Last updated on: 2025-10-29

ISO 29993:2017 — Learning Services (Outside Formal Education) Certification in India

ISO 29993:2017 defines service requirements for learning services outside formal education. It puts learning outcomes at the centre and covers transparent information to learners, programme design & delivery, learner support, tutor competence, assessment & evaluation, and continual improvement using a PDCA approach.

Needs analysis & outcome-based programme design
Clear information before/during/after learning
Qualified tutors & adequate learning resources
Assessment, evaluation & continual improvement

PrecisionTech delivers ISO 29993:2017 consulting and certification readiness across India. We map your programmes, define outcomes, standardise learner information packs, strengthen tutor competence, implement assessment & evaluation, and coordinate audits with accredited certification bodies.

Gap analysis & scope definition
Outcome-based design & learner support SOPs
Tutor competence matrix & evidence
Internal audits, management review, audit readiness

ISO 29993:2017 consulting across India with end-to-end certification readiness.

We operationalise outcome-based learning: needs analysis, learner information, programme design, delivery & support, assessment & evaluation, and continual improvement. We align evidence and records for a smooth Stage-1 and Stage-2 audit.

How to Get ISO 29993:2017 Certified?

Start with discovery and a gap analysis. We’ll define learning outcomes and target groups, standardise information for learners, set tutor competence criteria, create assessment & evaluation plans, implement delivery/support SOPs, and run internal audits & management review—then facilitate Stage-1 (documentation & readiness) and Stage-2 (implementation & effectiveness) with an accredited certification body.

Compare programme scope, delivery modes (classroom/online/blended), and evaluation KPIs to adopt a pragmatic, audit-ready approach.

ISO 29993:2017 Learning Services (Outside Formal Education)

About ISO 29993

ISO 29993:2017 sets out requirements for learning services delivered outside formal education—covering information provided to learners, programme design and delivery, learner support, tutor competence, assessment & evaluation, and continual improvement. It is applicable to training providers, EdTech platforms, corporate L&D, vocational institutes, and coaching/tutoring services.

Implemented well, ISO 29993 increases transparency and learner satisfaction, improves outcomes, and builds trust with clients, regulators, and enterprise buyers.

Introduction to ISO 29993 Certification

Adoption should be a planned decision. Design, implementation and timing depend on:

Target learners and learning needs
Delivery modes (classroom/online/blended) and resources
Learning outcomes, content and methods
Tutor/assessor competence and development
Learner support and communications
Assessment & evaluation approach and KPIs
Number of programmes/sites and organisational structure

Benefits of ISO 29993:2017 Certification

Outcome-based design and measurable learning performance
Transparent, comparable information for learners
Consistent delivery & learner support across sites/modes
Better tutor competence management and evidence
Continuous improvement through evaluation & feedback
Advantage in B2B/B2G training tenders and partnerships

Myths about ISO 29993:2017

“It’s only for universities.” — It targets non-formal learning providers.
“It prescribes pedagogy.” — It requires outcomes and controls, not one teaching style.
“It certifies courses.” — It certifies the learning service, not individual products.

ISO 29993:2017 Focus Areas

Information for learners (pre/during/post)
Programme design based on needs & outcomes
Delivery, resources and learner support
Tutor competence & development
Assessment of learning and evaluation of effectiveness
Feedback, complaints and records management
Continual improvement and PDCA governance

Roadmap for ISO 29993:2017

Key steps for a pragmatic, audit-ready implementation:

Gap analysis vs. ISO 29993 requirements
Define outcomes, target groups, and admission criteria
Standardise learner information packs and policies
Build delivery & support SOPs; resources & logistics
Set assessment plans, rubrics and evaluation KPIs
Establish tutor competence matrix and training
Run internal audits and management review
Close findings; prepare for Stage-1 & Stage-2 audits

Assessment & Certification Process (ISO 29993:2017)

Step	Description
1	Application to PRECISION & quotation
2	Review of application & scope
3	Agreement between PRECISION & client
4	Stage-1 audit (documentation & readiness)
5	Stage-2 audit (implementation & effectiveness)
6	Certificate issuance by accredited body
7	Surveillance audits (year 1 & 2)
8	Recertification (year 3)

Cost of ISO 29993:2017 Certification in India

Cost Component	Basis	Nature
Audit fees	Man-days, programmes, delivery modes & sites	Variable
Registration fees	Scope & complexity	Variable
Other expenses	Travel, accommodation, misc.	Actuals

The charges for ISO 29993:2017 depend on programme count, delivery modes, number of sites, learner volume, and baseline maturity. We provide a tailored estimate after scoping and gap analysis.

Integrated Management System (IMS)

ISO 29993 integrates well with:

Educational Organizations — ISO 21001
Quality Management — ISO 9001
Information Security (learner data/LMS) — ISO/IEC 27001
Distance Learning add-on — ISO 29994
Training guidance — ISO 10015

Apply for ISO 29993:2017 Certification in India?

Contact Sales for ISO 29993:2017 Learning Services (Outside Formal Education) Certification in India

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is ISO 29993:2017?

ISO 29993:2017 specifies service requirements for learning services outside formal education. It centres on learning outcomes, clear information for learners, programme design and delivery, learner support, tutor competence, assessment and evaluation, records, and continual improvement (PDCA).

What Are The Benefits Of ISO 29993 Certification?

Benefits include outcome-based programme design, higher learner satisfaction, transparent pre/during/post-course information, consistent delivery across sites and modes, stronger tutor competence management, credible evaluation evidence for clients, and an advantage in B2B/B2G training tenders.

