I wanted to report on some very positive news that is coming down the line which will raise the awareness of the CMC in the marketplace. For some time now, ICMCI has pursued membership in the International Accreditation Forum (IAF - http://www.iaf.nu/), the world association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies and sister organization to ISO. According to IAF’s website, their primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment which reduces risk for business and its customers by assuring them that accredited certificates may be relied upon. Here in the US, both ANSI and ANAB are members.

At the recent ICMCI Congress, delegates voted to become a full member of IAF. So, what does this mean – what are the implications for IMC USA and each of you as consultants?

In previous Letters and in talks to chapters, I spoke of the upcoming global standard for consulting practice which will be based on the CMC. What IAF membership means is that the CMC certification process will be recognized globally outside of ICMCI, including ANSI, which will pave the way for far greater recognition of the CMC in the marketplace, including an ISO standard based on the CMC in the next 2 years.

IMC USA (though ICMCI) will become certified as a 17011 entity, a certification body which is recognized at the international level by national standards bodies such as ANSI, which will result in the CMC certification process being recognized as a 17024 process. This means that we will have official government recognition for the CMC and for those who have achieved Certification. This, coupled with the government relations work we will do beginning next year, will provide far greater value in the marketplace for your CMC.

This has far reaching implications for putting the CMC on the map and creating even more value for your Certification. As I know more I will pass it on, either via the Connector or the Chair Blog, but I am excited about these developments and wanted to pass on what I know to you.