ANSI/NABET Agreement spurs India accreditation system development.
Press Release Summary:
Signed with National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET), constituent of Quality Council of India, ANSI's cooperation agreement is intended to promote and facilitate development of skill standards, personnel credentialing, and accreditation system in India. NABET has identified 11 high priority sectors to be targeted during first phase of implementation, including health care, construction, IT, security, and energy.
Original Press Release:
ANSI and NABET Sign Cooperation Agreement for Development of Accreditation System in India
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system, is pleased to announce the signing of a cooperation agreement with the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET), a constituent of the Quality Council of India. The agreement is intended to promote and facilitate the development of skill standards, personnel credentialing, and an accreditation system in India.
The agreement was signed by Vijay Thadani, Chairman of NABET, during a recent meeting at ANSI headquarters in Washington, DC. Under the terms of the agreement, ANSI will provide technical support to NABET in developing and implementing an accreditation program under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Certification Systems of Persons. ANSI will provide training to NABET assessors, committee members, and staff. The Institute will also facilitate the development and growth of personnel certification in India by providing a platform for U.S. certification bodies to offer certifications in India. NABET has identified 11 high priority sectors to be targeted during the first phase of implementation, including health care, construction, IT, security, and energy.
"ANSI is pleased to be partnering with NABET in this important initiative," said Roy Swift, Ph.D., ANSI senior program director, Personnel Certifier Accreditation Program. "The growth of India's post-secondary education system and vast workforce have been cited as key factors in the country's rise as a global economic power. But to continue that rise, that workforce must be part of a system that can assess and assure the quality and effectiveness of the knowledge and skills of the workforce. In signing this agreement, ANSI is committed to providing NABET with the training and support they need, and at the same time provide opportunities for American certification bodies to offer their services to a new marketplace."
"India's increasing participation in the world economy has fuelled the need for a globally skilled workforce. The setting up of the accreditation mechanism for personnel certification bodies in India will help in bridging this gap," said Mr. Thadani. "ANSI is one of the most prominent accreditation bodies globally for personnel certification. This cooperation agreement with NABET for setting up an accreditation mechanism in India will further enhance India's skill development capabilities."
Accreditation assesses the competence of bodies to determine compliance with standards. It also helps to promote best industry practices, reduces the need for government agencies to individually monitor conformity assessment organizations, and strengthens consumer confidence in products and services.
ANSI's portfolio of accreditation services that includes programs for product certification bodies, personnel certification bodies, education and training certificate-issuing bodies, greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies, and standards developers. The ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board accredits management systems certification bodies under the ANAB brand and accredits testing and calibration laboratories, reference material producers, and inspection bodies under the ACLASS brand.
About ANSI
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.
The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
About NABET
The National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) of the Quality Council of India certifies auditors and the training courses for such auditors that meet specific criteria and provides a mechanism for international recognition of these certifications. The main objectives of NABET are to set and maintain criteria for the registration of personnel in the practice and assessment of Quality & Environment Management Systems; to evaluate and register auditors and professionals; to set and maintain criteria for and to endorse training courses for personnel engaged in the auditing of quality and environment management systems; to publish the list of certified personnel, endorsed training courses, and approved training organizations; to closely cooperate with the Registration Board for Certification Bodies to get feedback and anticipate requirements on training needs; and to seek international recognition.