Who Should Get ISO 29993 Certification?

Training providers, coaching/tutoring centres, EdTech platforms, corporate L&D teams, vocational institutes, continuing professional development (CPD/CME) providers, OEM academies, and skills bootcamps delivering non-formal learning.

How Does ISO 29993 Certification Work?

After implementing the required controls, an accredited certification body performs a two-stage audit (Stage-1: documentation & readiness; Stage-2: implementation & effectiveness). Post-certification, there are annual surveillance audits and a three-year recertification cycle.

How Much Does ISO 29993 Certification Cost in India?

Costs in India depend on man-days, number of programmes, delivery modes (classroom/online/blended), learner volume, sites, and current QA maturity. Additional spend may include tutor training, LMS/process updates, and assessment/evaluation tooling.

What Documented Information Is Required?

Scope, target learners and needs analysis, outcome statements, programme/curriculum design, entry requirements, schedules, fees/terms, delivery & support SOPs, tutor competence criteria and records, assessment/evaluation plans and results, feedback/complaints handling, internal audits, and management reviews.

What Information Must Be Provided To Learners?

Before enrolment: outcomes, entry requirements, content, methods, duration, schedule, fees, certification criteria, delivery mode, support, policies (cancellation, refunds, complaints). During: updates, attendance and assessment requirements, support contacts. After: results, certificates, evaluation summaries where applicable.

How Are Learning Outcomes Used?

Outcomes drive content, teaching methods, duration, assessment, and evaluation. They should be measurable, aligned to learner needs, and used to judge programme effectiveness.

What Is The Difference Between Assessment And Evaluation?

Assessment measures learner achievement of outcomes (e.g., tests, performance tasks). Evaluation measures programme effectiveness and service quality (e.g., surveys, completion rates, impact and satisfaction KPIs).

What Tutor/Assessor Competence Is Required?

Define role-based competence criteria (education, experience, subject expertise, pedagogy), verify evidence (CVs, certifications, demos), provide CPD plans, and keep competence records current.

How Are Delivery Modes Controlled?

Create SOPs and resource criteria for classroom, online, and blended modes—covering facilities, platforms, class size, interaction rules, attendance tracking, technical support, and contingency for disruptions.

How Do Feedback And Complaints Fit In?

Collect structured feedback pre/during/post, log complaints, investigate root causes, implement corrective actions, and use results in management review and programme improvements.

Which KPIs Are Typical For ISO 29993?

Examples: enrolment vs completion, attendance adherence, outcome attainment rates, learner satisfaction/NPS, time-to-feedback, complaint closure time, tutor CPD completion, and post-training impact metrics where applicable.

How Often Are Internal Audits Required?

Plan risk-based audits to cover all learning service processes (design, delivery, support, assessment, evaluation, records) within a defined cycle (commonly annual). Ensure auditor competence and impartiality.

What Is Management Review In ISO 29993?

Top management periodically reviews objectives, KPIs, audit and evaluation results, feedback/complaints, tutor competence, resources, risks/opportunities, and improvement actions to direct the service.

How Does ISO 29993 Relate To ISO 21001?

ISO 21001 is a management system for educational organizations. ISO 29993 focuses on the learning service requirements themselves. Many providers implement both: 21001 for the system, 29993 for service quality.

How Does ISO 29993 Compare To ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 is a general QMS; ISO 29993 is domain-specific for learning services with outcome, learner information, support, assessment, and evaluation requirements. They integrate via Annex SL structures.

What About Distance Learning (Online-Only)?

ISO 29993 covers online delivery; ensure platform adequacy, identity/attendance controls, support, and data protection. Consider ISO 29994 for additional distance learning requirements if relevant.

How Is Data Privacy Addressed?

Maintain policies for learner data protection, access control, retention, and disclosure. Many providers align with ISO/IEC 27001 or local data-protection laws for LMS/records.

How Do We Manage Outsourced Trainers Or Content?

Define requirements, qualify providers, communicate outcomes and policies, monitor delivery quality, and retain evidence of control and performance—outsourced services must meet the same standard.

Is Recognition Of Prior Learning (RPL) Included?

Yes, if applicable. Define RPL criteria and evidence types, communicate how RPL affects entry, exemptions, assessment, and certification decisions.

How Are Accessibility And Inclusion Handled?

Identify barriers and provide reasonable accommodations (accessible materials, assistive tech compatibility, flexible methods) while preserving outcome validity and fairness.

What Certificates Or Statements Are Issued?

Define certificate types and issuance criteria (attendance, assessment results, outcomes achieved). Ensure content accuracy and secure issuance/records.

How Long Does ISO 29993 Certification Take?

Typical programmes take 6–12 weeks for small to mid-sized providers, depending on programme count, delivery modes, sites, baseline maturity, and evidence readiness.

What Evidence Do Auditors Look For?

Outcome definitions and alignment, learner information packs, programme design records, tutor competence evidence, delivery/support logs, assessment & evaluation results, feedback/complaints, internal audits, management reviews, and implemented improvements.

What Are Common Nonconformities?

Vague or unmeasurable outcomes, incomplete learner information, weak tutor competence evidence, missing evaluation plans, poor records, and improvements not linked to evaluation/audit findings.

How Often Should Programmes Be Evaluated?

At planned intervals and after significant changes. Many providers evaluate each cohort and perform periodic consolidated reviews to drive improvements.

Can Small Providers Implement ISO 29993?

Yes. The standard is scalable. Start with clear outcomes, transparent information, simple but effective assessments and evaluations, and proportionate records.