About ISTO
Our history, purpose and mission, core values and the team behind ISTO
Our history, purpose and mission, core values and the team behind ISTO
Founded in 2001, the International Standardized Testing Organization (ISTO) was established in Switzerland to provide independent, worldwide tests of understanding of the ISO 9000:2000 series.
Our logo from 2001 to 2023
The paper, presented by Dr. Nigel Croft, Chairman of ISTO in 2002, discusses common misconceptions about the ISO 9000:2000 standards, based on analysis of over 1500 examination papers from the ISTO Test of Understanding of the ISO 9000:2000 standards.
The ISO 9000:2000 standards represented a significant shift from the 1994 versions, moving towards a more process-oriented, results-focused quality management system, which required a change in mindset for many quality professionals. The ISTO Test of Understanding was developed to provide a means for individuals to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts, terminology, and requirements of the ISO 9000:2000 standards.
The two-decade-old paper establishing the ISTO Test as a recognised assessment of competence in ISO management system standards remains relevant today.
The paper is available for download here.
With an ever-increasing number of self-proclaimed "experts" on ISO management system standards, and the vast number of training courses offered around the world with varying syllabi and standards of presentation, the need has become apparent for internationally-recognised qualifications to effectively demonstrate an individual's understanding and ability of implementation.
Since its establishment in 2001, ISTO has been offering a comprehensive range of qualifications to international standards and other competence areas to address the needs of user communities and professionals from different disciplines.
Apart from the certificate of achievement, candidates will be presented with an analysis report on their scores in the A C C U R A T E domains, and the ranking relative to other candidates.
Our Purpose
To enable businesses and individuals to elevate their performance by offering a globally recognized benchmark test in understanding of ISO management system standards
Our Mission
To provide globally recognised, independent and impartial qualifications in international standards or other competence areas, cost effectively to individuals around the globe.
We will not differentiate between candidates based on how learning was acquired but will focus solely on the level of knowledge possessed.
Our operation and our global partners are committed to protecting learner confidentiality at all stage of the test process.
Our tests are technically demanding, but at the same time unambiguous, impartial and fair.
Our tests will be administered and marked fairly and objectively.
We will continuously look at ways, in particular technology, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our services and our processes.
The Technical Advisory Board (TAB) advises the executive team on policy as well as technical matters, and to safeguard the impartiality of ISTO test process in line with ISTO strategy and the ISTO’s organizational priorities.
TAB members are generally members of ISO technical committees, or top management personnel in national standards bodies, trade associations, certification bodies, advisory firms and IRCA Approved Training Partners.
The purpose of the Examination Panel is to be responsible for all matters related to the test process, including test scheme development, test question writing and improvement, test delivery, test marking and reporting. The Chairman of the Examination Panel is a de facto member of the Technical Advisory Board.
Test questions are developed through a multi-tiered drafting process, and are submitted to recognised experts for validation, prior to inclusion into the question pool. The pool of test questions, together with the suggested answers, is reviewed by an Examination Panel task force established specifically for the purpose.
The technical performance of each particular question is monitored and evaluated on an on-going basis and questions may be retired as needed.
The Examination Panel handles appeals related to test results.
Chairman: Mr. Richard Green.
The CEO is an observer to the Examination Panel.
The Operations team is responsible for overall customer care, the integrity of the delivery system, and the development and support of worldwide partners.
Led by the CEO, the ISTO Support Centre is responsible for the day-to-day ISTO operation. The ISTO IT infrastructure is outsourced to a cloud service provider.
The ISTO CEO acts as secretary to the Technical Advisory Board.
International Standardized Testing Organization Limited
Cranfield Innovation Centre
University Way
Cranfield
Milton Keynes MK43 0BT
England
info@isto.ch
Should you have any other enquiry, or be interested in becoming a marketing partner or an ISTO authorized test centre partner, please contact us by email.