This page explains the standards hierarchy within WBO's certification system, the general operational process for certification, and how standards and procedures are maintained and updated. WBO organizes its certification standards into two tiers — Framework Documents and Execution Documents — so that long-term stability and operational flexibility can coexist.

Standards Structure

WBO's certification standards follow a two-tier management model: Framework Documents and Execution Documents.

Framework Documents

Framework Documents define the core principles, capability structures, level logic, and assessment direction of a certification program. They are published publicly, updated infrequently, and represent the long-term stable foundation of the certification system. Updates are identified by version number, and prior versions are archived for traceability.

Typical content includes: capability framework and level-structure descriptions, assessment principles and methodology overviews, and scope and boundary statements for certification programs.

Execution Documents

Execution Documents are developed under the guidance of Framework Documents. They define specific qualification thresholds, scoring rules, assessment procedures, and operational details. They may be updated more frequently than Framework Documents, informed by practice feedback and annual calibration.

Typical content includes: program-specific qualification thresholds and scoring standards, assessment formats and scheduling, scoring criteria and determination rules, and annual parameter calibration notes.

Framework Documents remain stable; Execution Documents are permitted to iterate. This separation ensures that external parties have a clear and consistent reference when citing certification standards, while allowing WBO to refine operational details through ongoing practice.

General Certification Process

The following outlines the general operational process within WBO's certification system. Specific steps may vary by program; details are governed by each program's Execution Documents.

Step 1 — Understand the Certification Program

The applicant reviews the program's scope, capability requirements, level structure, and assessment approach through the WBO Website.

Step 2 — Confirm Eligibility and Prepare

The applicant confirms whether they meet the program's eligibility conditions (where applicable) and prepares according to program requirements.

Step 3 — Participate in Assessment

The applicant participates in the assessment under published rules and procedures. The assessment may be administered by WBEO or by an authorized partner institution operating under the WBO standards framework.

Step 4 — Result Determination

After the assessment, the result is determined according to published scoring rules and qualification criteria. The result is communicated to the applicant in writing or through an official system.

Step 5 — Certificate Issuance and Recording

Applicants who meet the required standard receive a certificate or record issued by WBEO. The certificate and record are entered into the verification system and can be queried and verified through the Verification Center.

Step 6 — Review and Appeal (If Needed)

If the applicant disagrees with the assessment outcome, a review request or formal appeal may be submitted within the designated period. For specific procedures, please refer to the Review, Appeals & Data Requests Policy.

Maintenance of Standards and Procedures

WBO uses versioned management to maintain the stability of its standards and procedures. Updates to Framework Documents and Execution Documents follow these rules:

· Framework Document updates are identified by version number (e.g., v1.0, v1.1) and communicated through official channels;

· Execution Documents may be updated on the basis of annual calibration or practice feedback, with changes identified by version number or effective date;

· prior versions are retained for traceability and comparison;

· assessment outcomes are determined on the basis of the standards version in effect at the time the assessment took place.

For detailed rules on version management, please refer to the Standards Versioning & Update Policy.

Role Division

· WBO — develops Framework Documents, assessment principles, and the standards system; responsible for version management and the long-term maintenance of standards;

· WBEO — develops Execution Documents under the WBO standards framework; administers assessments, issues certificates, and maintains certification records;

· Authorized partner institutions — participate in the organization and delivery of assessments within their local regulatory frameworks, under the coordination or authorization of WBEO.

Scope and Boundaries

WBO's certification standards and procedures are designed for the structured evaluation and public reference of cognitive capability. They do not constitute administrative licensing or formal academic credentials in any jurisdiction, and they do not replace medical or psychological diagnosis or intervention. The applicable standards and procedures for any given program are those in the most current official version.