Validation & Verification Bodies
General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies. Specifies requirements for the competence, consistent operation, and impartiality of bodies performing validation or verification.
ISO/IEC 17029 specifies general principles and requirements for bodies performing validation and/or verification of claims made about future events and outcomes (validation) or past events and outcomes (verification). It is the primary standard governing greenhouse gas verifiers, sustainability report assurance providers, and project-based emissions reduction verifiers.
The standard distinguishes between validation (prospective assessment of planned activities) and verification (retrospective assessment of completed activities), and specifies requirements for both types of activity. It forms the basis for accreditation of V&V bodies under ISO 14065 and similar sector programmes.
ACI-certified auditors evaluate V&V body management systems, including competence management, methodology rigour, and the consistency of verification conclusions.
Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO/IEC 17029.
Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.
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.
Available Grades for ISO/IEC 17029
All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.
Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.
For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.
Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.
Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.
Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.
The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.
Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.