Inspection bodies independently review and assess companies claiming conformance to stakeholder requirements (also called schemes), on behalf of private organizations and government authorities. These stakeholder requirements may include regulations, documentary standards, specifications, inspection schemes, or contractual obligations. Inspections can involve the review of materials, products, installations, plants, processes, work procedures, or services. Furthermore, results are reported to stakeholders in a structured and transparent way.

Importantly, inspections can be performed at all stages of production. From the design phase through to final inspection, and can also include testing and calibration activities (see ISO/IEC 17025).

The ISO/IEC 17020 Gap Training Course is designed to help inspection bodies, auditors, and quality managers understand the most significant updates from the previous version. As a result, participants gain the tools needed to close compliance gaps and align with international best practices.

The course focuses on the following updates:

• Reformatting to match the latest structure of Conformity Assessment standards
• Revised categorization of inspection bodies: from Type A/B/C to Type A and Type Non-A
• New definition of “item”, clarifying its role in inspection activities
• Additional sub-clauses emphasizing independence, impartiality, oversight of externally provided products and services, control of data and information, and managing risks and opportunities
• Reclassification of documents and records to improve documentary traceability and compliance