The ISTO Test is a multiple-choice test aimed at establishing the level of understanding a candidate possesses in respect of a specific ISO management system standard (e.g. ISO 9001:2015). It focuses not only on understanding the requirements of a standard but is also designed to ensure that those who pass the Test have demonstrated a knowledge of the underlying management system principles, respective definitions and the standard's practical implementation.
It is aimed at:
The Test consists of multiple choice questions with four (4) possible suggested solutions of which only one (1) correct or best alternative, which is the answer, and incorrect or inferior alternatives, known as distractors.
The ISTO test is a closed-book test, however candidates are allowed to refer to an unmarked copy of the respective ISO standard which is the only permitted item during the test.
Candidates meeting the Pass criteria will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement. All candidates will receive an A C C U R A T E report indicating their level of understanding and relative ranking in each of the eight (8) domains. See below.
ISTO Tests are conducted online with in-person invigilation at the location of our Authorized Test Centre Partners and at the offices of our Strategic Partners. In the near term, we will offer ISTO test remotely with lockdown browser and human invigilation, allowing candidates to take the test at their convenience, at their office or at home.
We currently offer two levels of ISTO Tests for taking. The Level 1 test assesses a candidate's understanding of the basic principles and requirements of an ISO management system standard (MSS). The Level 2 is a comprehensive test that covers principles, requirements, and the implementation in various scenarios and business sectors.
Test of
Understanding Level 1
Test of
Understanding Level 2
Test fee
£248
£398
Level
Practitioners
(general users)
Professionals
(auditors, consultants, responsible persons)
Perspective
System follower
System developer, implementer
Duration (min)
120
180
Pass criteria
60%
70%
No. of questions
80
120
ISTO offers tests on the following
ISO management system standards
Level 1 – Practitioner
Level 2 – Professional
Level 1 – Practitioner
Level 2 – Professional
Level 1 – Practitioner
Level 2 – Professional
Level 1 – Practitioner
Level 2 – Professional
Level 1 – Practitioner
Level 2 – Professional
Level 1 – Practitioner
Level 2 – Professional
A certificate certificating the candidate's on the understanding of the respective ISO management system standard.
All certificates can be verified externally via a unique URL link.
Based on ISTO's research and endorsed by the ISTO Technical Advisory Board, the level of comprehension of an ISO management system standard can be grouped into eight (8) domains of understanding.
These form the acronym A C C U R A T E.
Ac: an Actual requirement in the standard related to documentation.
Co: Concept - the management principles on which the management system standard is based. This includes the sequence of activities as required in the standard.
C: the unique Clause reference of a specific requirement in the ISO management system standard
U: an Unspecified requirement in the standard (a requirement that does not exist).
R: a certain Requirement in the Standard (i.e. the text of the requirement).
A: the Applicability of the standard. This includes the intent of a requirement, and the scope of the standard.
T: Terms and definitions used in the standard. Generally these are defined in Clause 3 of each ISO management system standard. In the case of ISO 9001 QMS, terms and definitions are defined in the ISO 9000 standard.
E: an Erroneous requirement in the standard related to documentation.
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