Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) has published Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-03-31 (M) Transition Requirements for ISO/IEC 17024:2026, setting out the requirements for moving from ISO/IEC 17024:2012 to the revised standard. 

ISO/IEC 17024 specifies requirements for bodies that certify persons against defined competence requirements. Its application supports confidence that certification of persons is carried out consistently and impartially. 

Key changes in ISO/IEC 17024:2026 

Published in March 2026, ISO/IEC 17024:2026 introduces a number of updates to the requirements for certification of persons. 

Changes include new requirements relating to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in certification processes, updated terminology and closer alignment with common conformity assessment standards. The revised standard also includes a new annex explaining the relationship between certification activities, processes, assessments, applications, examinations and certification schemes. 

The standard sets expectations for certification bodies to monitor and validate AI-generated outcomes, maintain appropriate human oversight and ensure competence in the use of AI tools. 

A three-year transition period 

Global ACI has established a three-year transition period ending on 31 March 2029.  

Accreditation bodies are to be ready to assess against ISO/IEC 17024:2026 and announce their transition arrangements as soon as possible, and no later than 01 October 2027. 

Accredited certification bodies are required to declare their readiness for transition to their accreditation body by 31 March 2028, with transitions to be completed by 31 March 2029. From that date, initial certification and recertification are to be carried out to ISO/IEC 17024:2026. 

For persons who are already certified, the timing of transition will be determined by the certification body based on the validity of their certification. The transition may be completed through scheduled assessment activities and can form part of the normal recertification cycle. 

Supporting a consistent global transition 

Global ACI transition requirements are mandatory for Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) accreditation body signatories and their accredited certification bodies operating within the applicable scope. 

With the introduction of new requirements addressing the use of AI, ISO/IEC 17024:2026 marks an important update for the certification of persons. Global ACI’s transition requirements provide a clear timetable to support accreditation bodies and certification bodies as they prepare for implementation. 

Global ACI-TECH-3-TR 2029-03-31 (M) is available here.