreditation body and evaluatingof a it objectively toconformity assessment body determine the extent to whichcarrying out
conformity assessment activities specified requirementswithin its are fulfilled.scope of accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
DISCUSSION—
The specified requirements are defined prior to performing an audit so that the relevant information can be obtained.
DISCUSSION—
Examples of objects for an audit are management systems, processes, products, and services.
DISCUSSION—
For accreditation purposes, the audit process is called “assessment.”
Terms Related to Certification
certification, n—third-party attestation of conformity to specified requirements related to products, processes, systems, or
persons. E1424
authority, certification body/entity, n—a body that has legal powers and rights.conducts certifications of conformity. E1187
certification mark, n—the symbol and use thereof which has been authorized by a certification body.
certification process, n—all activities by which a certification body establishes that an individual fulfills specified requirements,
including application, evaluation, decision on certification, surveillance, and recertification. ISO/IEC 17024
scheme/certification scheme, n—certification system as related to specified processes or services to which the same particular
standards, rules, and procedure apply.
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Terms Related to Personnel Credentialing
accommodation, n—a reasonable modification in an assessment instrument or its administration made to compensate for the
effects of a qualified disability without altering the purpose of the assessment instrument. ICE
accountability, n—the responsibility of a governing board, committee, or other sponsor of a credentialing program to
demonstrate the efficacy and fairness of policies, procedures, and assessment instruments to its stakeholders. ICE
adverse impact, n—a significantly higher failure rate for candidates in legally protected classes of people, such as females,
African Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
assessment instruments, n—any one of several standardized methods or tools for determining if individuals possess the
necessary knowledge or skill, or both, related to the purpose of the credential. ICE
autonomy, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, organizational control over all essential credentialing decisions without
being subject to approval by or undue influence from any other body. ICE
board/regulatory board, n—the authority responsible for preparing/developing and adopting regulations, policies, processes,
and procedures to carry out the regulation; judging whether an individual or entity has met and continues to meet regulatory
requirements; and recognizing the individual (certificant or license holder) or body (certification or licensure) as doing so.
candidate, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, an applicant who has fulfilled specified prerequisites, establishing
eligibility to participate in the credentialing process. ISO/IEC 17024
certificant, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, an individual who has earned a credential awarded through a
certification program. ICE
certificate, n—a document (letter, card, or other medium) awarded to certificate holders that designates the successful
completion of the requisites of a credentialing program (certification or accreditation). E2659
certificate holder, n—an entity (person or body) which has been issued a certificate after successfully completing the requisites
of a credentialing program (certification or accreditation). E2659
certificate of attendance/certificate of participation, n—a document issued after an individual attends or participates in a
particular meeting or course. ICE
DISCUSSION—
Typically, there is no knowledge assessed prior to issuing this type of document. A certificate of attendance or participation is not a credential, because
the recipients are not required to demonstrate competence through assessment or meet agreed upon professional or trade standards.
certificate program, n—a nondegree-granting education or training program consisting of (1) a learning event or series of
events designed to educate or train individuals to achieve specified learning outcomes within a defined scope, and (2) a system
designed to ensure individuals receive a certificate only after verification of successful completion of all program requisites,
including but not limited to an evaluation of learner attainment of intended learning outcomes. E2659
certification, n—third-party attestation of conformity to specified requirements related to products, processes, systems, or
persons. E1424
professional certification, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, procedure and action by a duly authorized body of
determining, verifying, and attesting in writing to the qualifications of individuals in a profession, in accordance with applicable
requirements associated with that profession.
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certification agency, n—the organizational or administrative unit that offers or operates, or both, a certification program. ICE
certification board, n—a group of individuals appointed or elected to govern one or more certification programs, as well as the
certification agency, and responsible for all certification decision making, including governance. ICE
certification body/entity, n—a body that conducts certifications of conformity. E1187
certification mark, n—the symbol and use thereof which has been authorized by a certification body.
certification process, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, all activities by which a certification body establishes that
an individual fulfills specified requirements, including application, evaluation, decision on certification, surveillance, and
recertification. ISO/IEC 17024
certification program, n—the standards, policies, procedures, assessment instruments, and related products and activities
through which individuals are publicly identified as qualified in a profession, occupation, role, or skill. ICE
committee/certification committee, n—a group of individuals appointed or elected to recommend and implement policy related
to certification program operations. ICE
competence, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and/or skills and, where
relevant, demonstrated personal attributes.
complaint, n—expression of dissatisfaction, other than appeal, by any person or organization to a conformity assessment body
or accreditation body, relating to the activities of that body, where a response is expected. ISO/IEC 17000
computer-based testing (CBT), n—in the context of personnel credentialing, use of computers to deliver assessments of
conformity.
conflict of interest, n—a conflict between the private interests and the official or professional responsibilities of an individual
in a position of influence and trust.
confidentiality, n—the property that information is not made available or disclosed to unauthorized individuals, entities, or
processes. E1986
conformity assessment, n—process for verifying that specified requirements are fulfilled.
conformity assessment body, n—body that performs conformity assessment activities, excluding accreditation.
