International Standardized Testing Organization (ISTO) Test

[tschones]

Has anyone taken the ISTO test that tests for understanding of ISO 9000:2000? If so, please provide insight on the value of the experience.

[Marc]

There was a somewhat contentious thread a while back which was lost during the switchover to the upgrade software - for some reason it would not import correctly. Actually there were several which did not import, but there may be a way to get them back through an import of the old database when the software is out of beta. So I guess we get to start over...

My opinion at the time was more of a question - what will you do with it? Secondly, look at the training time - how much will you learn in that time?

My major concern, however, is it is supposed to test your 'understanding' of ISO 9001, but what are lead auditor courses about? There are so many ISO courses and 'tests' that this is just one more.

My question to you: What do you expect to gain from it? You'll probably learn more here reading through these forums.

[tschones]

Thanks for the clarification. I did a search on 'ITSO' and found nothing, which surprised me.

I agree with your point that one will learn much by reading through the forum or attending a lead auditor training course. However, I was looking for an objective measure of one's knowledge of ISO.

Originally Posted by tschones

I did a search on 'ITSO' and found nothing, which surprised me..

It's not ITSO, it's ISTO - see http://www.isto.ch

It is BTW a test of understanding of ISO 9000 as a whole, NOT just ISO 9001 - big difference!

Originally Posted by zigzag

It's not ITSO, it's ISTO - see http://www.isto.ch

It is BTW a test of understanding of ISO 9000 as a whole, NOT just ISO 9001 - big difference!

Admittedly, I didn't do too good on the sample test provided. Averaged about 60%. I think that some of them a "trick" questions! Nice site, though!

Originally Posted by energy

Admittedly, I didn't do too good on the sample test provided. Averaged about 60%. :

Don't feel bad.

The majority of ISO 9000 experts who take the test fail it first time. Makes you wonder, eh?

Here's a question (not from an ISTO exam as far as I know) ...

How many International Standards currently make up the ISO 9000 family?

For extra points, name them all

[Icy Mountain]

Originally Posted by zigzag

How many International Standards currently make up the ISO 9000 family?
For extra points, name them all

OK, I'll bite, but only because I had the PDF of the 9000 standard from ASQ open to take the test (I did worse than energy until I read that is was open book).
There are 4:
ISO 9000 fundamentals and terms
ISO 9001 requirements
ISO 9004 guidance for performance improvements
ISO 19001 guidance on auditing quality and environmental systems
(I got the first three without help, but I knew there were 4 and consulted the bible, er, standard).

Sorry, Big Chief - that is the wrong answer.

Although FOUR is exactly what I would have said until a few days ago when I learned that there are - count 'em - "ELEVEN International Standards currently making up the ISO 9000 family"!!!

In addition to the four you listed, we have

ISO 10006:2003 - project management
ISO 10007:2003 - configuration management
ISO/TR 10012:2003 - measurement management systems
ISO/TR 10013:2001 - QMS documentation
ISO/TR 10014:1998 - quality economics
ISO 10015:1999 - training
ISO/TR 10017:2003 - statistical techniques

Looks like it'll be TWELVE soon if we include:

ISO/DIS 10018 [draft] - guidelines for handling complaints.

See http://www.iso.org/iso/en/commcentre...03/Ref865.html for the objective evidence.

Get reading, my friends - we have a long way to go! For a mere 294 Swiss francs (only a bit more than $200) you can buy the lot in one handy book or CD.