Personnel Certification Body Fees

WORK FORCE CONFIRMATION BODY EXPENSES

The SDAB charge strategy is one of sensible reasonableness for the endorsement giving body

The necessities of Work force Affirmation Body guide are expected to be met.

There are two expense structures and it is possible that one might be chosen at the watchfulness of the Staff Affirmation Body.

It is feasible to initiate with Choice 1 and change to Choice 2 at a later stage

Note: ISO 17024 is essentially expected for custom faculty plots that require nonstop checking or CPD, instead of simply the fundamental arrangement of preparing. Preparing certification at a supplier or individual course level is accessible through a different license plot.

Choice 1: Per registrant approach.

The charge is $1300.00 each year in addition to $65.00 per plot certify. An extra charge is paid for every individual enrolled in the affirmation conspire at the accompanying rate:

Standard registrant $10.00 each year

Expanded enrollment $18.00 Least three years

Proficient registrant* $48.00 each year including application
*Proficient registrants require proceeding with proficient turn of events and confirmation. See guide The Enrollment Plan for Area Explicit Experts

Registrant charges are paid through the Global Register of Value Evaluated Associations
Posting of all registrants and their photographs is compulsory at this site. www.sanatanboards.com

Choice 2: Entire Body approach

The expense is $8350.00 each year. There is no application expense or extra ISO 17024 appraisal charge. There is no restriction to the quantity of plans enlisted. This choice incorporates up to 1,450 understudy enlistments each year.

Registrant charges are set at nothing at the Global Register of Value Surveyed Associations
Posting of all registrants and their photographs is compulsory at this site.

Note 1: Utilization of the SDAB and Logos on endorsements and preparing writing connotes arrangement by the preparation organization that expenses are because of SDAB in regard of the individual certificated.

A Comprehensive Guide to SDAB’s Cost Structures and Operational Framework

Document Version: 1.2
Date: October 26, 2023
Issuing Body: Standards and Accreditation Board (SDAB)

Executive Summary

This document provides a complete and authoritative guide to the fee structures and operational philosophies of the Standards and Accreditation Board (SDAB) for organizations seeking or maintaining accreditation as a Personnel Certification Body (PCB). The SDAB’s mandate is to uphold the highest levels of integrity, competence, and public trust in professional certification schemes globally. Central to this mission is a fee strategy founded on “sensible reasonableness,” ensuring that costs are transparent, scalable, and directly aligned with the value and scope of services provided.

This guide elaborates on the two primary fee models: the Per Registrant Approach (Option 1) and the Whole Body Approach (Option 2). It details the financial, administrative, and strategic implications of each, providing certification bodies with the information needed to make an informed choice that best suits their size, growth trajectory, and operational model. Furthermore, it clarifies the mandatory requirements, including the use of the Global Register of Quality Assured Organizations, and explains the critical distinction between certification body accreditation (ISO/IEC 17024) and training provider certification.

1. Introduction: The Philosophy of Sensible Reasonableness

The SDAB’s charge strategy is one of sensible reasonableness. This principle is not merely a financial stance but a core operational ethic. It signifies that:

Costs are Justified and Transparent: Every fee component is directly linked to a specific service, administrative process, or value-added benefit provided by SDAB. There are no hidden charges or ambiguous costs.
Scalability and Fairness: The fee structures are designed to be fair to both small, niche certification bodies and large, multinational organizations. Costs should scale appropriately with the size and complexity of the certification schemes offered.
Investment in Quality: Fees are reinvested into maintaining robust accreditation processes, developing updated guidelines, providing stakeholder support, and upholding the international reputation of the SDAB mark, which in turn enhances the credibility of all accredited bodies.
Compliance with ISO/IEC 17024: All fee structures and associated requirements are designed to ensure that the Personnel Certification Body fully meets the stringent stipulations of the ISO/IEC 17024 standard, the global benchmark for personnel certification.