DISCUSSION—
For the purpose of this document, conformity assessment bodies are laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, proficiency testing providers
and reference materials producers. An accreditation body is not considered a conformity assessment body since they accredit conformity assessment
bodies.
conformity assessment system, n—set of rules and procedures for the management of similar or related conformity assessment
schemes. ISO/IEC 17000
DISCUSSION—
A conformity assessment system can be operated at an international, regional, national, sub-national, or industry sector level.
conformity surveillance, n—evaluation of conformity to determine the continuing conformity with specified requirements.
E1187
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consensus, n—general agreement or accord on a matter that all can support; a majority of opinion, but not necessarily unanimity.
consensus process, n—a formal procedure for reaching general agreement or accord, which includes the elements of due
process.
constructed-response question, n— in the context of personnel credentialing, a type of test item in which the candidate
produces the answer (for example, an essay or a fill in the blank) rather than selecting from multiple-choice options.
consultancy, n—participation in any of the activities of a conformity assessment body subject to accreditation. ISO/IEC 17011
DISCUSSION—
Examples include:
(1) Preparing or producing manuals or procedures for a conformity assessment body.
(2) Participating in the operation or management of a conformity assessment body.
(3) Giving specific advice or specific training towards the development and implementation of the management system,
operational procedures and/or competence of a conformity assessment body.
content domains, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, the the set of organized categories characterizing subject matter
under which knowledge and skills may be represented in specifications for assessment instruments. ICE
continuing competence, n—the ability to provide service at specified levels of knowledge and skill, not only at the time of initial
certification/licensure but throughout an individual’s professional career. ICE
continuing education, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, activities, often short courses, that certified or licensed
professionals engage in to receive credit for the purpose of maintaining continuing competence and renewing certification or
licensure. ICE
credentialing, n—the process by which an entity qualified to do so, grants formal recognition to, or records the recognition status
of persons, organizations, institutions, programs, processes, services, or products that meet predetermined and standardized
criteria. ASAE
credentialing body, n—an entity qualified to do so, that grants formal recognition to, or records the recognition status of
persons, organizations, institutions, programs, processes, services, or products that meet predetermined and standardized criteria.
ASAE
credentialing process, n—a method for maintaining quality standards of knowledge and performance, and in some cases, for
stimulating continued self-improvement. ICE
criterion-referenced standard, n—a pass-fail standard determined by characteristics of the test (for example, the difficulty)
rather than characteristics of the candidates (for example, the ability).
decertify/decertification, n—to withdraw certification from an individual.
designation, n—the title or trademarked label applied to the achievement of a credential.
discipline/disciplinary action, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, a formal, published process for the enforcement of
standards governing the professional behavior (that is, ethics, standards of practice) of certificants or licensees. ICE
document—(1) v, to confirm (usually in writing) that a document is genuine;
(2) v, to bear witness that someone actually signed a document, such as a will;
(3) n, documentation as evidence such as policies and procedures, test reports, etc.
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due process, n—a fundamental principle of fairness in all legal matters, both civil and criminal, especially in the courts.
DISCUSSION—
In certification, all procedures set by the certification body must be followed for each individual so that no prejudicial or unequal treatment results.
eligibility criteria, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, published criteria or prerequisites, often benchmarks for
education, training and experience, with which applicants must demonstrate compliance in order to qualify for certification or
licensure. ICE
eligibility requirements, n—the documents that support and show compliance with eligibility criteria.
endorsement, n—the act of pledging or committing support to a program, proposal, or candidate.
equating, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, a statistical process for determining comparability of scores across test
forms in a given credentialing program.
equivalence/equivalence of conformity assessment results, n—sufficiency of different conformity assessment results to
provide the same level of assurance of conformity with regard to the same specified requirements. ISO/IEC 17000
essential element, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, a statement that is directly related to a standard and specifies
what a credentialing program must do to fulfill the requirement of the standard. ICE
examination/test, n—a mechanism(s) that is part of the evaluation, which measures a candidate’s knowledge or skill using one
or more means, such as written, oral, practical, and observational. E1187
essay, n—an examination that requires a relatively lengthy, written response to the presentation of the writer’s topic.
multiple choice examination/test, n—an assessment of knowledge in which candidates select the correct response from among
several choices or alternatives.
performance examination/test, n—an examination approach wherein candidates must interact with real or simulated systems.
