This Standards Versioning & Update Policy (the "Policy") explains how World Brain Organization ("WBO") manages version updates to its standards, rules, and policy documents, and the version-related rules that external users should observe when referencing such materials. WBO's standards system evolves through versioned releases, ensuring that definitions remain clear, rules remain traceable, and citations have a reliable point of reference.

1. Scope

This Policy applies to the following categories of documents publicly released by WBO:

· standards-framework documents (including capability frameworks, level structures, assessment principles, and related materials);

· certification and competition rule documents;

· policy and statement documents (such as those published under the Statements & Policies section of the Website);

· rules and procedural descriptions related to verification mechanisms.

These are collectively referred to as "versioned documents."

2. Versioning Principles

WBO applies the following principles to all versioned documents:

· Each official release carries a version number. Every document is published with a version identifier (e.g., v1.0, v1.1) and an effective date or last-updated date.

· Previous versions are never deleted. When a new version is published, the prior version is archived and retained for traceability and comparison. Archived versions are not removed from the system.

· The latest version governs. External references and internal implementation shall follow the most current official version. Archived versions are retained for traceability but do not serve as a currently effective basis.

3. When a Version Number Is Updated

WBO updates the version number and archives the prior version when a document undergoes a material change. Material changes include, but are not limited to:

· changes to the scope of application;

· changes to accountability boundaries (such as responsible parties, disclaimers, or rights and obligations);

· changes to rule logic (such as assessment definitions, verification procedures, or appeals-handling principles);

· changes to key processes (such as conditions, steps, or handling methods).

For edits that do not alter the substantive meaning of a document — such as typographical corrections, grammar improvements, formatting adjustments, or broken-link repairs — WBO may update the "last updated" date without advancing the version number.

4. Archiving & Traceability

When a new version is published, the prior version is moved to a dedicated archive path. The archived page will display the following information at the top:

· that the page is an archived version (Archived Version);

· which version has superseded it (Superseded by);

· the effective date or last-updated date corresponding to the archived version.

The purpose of the archiving mechanism is to ensure that all historical versions can be traced and compared, and to prevent the same document from being conflated or misreferenced across different periods.

5. Citation Rules for External Use

When referencing WBO standards, rules, or policy documents, users are advised to observe the following:

· reference the most current official version;

· include the version number and effective date (or last-updated date) so that readers can trace the source;

· not cite an archived version as if it were currently effective, unless clearly noting that the reference is to a historical version;

· not alter, abridge, or combine material from different versions and publish the result as an "official WBO version."

For further rules on content use and citation, please refer to the Intellectual Property & Citation Policy.

6. Relationship with Official Updates

Not every version update results in an Official Updates notice. WBO will typically publish an Official Update in the following cases:

· first publication of a policy or standards document (e.g., v1.0);

· a major version upgrade with broad impact or significant changes in principle;

· a change that materially affects verification, appeals, or rule definitions.

For routine version iterations and non-substantive edits, WBO will reflect the change through the version number and date shown on the document page itself, without publishing a separate Official Update.

7. Updates to This Policy

WBO may update this Policy from time to time. The version number and effective date shown on this page shall apply.

8. Contact

If you have questions about standards versioning or document updates, please contact WBO through the channels officially published on the Website.