ISO 29990

ISO 29990 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is an international standard that specifies the general requirements for creating and continuously improving a Quality Management System in the provision of education and training services. The standard focuses on enhancing learning and the management of educational organizations, ensuring the effectiveness of the services provided and the satisfaction of learners.

ISO 29990 can be applied by any organization that offers education and training services, regardless of size or field of activity. It is intended for lifelong learning centers, private and public educational institutions, professional training companies, universities, human resource development organizations, and any entity looking to ensure the quality of its educational services.

Developing an Education and Training Management System according to ISO 29990 involves the following steps:

• Analyzing learning needs and defining learning objectives
• Developing and designing training programs based on best educational practices
• Organizing and delivering educational services using clear quality and evaluation criteria
• Establishing methods for evaluating the effectiveness of training and participant satisfaction
• Continuously improving educational processes through feedback and internal evaluations

The complexity of implementing ISO 29990 depends on the size of the educational organization, the complexity of its programs, and its existing processes. Organizations that already follow quality management systems or have established educational practices can more easily adapt to the standard’s requirements. Collaborating with specialized consultants can streamline the process and ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements.

Several certification bodies in Greece are accredited by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) or equivalent bodies to issue relevant certificates, depending on the organization’s activities. The certification process involves evaluating the institution’s compliance with its education management processes, assessing the Education and Training Management System against the standard’s requirements, and reviewing its practical application.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, the Certification Body issues a three-year Certificate of Conformity. If there are significant deviations, corrective actions must be undertaken by the educational institution before the certificate can be issued. Minor deviations should be resolved by the next assessment.

The certificate remains valid as long as scheduled periodic evaluations—at least once a year—are carried out by the Certification Body, confirming that the institution continues to meet the specified requirements.

Organizations adopting ISO 29990 can gain multiple advantages, including:

• Improving the quality of educational services by ensuring clear and effective learning processes
• Strengthening the credibility and reputation of the educational institution, demonstrating a commitment to educational excellence
• Increasing learner satisfaction through structured and effective training programs
• Complying with regulatory and legal requirements related to education and professional training
• Continuously improving the educational process through participant evaluation and feedback

The time required to develop and certify an Education and Training Management System depends on the size of the organization, existing educational procedures, and staff involvement. For smaller educational providers, it typically ranges from 2 to 4 months.