Starting Q4 2025
The ICoBC Global Quality Standard (GQS)
The ICoBC Global Quality Standard (GQS) is the definitive benchmark for excellence in the digital credentialing industry. It is a high-value service designed to provide third-party validation that your program meets the highest international standards, serving as a mark of trust for learners, employers, and partners globally.
Why Pursue the Standard?
Organizations that successfully meet the Global Quality Standard receive a suite of benefits designed to enhance their brand, validate their quality, and increase their market impact.
- Global Seal of Quality: A license to use the ICoBC “Global Seal of Quality” logo in your marketing and on your credentials.
- Expert Strategic Insights: A detailed, confidential report from a world-class expert with actionable feedback to drive continuous improvement.
- Official Recognition: A prominent listing in the official ICoBC Registry of GQS Organizations, increasing your visibility.
- Co-Marketing Opportunities: The chance to be featured in ICoBC publications, webinars, or case studies, showcasing your success.
The Five Principles of the ICoBC Standard
The GQS review is built upon five core principles that define a high-quality credentialing ecosystem. Every criterion in the review is mapped to one of these pillars.
- Value: The credential must be meaningful and beneficial to the earner, employers, and the wider community.
- Rigour: The learning and assessment processes behind the credential must be robust, valid, and well-designed.
- Impact: The program must demonstrate a measurable, positive effect on its stakeholders.
- Trustworthiness: Technology and processes must be secure, verifiable, and protect learner data and sovereignty.
- Experience: The journey for the earner must be supportive, engaging, and accessible.
The GQS Process: A Step-by-Step Journey 🗺️
The GQS process is a pragmatic journey designed to be completed within 4-6 weeks.
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Stage 1: Application & Readiness Check (1 Week)
Submit a concise online form and an Application Fee. The ICoBC core team performs a quick readiness check to ensure your program is suitable for a full review.
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Stage 2: Evidence Submission & Desk Review (2-3 Weeks)
Upload evidence against the Quality Review Grid in a secure portal. An assigned Lead Reviewer conducts a thorough, asynchronous desk review of all materials.
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Stage 3: Live Review Session (3 Hours)
Participate in a single, structured 3-hour video conference with your Lead Reviewer. This session includes a deep-dive on evidence and meetings with learners and external stakeholders to validate the program’s value and impact.
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Stage 4: Report & Decision (1-2 Weeks)
Receive a standardized report with detailed findings and actionable recommendations. The report concludes with a final decision: GQS Achieved, Provisional Status, or Action Plan Required.
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Stage 5: Maintaining the Standard
GQS status is valid for three years. Maintain your status through an annual fee and undergo a lighter re-validation process at the end of the term.
Fee Structure & Payment Model 💳
The GQS is a commercial service with a transparent fee structure designed to cover the cost of world-class, independent reviewers and ICoBC operations.
| Fee Type | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | €250 | A non-refundable fee paid upon submission to cover initial administrative review. |
| Full Review Fee | €3,500 | A fixed fee for the complete review process, covering the independent Lead Reviewer’s time and final report. |
| Annual Maintenance Fee | €500 | A recurring annual fee for GQS organizations to maintain their status and use the “Global Seal of Quality”. |
Integration with the ICoBC Ecosystem 🌐
Achieving the Global Quality Standard is the gateway to deeper integration within the ICoBC ecosystem. GQS-compliant organizations will see their credentials highlighted in the Digital Companion Wallet and receive priority support for the Global Skills Taxonomy Hub.
The review process is led by an ICoBC Lead Reviewer—a contracted, independent expert who acts as a strategic partner, not just an auditor, bringing deep domain expertise and a consultative mindset to help your organization improve.
Begin Your ApplicationBecome an ICoBC Lead Reviewer
The integrity and credibility of the ICoBC Global Quality Standard (GQS) depend on the expertise of our reviewers. An ICoBC Lead Reviewer is not just an auditor; they are a strategic partner who provides constructive, actionable feedback that helps organizations improve. We are seeking recognized leaders in the field to join our exclusive network.
Mandatory Prerequisites
Please note: Only active, individual members of ICoBC are eligible to be considered for the Lead Reviewer role. Applications from non-members or those with corporate memberships will not be reviewed.
Required Profile & Core Competencies
Successful candidates must rigorously meet the following criteria:
- Deep Domain Expertise: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in digital credentialing, micro-credentials, and skills frameworks, with a comprehensive understanding of the global landscape.
- Proven Thought Leadership: A clear track record of published research, white papers, or influential articles on credentialing, quality assurance, or educational technology.
- International Experience: Demonstrable experience working with diverse educational and corporate systems across multiple countries and cultures.
- Technical & Pedagogical Fluency: The ability to critically assess both the technological architecture (e.g., platforms, data standards) and the pedagogical design (e.g., learning outcomes, assessment validity) of a credentialing program.
- Strict Vendor Neutrality: Candidates must have no vested financial interest in any single credentialing platform or provider to ensure impartial advice and maintain the integrity of the review process.