The Needs of the Personnel Certification Body Guide are Paramount: The SDAB’s processes are not unilateral impositions but are structured to guide the PCB toward sustainable compliance. The fee models are integral to this guidance, as they fund the oversight, assessment, and support systems that enable PCBs to operate with confidence and legitimacy.

2. Understanding the Landscape: ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation vs. Training Provider Certification

A fundamental clarification is essential before delving into fee structures:

ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation for Personnel Certification Bodies:
This international standard specifies requirements for a body certifying individuals against specific competence benchmarks. It is a process-centric accreditation of the certification body itself. It validates that the PCB’s processes for developing, maintaining, and awarding certifications—including exam development, candidate management, and recertification—are fair, valid, reliable, and impartial. It is essential for custom certification schemes that require continuous monitoring or Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This is the scope covered by SDAB’s accreditation and the fee options described herein.

Training Provider or Course Certification:
This is a content-centric evaluation of specific training courses or a training organization’s overall delivery system. It confirms that a particular course meets defined learning objectives and quality criteria. This is a separate license scheme, often aligned with standards like ISO 29993 (Learning services outside formal education). SDAB offers this, but it is administratively and financially distinct from PCB accreditation under ISO 17024.

Key Takeaway: Organizations must self-assess whether their activity is the certification of individuals (requiring ISO 17024 accreditation) or the certification of training/courses (a different scheme). This guide pertains solely to the former.

3. Fee Structure Option 1: The Per Registrant Approach

Option 1 is a granular, pay-as-you-grow model ideal for certification bodies with a variable or growing number of certified individuals (“Registrants”). It separates the cost of accrediting the scheme from the cost of managing each individual certified under it.

3.1 Core Fee Components:

Annual Base Fee for the Certification Body:$1,300.00
This is a fixed yearly fee paid by the PCB to maintain its accredited status with SDAB. It covers:
- Administrative governance and record-keeping.
- Access to SDAB guidelines and updates.
- Annual surveillance activities (desk audits).
- General stakeholder communication and support.
Per Scheme Accreditation Fee: $65.00 per scheme per year.
Each distinct certification program (e.g., “SDAB-Certified Cybersecurity Analyst,” “SDAB-Certified Sustainable Project Manager”) requires individual accreditation. This fee covers the unique development, review, and maintenance of that specific scheme’s compliance with ISO 17024.
Per Registrant Annual Fee: Paid for each individual currently certified and in good standing.
This fee is routed through the Global Register of Quality Assured Organizations and covers the cost of public-facing credential verification, database management, and individual record upkeep. The tiered rates are:

Registrant Tier	Annual Fee	Key Characteristics & Purpose
Standard Registrant	$10.00	For core certification schemes with a standard recertification cycle (typically 3 years). Covers basic listing and verification.
Extended Enrollment	$18.00 (Min. 3-Yr Commit.)	Offers a discounted multi-year rate for registrants who pre-pay for a minimum three-year certification period. Provides cost certainty for the individual and stable revenue for the PCB.
Professional Registrant*	$48.00 (incl. application)	For Area-Specific Professionals requiring rigorous CPD and continuous monitoring. This higher fee supports the intensive audit of CPD records, advanced ethical oversight, and enhanced public trust mechanisms. Governed by The Registration Scheme for Area-Specific Professionals* guide.

3.2 Financial Modeling & Scenario Analysis for Option 1:

Scenario A (Small, Niche PCB):
- 1 Certification Scheme, 150 Standard Registrants.
- Fees: $1,300 (Base) + $65 (Scheme) + (150 x $10 = $1,500) = $2,865.00/year.
Scenario B (Growing IT Certification PCB):
- 3 Certification Schemes, 400 Standard Registrants, 50 Extended (3-yr), 20 Professional.
- Fees: $1,300 + (3 x $65 = $195) + (400 x $10 = $4,000) + (50 x $18/3* = $300) + (20 x $48 = $960) = $6,755.00/year. (*Annualized extended fee)
Scenario C (Large, Established PCB):
- 8 Certification Schemes, 2,000 Standard Registrants, 500 Professional Registrants.
- Fees: $1,300 + (8 x $65 = $520) + (2,000 x $10 = $20,000) + (500 x $48 = $24,000) = $45,820.00/year.

