1
Framework Selection
The applicable competency framework is selected based on the candidate’s field of practice, credential pathway and intended recognition outcome.
How We Work
ISA operates through a structured recognition model that separates learning from certification, defines clear competency standards, assesses evidence of capability, and issues verifiable professional credentials.
Our work is designed to be practical, consistent and defensible, supporting professionals who have developed skills through employment, formal training, self-directed learning, digital tools, AI-assisted learning and real-world experience.
Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning
ISA recognizes that professional capability can be developed through many pathways. A candidate may learn through employment, independent study, online resources, short courses, workplace projects, AI tools, professional problem-solving or years of applied experience.
The purpose of ISA certification is not to prescribe one pathway to competence. It is to provide a trusted mechanism for assessing whether a person can demonstrate the capability required by a defined professional standard.
This approach is especially important in a modern workforce where people increasingly build skills outside traditional education pathways, but still require credible recognition that employers and clients can understand.
Operating Position
ISA does not certify that a person completed a course.
ISA certifies that a person has been assessed against defined professional competency requirements and has met the applicable standard.
- Learning pathway: flexible
- Evidence requirement: defined
- Assessment decision: controlled
- Credential status: verifiable
ISA Recognition Process
2
Eligibility and Evidence
The candidate completes required assessment activities and may provide evidence of relevant knowledge, experience, practice or prior learning.
3
Assessment Review
Candidate responses and evidence are reviewed against the competency requirements, performance indicators and required standard.
4
Certification Decision
A certification outcome is determined in accordance with the applicable framework, assessment criteria and quality controls.
5
Credential Issue
Successful candidates receive a digital credential, credential ID and supporting materials that can be used to communicate recognized capability.
Recognition is evidence-led.
ISA credentials are intended to recognize what a person can demonstrate, not simply how or where they learned it.
Assessment and Quality Controls
ISA uses defined assessment rules to support consistent certification decisions. The assessment model may include knowledge checks, scenario-based judgment tasks, evidence declarations, portfolio review, practical examples or other mechanisms appropriate to the credential area.
Quality controls are applied to maintain fairness, consistency and integrity. These controls support public confidence in ISA credentials and ensure that certification remains linked to defined professional capability.
Assessment May Include
- Structured online assessment
- Scenario-based decision questions
- Evidence of professional practice
- Uploaded documents or work samples
- Identity, declaration or verification checks
- Review against competency requirements
Control Area
Purpose
Application
Framework Mapping
Ensures assessment activities align to the relevant competency framework.
Assessment tasks and evidence requirements are linked to stated capability areas.
Evidence Review
Supports recognition of real-world experience and prior learning.
Candidate evidence is considered against the applicable standard and credential level.
Decision Rules
Promotes consistent and defensible certification outcomes.
Certification decisions are made using stated thresholds, criteria or review procedures.
Records Management
Maintains traceability and credential integrity.
Credential ID, issue information and recognition status are maintained for verification.
Review and Improvement
Keeps standards and processes current.
Frameworks, assessment methods and quality procedures are reviewed periodically.
Credential Issue and Verification
When a candidate meets the relevant standard, ISA issues a professional credential that records the recognized area of capability. The credential is intended to be practical and shareable, supporting use in resumes, professional profiles, employer communications and recruitment processes.
Credential verification is a core part of ISA’s model. A credential should not rely solely on a static certificate image. It should be capable of being checked through a register, credential ID or verification process that confirms the issuing authority and recognition status.
- ✓Credential ID
Each issued credential includes an identifier to support records management and verification. - ✓Certification Area
The credential states the professional field or competency area that has been recognized. - ✓Issuing Authority
Credentials are issued under the International Skills Authority brand and recognition process. - ✓Verification Pathway
Employers, clients and other relying parties can use the ISA Register or contact pathway to verify a credential.
Recognition for capability already developed
ISA helps individuals convert experience, practical learning and self-developed skills into a more formal, verifiable statement of professional capability.
Confidence in assessed capability
ISA credentials give employers a clearer reference point when reviewing skills, hiring candidates, developing teams or assessing workforce capability.
Standards, records and accountability
ISA’s model is built around defined frameworks, quality assurance, credential records and processes that support trust in recognition decisions.
ISA works to separate learning, assessment and recognition.
This structure helps ensure that credentials reflect capability, not only participation in a training product.