Well, a question from another thread reminded me a long waited thread I was planning to post regarding ISO Exam.

“International Standardized Testing Organization (ISTO) Tests of Understanding (TOU) for ISO 9000 may be used by individuals to demonstrate that they understand the requirements and guidance of the ISO 9000:2000 family of standards”

The Body of Knowledge (BOK) covers
ISO9000: 2000
ISO9001: 2000
ISO9004: 2000

http://www.isto.ch/index_1.htm

Check out “World wide partners” main link. For the United States of America and Canada, ASQ (HQ) at Milwaukee is the partner. You may also notice this in ASQ Certification page.
http://www.asq.org/cert/ISTO/index.html

At the moment this exam is administered by ASQ during conferences along with other ASQ Certifications.

Check out “endorsements” page of the About ISTO main link to know what other Quality professionals say about this exam.

This exam seem to be around over 3 years.Any “Cover” knew about this exam earlier?

Anyone attempted, passed this exam? Can you share your thoughts about about this exam? Value added?

Regards,
Govind.

Govind:

Have not tried this exam. I wonder if this is similar to the exam given by an RAB-accredited provider of ISO 92K Lead Auditor training? That test lasted about 135 minutes, as I recall from taking it a few years ago.

--Jodi

Also see: http://Elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=6533

I wouldn't have classified it as a professional certification, but then again...

Also see: http://Elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=6533

I wouldn't have classified it as a professional certification, but then again...

I should have searched for "ISTO" before initiating this thread. :bonk: Thanks to Marc for pointing out a similar thread. It would be a good idea to the lock the old thread so that members donot reply concurrently.

This thread could fit in Topics like :ISO, Auditing and Professional Certifications.

IRCA director has mentioned in his endorsement that
"We support and endorse their efforts and look forward to considering their qualification for incorporation as part of our assessment criteria."

Where organizations cannot afford to send their employees to get certified as auditor through a 5 day course, would this be a cost effective option?

Regards,
Govind.

Govind:

Have not tried this exam. I wonder if this is similar to the exam given by an RAB-accredited provider of ISO 92K Lead Auditor training? That test lasted about 135 minutes, as I recall from taking it a few years ago.

--Jodi
Jodi,
I took IRCA approved Lead Auditor Training in the past. Iam an IRCA Registered QMS Auditor.I would assume RAB-IRCA both have similar requirement for registration as "provisional Auditor", "Auditor" and "Lead Auditor". There was an exam end of our course also. But they seem to test heavily on ISO9001:1994 (in the past) and now ISO9001:2000 interpretation. Pass mark was same as ISTO: 70%.

But ISTO Exam has a Body of Knowledge, Syllabus and has a technical committee to oversee the design and conducting of exam. This exam covers ISO9000 series of standards with Eight Management Principles.

I think this ISTO exam could be more challenging than the Lead Auditing Training tail end exams.Let us hear from any one who has taken this exam.
Regards,
Govind.