DISCUSSION—
Performance examinations/tests can be portfolios, on demand tasks that may be essays or experiments in response to a prompt or a problem, long term
projects, demonstrations of work, observations, etc.
practical examination/test, n—an examination that requires participation in an activity.
examiner, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, an individual with relevant technical and personal qualifications,
competent to conduct or score, or both, an examination. ISO/IEC 17024
extending accreditation, n—adding conformity assessment activities to the scope of accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
fairness, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, the the principle that all individuals will be treated in an equitable manner
throughout the entire credentialing process. ICE
first party, n—in the context of conformity assessment, a person or body that provides the object (for example, person, product,
process, system, or service).
flexible scope of accreditation, n—scope of accreditation expressed to allow conformity assessment bodies to make changes
in methodology and other parameters which fall within the competence of the conformity assessment body as confirmed by the
accreditation body. ISO/IEC 17011
governance, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, control or authority; often understood as a structure describing the
authority to implement the policies and practices of a credentialing body.
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grandfathering, n—the process by which individuals are granted a credential without being required to meet all requirements.
ICE
DISCUSSION—
This process is occasionally invoked when a credentialing program is initiated as a way of recognizing the experience and expertise of long-term
experts or to allow grandfathered individuals to develop the initial examination form(s), or both.
indefinite, n—not fixed or limited in length, size, duration, or quantity as in a lifetime credential.
inspection, n—examination of an object of conformity assessment and determination of its conformity with detailed
requirements or, on the basis of professional judgement, with general requirements. ISO/IEC 17000
DISCUSSION—
Examination can include direct or indirect observations, which can include measurements or the output of instruments.
DISCUSSION—
Conformity assessment schemes or contracts can specify inspection as examination only.
interested parties, n—parties with a direct or indirect interest in accreditation. ISO/IEC 17000
DISCUSSION—
Direct interest refers to the interest of those who undergo accreditation; indirect interest refers to the interests of those who use or rely on accredited
conformity assessment services.
inter-rater reliability, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, the the degree of consistency with which different raters
assign scores to the same observed performance or product of a candidate.
item analysis, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, a statistical report of performance of each test item that provides
information regarding difficulty and other characteristics.
item bank, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, the the system by which test items are maintained, stored, and classified
to facilitate item review, item development, and examination assembly. ICE
items/test items, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, the the questions or tasks that comprise assessment instruments
against which candidates are graded. ICE
DISCUSSION—
The following are elements of a multiple-choice test item:
Stem: the premise, including the facts/details about which a test question is structured.
Options: the choices in selected response questions.
Key: the correct response to a test question, including all scoreable elements.
Distracters: the incorrect or not best choice options in a multiple-choice item.
job/practice analysis/role delineation study, n—in the context of personnel credentialing, any of several methods used singly
or in combination to identify the performance domains and associated tasks, knowledge, or skills, or combination thereof,
relating to the purpose of the credential and providing the basis for the validation of any assessments used in the credentialing
process. ICE
lead assessor, n—the individual who is given overall responsibility for specified assessment activities.
license, n—a document issued by a governmental agency, granting an individual time-limited permission to engage in a given
occupation after verifying that he or she has met predetermined and standardized criteria and offering title protection for those
who meet the criteria.
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DISCUSSION—
The purpose of professional/occupational licensing is to protect the public from practitioners who, because of the scope of their job functions, may
have the potential to cause harm.
license by endorsement, n—obtaining a license in a U.S. jurisdiction other than the jurisdiction of original licensure (where
licensure was likely given at time of examination).
licensing authority, n—a governmental body that reviews new and renewal applications for licenses, may conduct public
hearings on new licenses, reviews and investigates alleged violations of state and local codes, and, if necessary, conducts show
cause hearings.
licensing board/entity, n—a governmental body that regulates the practice of a profession.
limitation, n—a restriction imposed by accepted standards or organizational policy that cannot be exceeded or sidestepped by
a credentialing body.
norm-referenced testing, n—a pass-fail s
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