Home Certification Schemes ISO 37002
Governance & Compliance ISO 37002 2021

Whistleblowing Management Systems

Provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a whistleblowing management system based on principles of trust, impartiality, and protection.

all sectors finance government listed companies
About This Standard

ISO 37002 provides guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a whistleblowing management system within an organisation. It is based on the principles of trust, impartiality, and protection — recognising that effective speak-up mechanisms depend on employees believing their concerns will be heard and acted upon without retaliation.

The standard addresses the full whistleblowing process from the design of reporting channels through concern assessment, investigation, and feedback to reporters. It aligns with the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive and similar regulatory frameworks.

ACI-certified auditors assess whistleblowing management systems, evaluate the independence of investigation processes, and review the effectiveness of reporter protection mechanisms.

Examination Topic Areas
Whistleblowing reporting channel design and accessibility
Concern receipt, assessment, and triage processes
Investigation planning, execution, and documentation
Reporter protection, confidentiality, and anti-retaliation
Case management systems and records retention
Communication with reporters and outcome notification
Trend analysis and systemic issue identification
Governance oversight of the whistleblowing function
Examination & Certification Process
01
Attend Training

Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 37002.

02
Sit the Examination

Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.

03
Apply for Certification

Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.

Scheme Details
Standard ISO 37002
Edition 2021
Category Governance & Compliance
Cert. Period 3 years
Framework ISO/IEC 17024 Aligned
Available Grades PA · AA · AU · LA · PR · FACI
All Certification Schemes
Auditor Grades

Available Grades for ISO 37002

All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.

PA
Provisional Auditor

Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.

Foundation examination pass (70%)
No prior audit experience required
Annual CPD requirement applies
AA
Associate Auditor

For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 2 internal audits conducted
Annual CPD requirement applies
AU
Auditor

Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 5 complete audits
Annual CPD requirement applies
LA
Lead Auditor

Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.

Lead Auditor examination pass (65%)
Lead Auditor training course
Minimum 10 complete audits as team lead
PR
Principal Auditor

Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.

Lead Auditor grade prerequisite
Minimum 5 years audit experience
Professional development portfolio
FACI
Fellow of ACI

The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.

By nomination and committee review
Exceptional professional contribution
Sustained ACI membership
Ready to certify in ISO 37002?

Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.