3.3 Mandatory Requirement: The Global Register
All registrants must be listed on the SDAB’s public-facing register at www.sanatanboards.com. This is non-negotiable and serves as the primary mechanism for:

Public Trust: Employers, clients, and regulators can instantly verify a certification’s validity.
Fraud Prevention: Official photographs of registrants are mandatory, deterring credential misrepresentation.
Marketplace Visibility: The register acts as a global directory of certified professionals.
Administrative Hub: It is the system through which registrant fees are processed and managed.

3.4 Advantages & Disadvantages of Option 1:

Advantages:
- Low Barrier to Entry: Lower fixed costs make it accessible for new or small PCBs.
- Direct Cost-Pass Through: Registrant fees can be incorporated into certification fees, creating a clear cost structure.
- Scalability: Costs directly correlate with success; you pay more only as your registrant base grows.
Disadvantages:
- Administrative Burden: The PCB must meticulously track and report registrant numbers and tiers.
- Cost Uncertainty: Fluctuating registrant numbers make annual budgeting less predictable.
- Higher Marginal Cost at Scale: For very large bodies, the per-head cost can become significant.

4. Fee Structure Option 2: The Whole Body Approach

Option 2 is a simplified, all-inclusive capitation model designed for medium to large certification bodies seeking budget predictability and administrative ease. It consolidates almost all costs into a single annual fee.

4.1 Core Fee Structure:

Annual Comprehensive Fee:$8,350.00 per year.
This single fee encompasses:
- Full accreditation of the Certification Body.
- Unlimited number of certification schemes. A PCB can offer 5 or 50 different certifications under this one fee.
- No separate ISO 17024 assessment charges.
- No application fees for new schemes.
- Inclusion of up to 1,450 student/registrant enrollments per year. This is a bundled allowance, not a per-head fee.
Registrant Fee at Global Register: $0.00
Under Option 2, the PCB pays nothing to the Global Register for listing its registrants, regardless of number (up to the 1,450 annual enrollment cap). This represents a significant value if registrant numbers are high.

4.2 Understanding the “1,450 Enrollment” Cap:
This refers to new enrollments or recertifications processed within the fiscal year. It does not refer to the total static number of certified individuals. For example:

A PCB with a 3-year recertification cycle and 4,350 total certified professionals would, in a steady state, see approximately 1,450 individuals recertifying in any given year (4,350 / 3 = 1,450). This PCB would fit perfectly within Option 2.
If annual new enrollments and recertifications exceed 1,450, a pro-rated additional fee (to be negotiated with SDAB) would apply, or the PCB should consider switching to Option 1.

4.3 Mandatory Requirement: The Global Register
The requirement remains identical to Option 1: Listing of all registrants and their photographs is compulsory at www.sanatanboards.com. The only difference is the financial mechanism; SDAB covers the register costs from the comprehensive annual fee.

4.4 Advantages & Disadvantages of Option 2:

Advantages:
- Predictable Budgeting: A single, known annual cost simplifies financial planning.
- Administrative Simplicity: No need to track and report per-scheme or per-registrant counts for billing purposes.
- Scheme Flexibility: Encourages innovation and development of new certification schemes at no additional accreditation cost.
- Cost-Effective at Scale: For a PCB nearing or exceeding 1,000 registrants, this model becomes highly economical compared to Option 1.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Fixed Cost: A significant upfront investment, potentially prohibitive for very small bodies.
- Underutilization Risk: If registrant numbers are low, the cost per head may be high.
- Cap Limit: Requires careful monitoring of enrollment numbers to avoid exceeding the annual allowance.

5. Strategic Decision Making: Choosing Between Option 1 and Option 2

The choice is at the discretion of the Personnel Certification Body and should be based on a strategic analysis.

