Certification Scheme Rules & Assessment Governance

1. Purpose

This document defines the rules, principles, and governance framework governing the design, delivery, assessment, certification, and maintenance of professional certifications issued or administered by Greece Lean Six Sigma (GLSS).

The objective is to ensure that all certification activities are:

• fair, valid, reliable, and impartial
• competency-based and evidence-driven
• aligned with international standards and best practices
• transparent to candidates, clients, and stakeholders

2. Scope

This policy applies to all certification schemes delivered by Greece Lean Six Sigma, including but not limited to:

• Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• Specialized Operational Excellence and Quality certifications

It applies to:

• candidates,
• trainers, assessors, and invigilators,
• examination designers,
• certification decision-makers,
• partners involved in training or assessment delivery.

3. Reference Standards and Frameworks

GLSS certification schemes are designed and governed in alignment with:

• ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment for certification of persons
• ASTM E2659, Certificate programs
• ISO 18404, Competency requirements for Lean & Six Sigma
• ISO 13053, DMAIC methodology and tools
• ISO 9001, Quality management
• ISO 21001, Educational organizations
• ISO 29993, Learning services

4. Certification Scheme Design

Each certification scheme is formally documented and includes:

• defined purpose and scope,
• target audience and eligibility requirements,
• competency framework and learning outcomes,
• assessment methods and passing criteria,
• recertification and validity rules.

Certification schemes are reviewed periodically to ensure relevance, rigor, and alignment with evolving standards and industry needs.

5. Eligibility and Admission Rules

Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria specified for each certification level, which may include:

• minimum training hours,
• prior certification or experience (where applicable),
• participation in training programs,
• submission of required documentation.

Eligibility rules are communicated clearly prior to registration.

6. Assessment Principles

All assessments are governed by the following principles:

• Validity, assessments measure defined competencies
• Reliability, consistent results across candidates and sessions
• Fairness, equal treatment and reasonable accommodations
• Impartiality, absence of conflicts of interest
• Transparency, clear rules and evaluation criteria

7. Assessment Methods

Depending on certification level, assessments may include one or more of the following:

• written examinations (e.g. multiple-choice, scenario-based questions),
• practical or simulated exercises,
• project reports following DMAIC methodology,
• oral presentations or structured interviews,
• peer or instructor evaluation (where appropriate).

Assessment design reflects the competency requirements defined in ISO 18404.

8. Examination Security and Integrity

GLSS implements controls to protect examination integrity, including:

• secure exam platforms or controlled environments,
• identity verification procedures,
• invigilation (physical or remote),
• randomized question banks,
• data protection and access control.

Any form of cheating, impersonation, or misconduct results in immediate disqualification and potential exclusion from future certification attempts.

9. Impartiality and Conflict of Interest

GLSS maintains separation between:

• training delivery,
• assessment execution,
• certification decision-making.

Assessors and decision-makers must declare conflicts of interest and are excluded from assessment or certification decisions where impartiality could be compromised.

10. Certification Decision and Issuance

Certification decisions are based solely on documented assessment evidence.

Upon successful completion, candidates receive:

• a certificate stating the certification level,
• validity period (where applicable),
• reference to the applicable competency framework.

Certificates are issued only after independent verification that all requirements have been met.

11. Validity, Recertification, and Maintenance

Where applicable, certifications may have a defined validity period.

Recertification may require:

• evidence of continued professional practice,
• participation in continuing education,
• re-assessment or portfolio review.

Recertification rules are communicated clearly at the time of initial certification.

12. Complaints, Appeals, and Special Consideration

Candidates have the right to:

• submit complaints regarding assessment or conduct,
• appeal assessment outcomes,
• request special accommodations (e.g. disability-related).

All complaints and appeals are handled in accordance with the Complaint and Appeal Policy, ensuring independence and timely resolution.

13. Records, Confidentiality, and Data Protection

GLSS maintains secure records of:

• candidate applications,
• assessment results,
• certification decisions.

All personal data are processed in compliance with GDPR and the GLSS Data Protection Policy.

14. Continuous Improvement and Review

Certification schemes, assessment tools, and governance processes are reviewed regularly through:

• internal audits,
• feedback analysis,
• standard updates,
• management reviews.

Improvements are implemented to maintain relevance, credibility, and trust.

15. Responsibility and Oversight

Overall responsibility for certification governance lies with:

Certification Scheme Committee / Certification Governance Function

Final accountability rests with:

Version Control