ISO 29993:2017
Learning services outside formal education — Service requirements

A large share of learning now happens outside schools and universities: corporate training, online courses, vocational programmes, and professional development. ISO 29993:2017 sets out what a learning service provider has to do for that learning to be delivered and evaluated to a consistent standard.

ISO 29993:2017 — Learning services outside formal education — Service requirements — specifies requirements, not guidelines. It covers how a learning service provider analyses learner needs, designs and delivers learning, and evaluates the result. It is not aimed at schools, colleges, and universities delivering formal education, though those can still use it for self-evaluation.

Any organisation providing tutoring, corporate training, coaching, or online learning can apply this standard, whether the learning is face-to-face, delivered through technology, or a blend of both.

Understanding ISO 29993:2017

ISO 29993:2017 focuses on non-formal education, which differs from formal education (such as schools and universities). Non-formal education includes corporate training, vocational courses, workshops, and self-learning programs.

Key Principles of ISO 29993:2017

• Learner-centred approach: Focuses on the needs and expectations of learners.
• Quality assurance: Structured learning experiences with clearly defined objectives.
• Outcome-based learning: Evaluates the effectiveness of training programs.
• Transparency: Establishes clear communication between providers and learners.

These principles are what an auditor looks for when assessing a learning service against the standard.

Scope of ISO 29993:2017

ISO 29993:2017 applies to all learning service providers (LSPs) outside formal education. This includes:

• Corporate training organisations
• E-learning platforms
• Vocational training centres
• Skill development institutes
• Coaching and mentoring services

The standard requires learning services to be structured, documented, and continually improved, which is what makes learner satisfaction and performance measurable rather than assumed.

Key Requirements of ISO 29993:2017

Organisations must meet several key requirements to comply with ISO 29993:2017:

1. Learning Service Design and Development

• Define learning objectives based on learner needs.
• Design courses with clear outcomes and assessments.
• Ensure trainers have the required skills and expertise.

2. Learning Materials and Content Quality

• Develop structured and well-organized materials.
• Ensure content is relevant, up-to-date, and engaging.
• Provide different learning methods (e.g., videos, case studies, practical exercises).

3. Assessment of Learning Outcomes

• Use tests, assignments, and feedback to measure success.
• Ensure assessments align with learning objectives.
• Provide reports to learners on their progress.

These are the areas an audit against ISO 29993:2017 examines.

Differences Between ISO 29993:2017 and Other Learning Standards

ISO 29993:2017 is different from ISO 21001:2025: ISO 21001:2025 covers the management system of an education or training organisation, while ISO 29993:2017 covers the learning service itself, outside formal education. Both sit alongside ISO 9001:2015, which covers quality management generally.

Understanding these differences helps organisations choose the right certification.

ISO 29993:2017 Certification Process

1. Application
   Submit your application to initiate the certification process.
2. Certification Agreement
   A formal agreement will be shared for your review and signature prior to commencement.
3. Stage 1 Audit
   A thorough review of your documentation, processes, and overall readiness against the applicable standard.
4. Stage 1 Audit Report
   A detailed report outlining findings, observations, and recommended actions will be shared with you.
5. Stage 2 Audit
   An on-site or remote assessment evaluating the implementation, effectiveness, and conformity of your management system.
6. Final Report & Certification
   Upon completion of the Stage 2 audit, a comprehensive report will be issued. Any identified nonconformities must be addressed before certification is formally granted.

Certificates issued by UCS are valid for three years and are subject to annual surveillance audits.

Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges:

• Lack of awareness about the standard.
• Resistance to change from staff.
• High initial investment in documentation and training.

What providers typically do about them:

• Run internal awareness sessions so staff understand what the standard asks for.
• Adopt the requirements in phases rather than all at once.
• Read the standard closely before designing the service around it.

This preparation is work the provider does itself or with an independent consultant. A certification body cannot design or implement the service it will later audit.

Conclusion

ISO 29993:2017 gives learning service providers outside formal education a set of requirements that can be audited, covering how learning is designed, delivered, and evaluated. Certification is independent evidence that the service meets them.

Universal Certification and Services (UCS) is a certification body. We audit learning services against ISO 29993:2017, report the findings, and issue the certificate where the service conforms. We do not design courses, write documentation, or train your staff on the standard — a body that audits a service cannot also build it.

Contact us for a quotation, or read the standard itself on iso.org.