5.1 Key Decision Factors:

Current and Projected Registrant Volume: This is the most critical factor. Model both options using 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year projections.
Number of Certification Schemes: A PCB with many diverse schemes gains tremendous value from Option 2.
Financial Philosophy: Preference for variable costs (Option 1) vs. fixed costs (Option 2).
Administrative Capacity: Ability to handle detailed registrant tracking (Option 1) vs. desire for simplicity (Option 2).

5.2 The Flexibility Clause: “It is feasible to initiate with Option 1 and change to Option 2 at a later stage.”
SDAB recognizes that organizations evolve. A startup PCB should typically begin with Option 1. As its portfolio of schemes and its registrant base stabilizes and grows, a cost-benefit analysis should be performed annually. Once the total modeled cost of Option 1 consistently approaches or exceeds $8,350, and the registrant enrollment pattern is predictable, switching to Option 2 becomes the strategically and financially sound decision. The transition process is formalized through a simple contract amendment with SDAB.

6. Legal and Operational Obligations

Note 1: Use of the SDAB and Logos on Certificates
“Utilization of the SDAB name and logos on certificates and training literature signifies agreement by the certification/training organization that fees are due to SDAB in respect of the individual certificated.”

This is a critical legal and contractual statement. It means:

The act of issuing a certificate bearing the SDAB mark creates a financial obligation. The PCB is responsible for ensuring the appropriate fees (per Option 1 or 2) are paid to SDAB for that individual.
The obligation is on the PCB, not the individual registrant (though the PCB may collect it from them). The PCB cannot issue SDAB-accredited certificates and then default on the corresponding fees to the accreditor.
Training literature that references SDAB accreditation also triggers this obligation, as it is a claim of affiliation that relies on SDAB’s intellectual property and reputation.

6.2 Audit and Compliance Rights:
SDAB reserves the right to audit a PCB’s records (including registrant lists and financials) to verify compliance with the chosen fee structure and the overall requirements of ISO/IEC 17024. Discrepancies may result in back-charges, penalties, or suspension of accreditation.

7. Conclusion and Next Steps

Selecting the appropriate fee structure is a foundational business decision for any Personnel Certification Body. The SDAB’s dual-model approach provides the flexibility needed to support PCBs at every stage of their lifecycle.

Recommended Action Plan:

Self-Assessment: Confirm your activity aligns with ISO/IEC 17024 (personnel certification) and not training provider certification.
Data Gathering: Compile accurate data on your current number of certification schemes, total registrants, and annual new/recertifying enrollments.
Financial Modeling: Project your numbers for the next 3-5 years. Calculate total annual costs under both Option 1 and Option 2 using the formulas provided.
Strategic Decision: Choose the model that offers the best balance of cost-effectiveness, administrative fit, and strategic alignment with your growth plans.
Formal Application: Contact SDAB to begin the formal accreditation process, specifying your chosen fee option.

By partnering with SDAB under a model of “sensible reasonableness,” your Personnel Certification Body invests not only in a credential but in a system of trust, quality, and global recognition that will define the value of your certifications for years to come.

For further information, application forms, or to discuss your specific scenario, please contact the SDAB Accreditation Secretariat.

Branches

SDAB Accreditation

SDAB Head Office

SDAB Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board
SDAB House
C/O Mr.Garry 54, Glengarnock Avenue,
E-14 3BP Isle Of Dogs, London UK
Tel .: +44-8369083940
email: info@sanatanboards.com
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

MUMBAI Head Office

Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board (SDAB)
SDAB House
B-401, New Om Kaveri Chs. Ltd., Nagindas pada,
Next To Shiv Sena Office, Nallasopara (E)
Tel .: +91-7499991895
email: info@sanatanboards.com
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

DELHI-NCR Regd. Office

Sanatan Dharma Accreditation Board (SDAB)
SDAB House
Asaoti, Dist Palwal
Faridabad Delhi NCR, Haryana
Tel .: +91-7979801035
Fax: +91-250 2341170
Website: www.sanatanboards.com

sanatanboards