Modern education has pushed beyond classroom walls, becoming more flexible and accessible than ever. This shift is reshaping how people build skills and move forward in their careers. Across Australia, professionals and organizations are turning to practical, skill-based training programs to grow their expertise and keep pace with constant change.
With this growing shift, ensuring the quality and reliability of non-formal learning has never been more important, which is why a trusted international management system that supports high-quality learning services is essential. Supporting this need is ISO 29993:2017, a standard that strengthens the transparency, structure, and credibility of learning delivered outside traditional education systems.
What Is ISO 29993:2017?
ISO 29993:2017 specifies the requirements for learning services provided outside formal education, such as corporate training, workshops, and online courses. It helps providers design and deliver effective, transparent, and learner-centered programs that produce measurable outcomes.
The standard applies to any organization offering non-formal learning services, including private training centers and in-house corporate programs.
How Non-Formal Learning Opens New Doors for Everyone
More Australians are choosing short courses, online programs, and professional certifications to keep growing in their careers, showing that meaningful learning now happens far beyond traditional education.
To ensure these learning paths remain effective and trustworthy, ISO 29993:2017 brings a clear management system that supports consistent level of learning quality and reliability, giving confidence to both learners and employers.
Scope of ISO 29993:2017
The standard covers:
- Learning-needs analysis
- Design and delivery of learning services
- Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
- Learner engagement and satisfaction
ISO 29993:2017 does not apply to formal academic institutions such as schools or universities, which are governed by separate management systems.
Objectives of ISO 29993:2017
- Improve the learning experience for learners
- Ensure transparency between learning providers and learners
- Support continual improvement in learning delivery
- Build trust among stakeholders through standardized practices
Structure of the Standard
ISO 29993:2017 includes the following main sections:
- Learning services provided
- Management of Learning Service Provision
- Information About the Learning Services
- Learning Service Personnel
- Learning Environment
It complements ISO 21001:2018 (Educational Organizations Management Systems –EOMS) and ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems – QMS).
Benefits of ISO 29993:2017 Certification
For Learners
- Access to verified, high-quality training
- Fair and transparent learning processes
- Clear objectives and measurable outcomes
For Education Providers
- Enhanced credibility and reputation
- Streamlined operations through structured processes
- Increased learner satisfaction and retention
For Employers
- Confidence in the quality of staff training
- Improved workforce competence and performance
ISO 29993:2017 Certification Process in Australia
At Universal Certification and Services (UCS), certification follows a transparent, accredited six-step process:
- Application: Submission of the certification request
- Certification Agreement: UCS shares the agreement for client’s review and approval
- Stage 1 Audit: Documentation and readiness review
- Stage 1 Audit Report: Audit findings and observations shared with the client
- Stage 2 Audit: Assessment of the management systems implementation and effectiveness
- Final Report & Certification: Upon verifying full compliance, UCS issues a certificate
Take the next step toward accredited certification.
Submit your application today and get your ISO 29993:2017 certification.
Apply Now
Key Requirements
The key requirements of ISO 29993 explain what a learning service provider must do to comply with the standard. They describe the criteria, processes, and controls that must be in place.
Key requirements include:
- How learning needs must be analyzed
- How courses must be designed
- Trainer qualifications
- Assessment methods
- How learning is delivered
- Information transparency
- Learner support
- Evaluation and improvement
- Management of learning service provision
ISO 29993:2017 vs Formal Education
Unlike academic systems that focus on curriculum and grading, ISO 29993:2017 evaluates the service quality of learning provision. It ensures training programs genuinely achieve their stated learning outcomes rather than simply assessing exam performance.
Challenges for Training Providers
Common challenges include:
- Aligning existing training models with ISO 29993 requirements
- Maintaining consistent documentation
- Conducting effective learner-feedback evaluations
With a structured management approach, organizations can integrate these requirements efficiently and ultimately deliver learning experiences that are consistent, measurable, and trusted by all the stakeholders.
Practical ISO 29993 Applications in Australia
ISO 29993:2017 is applied by:
- Corporate training organizations
- Vocational and skills-development providers
- Online learning platforms
- Government and professional-development bodies
Role of UCS in ISO 29993:2017 Certification
Universal Certification and Services (UCS) is a trusted certification body operating in Melbourne – Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
As an accredited certification body under ASIB and GAC, UCS provides ISO certification services that are globally recognized for impartiality, integrity, and compliance with international standards.
UCS ensures:
- Transparent audit processes
- Independent, evidence-based assessments
- Professional client communication throughout the certification process
Get ISO Certification with an Accredited Certification Body You Can Trust.
UCS is accredited by ASIB and GAC, ensuring globally recognized and impartial ISO certifications.
Submit a Certification Request
The Future of Non-Formal Education in Australia
The demand for flexible, skill-based learning continues to grow, and by adopting ISO 29993:2017, training providers can enhance quality, transparency, and learner confidence, meeting the evolving needs of modern workforce.
ISO 29993:2017 empowers Australian organizations to deliver reliable and effective learning experiences outside formal education.
Through UCS certification, learning providers demonstrate their dedication to excellence and stand out in an increasingly competitive training landscape.
Empower your organization with ISO 29993:2017 certification.
Partner with UCS, accredited by ASIB and GAC, to ensure transparency, quality, and global recognition in learning services.
Apply for ISO 29993 Certification Today.
What is ISO 29993:2017 certification?
ISO 29993:2017 is an international standard that ensures the quality and transparency of learning services outside formal education. Certification confirms that an organization provides structured, learner-focused training aligned with global best practices.
Who can apply for ISO 29993:2017 certification?
Any organization offering training sessions, workshops, or professional learning programs can apply, including corporate training providers, online platforms, and vocational institutions.
How does ISO 29993:2017 differ from ISO 21001?
ISO 29993:2017 applies to learning services provided outside formal education and focuses on learning service delivery and quality, while ISO 21001 applies to educational organizations of all types, including formal education and covers broader areas such as governance, leadership, educational policy, and curriculum management. The two standards complement each other for broader educational excellence.
What are the main benefits of ISO 29993:2017 certification?
It enhances training quality, builds learner trust, and improves learning provider reputation. Certified organizations demonstrate their commitment to transparency, measurable outcomes, and continual improvement in learning services.
Why choose UCS for ISO 29993:2017 certification?
Universal Certification and Services (UCS) offers impartial and globally recognized ISO certification services in Australia and the UAE. It ensures transparent audits, professional assessments, and worldwide credibility.