FAQ – Personnel certification according to EN ISO/IEC 17024

In the EU member states, the comparability and recognition of qualifications is guaranteed by ISO/IEC 17024. Authorities now recognize both publicly appointed and EN ISO/IEC 17024-certified experts equally.

In order to be certified as an expert, professional and personal competence must be proven to an EN ISO/IEC 17024 accredited certification body such as the EWIVS. This is done by submitting proof of training, certificates and work samples.

This standard specifies additional requirements to ensure the objectivity of certification procedures and to minimize conflicts of interest.

Experts certified in accordance with EN ISO/IEC 17024 are independent, independent experts of integrity with special expertise and extensive experience in their field.

In order to work as an expert or appraiser, special expertise must be demonstrated. This is usually done by means of a degree and several years of professional experience, but there are also alternative ways of providing evidence.

In Germany, the term “expert” is not protected. Anyone can call themselves that and work as an expert as long as they do not violate the rules of unfair competition.

An expert witness is often commissioned by courts, authorities and public bodies, while the term appraiser is used more in the private sector. However, both terms describe the same activity.

Anyone with sound professional training and several years of professional experience can qualify as an expert. Certification is strongly recommended for legal and liability reasons.

DIN represents German interests in European standardization (CEN) and international standardization (ISO). Around 85 percent of all standardization projects today have a European or international character.

The international standard ISO/IEC 17024 has global validity. It was adopted as a European standard (EN ISO/IEC 17024) in 2003 and later recognized as a German standard (EN ISO/IEC 17024). Experts who have been certified by a certification body accredited in accordance with EN ISO/IEC 17024 enjoy worldwide recognition.

Personal certification is only meaningful if the certification body works in accordance with a recognized standard such as ISO/IEC 17024. A certification body accredited according to this standard must comply with certain regulations, such as examination procedures, equal treatment of applicants, selection of examiners and the handling of complaints.

For successful market participation, it is important to provide credible proof of qualifications and skills. Certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024, which is recognized throughout Europe, is a forward-looking measure for demonstrating competence as an expert and obtaining internationally recognized qualifications.

Certification based on an international standard such as ISO/IEC 17024 facilitates the recognition of qualifications worldwide. This is important because national education systems are often difficult to compare. An international standard creates a uniform basis here.

Industrial companies, banks, authorities and courts are increasingly demanding certification in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024 in order to ensure the professional competence of the persons commissioned. This certification guarantees a regular review of qualifications in accordance with international standards.

An application for certification can be submitted at any time. However, the specified requirements in the respective certification area must be met.

An EEIGS certificate is valid for two years. At the end of this period, the certified expert must undergo a new examination.

Successful monitoring measures must be demonstrated for recertification, including annual training and positive monitoring reports.

The qualification is recognized throughout Europe and internationally.

Yes, this designation is protected by law.

The fee for initial certification is EUR 1250 (less EUR 250 preliminary examination fee). The fee for re-certification after three years is EUR 490.

Yes, the certification expires if you declare to the EEIGS that you are ceasing your activities as a certified expert or if the validity of your certification expires and no timely recertification takes place.

The certification certificate confirms the successful completion of the certification procedure at the EEIGS. It contains information on the scope of certification and the period of validity and serves as proof of special expertise.

Yes, successful certificants are entered in the EWIVS database with a personal registration number. With consent, further personal data (surname, first name, contact details) can be stored.

Yes, the scope of further training is specified in the certification program and must be verified annually. We expect at least three days of further training per year (equivalent to 18 hours or 24 academic hours of 45 minutes each).

We only recognize certificates that clearly state the duration and content of the event. If no times are noted on certificates of attendance, a supplementary document from the organizer is required. The certificates must be submitted digitally as a PDF.

There are various sources for finding an expert:

• EWIVS Certification (EWIVS)
• German Association of Valuers and Experts
• Federal Association of German Financial Advisors
• European Institute of Certificated and Qualified Experts
• Local chambers of industry and commerce