Overview
The Advisera Implementer certification scheme is designed for professionals who contribute to, perform, or lead implementation and improvement activities for management systems and related frameworks.
The level of certification depends mainly on the candidate’s professional and project experience.
Standards covered by the certification
The Implementer/Lead Implementer certification scheme currently covers:
- ISO/IEC 27001
- ISO/IEC 42001
- ISO 9001
- ISO 14001
- ISO 45001
- ISO 13485
Certification levels
For each standard, four certification levels are available:
| Certification level | Professional experience | Project experience |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Junior Implementer – e.g., “Certified ISO 9001 Junior Implementer” | None required | None required |
| Certified Implementer – e.g., “Certified ISO 14001 Implementer” | Minimum 1 year in the relevant management area | Substantial role in at least 1 relevant implementation or improvement project |
| Certified Lead Implementer – e.g., “Certified ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer” | Minimum 2 years in the relevant management area | Substantial role in at least 2 relevant implementation or improvement projects |
| Certified Principal Lead Implementer – e.g., “Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Principal Lead Implementer” | Minimum 5 years in the relevant management area | Substantial role in at least 5 relevant implementation or improvement projects |
The relevant professional field and project type depend on the standard. For example, ISO/IEC 27001 requires experience in information security management and ISMS projects, while ISO 14001 requires experience in environmental management and EMS projects.
Prerequisites for taking the exam
Before taking the exam, applicants must:
- complete Lead Implementer, project management, or similar training, or provide evidence of equivalent knowledge or learning;
- complete training covering the relevant ISO standard or framework, or provide evidence of equivalent knowledge or learning; and
- agree to Advisera’s examination and certification rules.
It is therefore not necessary to attend an Advisera course if the applicant can demonstrate equivalent learning that meets the requirements.
Who is eligible?
Passing the exam alone does not automatically result in certification.
Before a certificate can be issued, the candidate must:
- meet the training or equivalent-learning prerequisites described above;
- have at least a high school diploma or equivalent;
- accept Advisera’s Code of Conduct;
- pass the required exam; and
- meet the professional and project experience requirements for the requested certification level.
Advisera reviews the evidence submitted by the candidate. If information is incomplete, unclear, inconsistent, or insufficient, additional evidence may be requested before the certification decision is made. Certification is granted only after all requirements for the applicable credential have been fulfilled.
Exam format & passing criteria
The assessment is performed through a proctored online exam.
The exam:
- contains between 50 and 60 questions;
- lasts 90 minutes;
- contains multiple-choice and True/False questions, with at least 70% multiple-choice questions;
- uses scenario-based questions designed to test understanding rather than memorization of clause numbers;
- randomly selects questions from the examination bank; and
- is recorded using online proctoring, with the recording reviewed by an Advisera invigilator.
The exam contains two competency units:
| Competency unit | What it assesses | Minimum questions | Pass requirement (overall) | Passing requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framework Requirements | Understanding of the relevant ISO standard or framework | 25 | At least 70% of the overall competency unit | At least 50% for each competence |
| Lead Implementer | Understanding of methods for implementing and managing implementation projects | 25 | At least 70% of the overall competency unit | At least 50% for each competence |
If a candidate fails, a re-examination is allowed. The candidate retakes only the competency unit that was failed; competency units already passed do not need to be repeated.
How to apply
To apply, you need to purchase the exam on Advisera website.
Before proceeding to the exam, applicants must accept the applicable certification and examination rules, including the obligation to comply with certification requirements, avoid fraudulent practices, protect confidential examination materials, and comply with the rules concerning suspension or withdrawal of certification.
Advisera reviews whether the applicant is eligible to take the examination. Reasonable accommodations may be provided where they do not change the competencies being assessed or compromise examination security.
What happens after the exam?
After the exam, Advisera verifies the candidate’s examination result, compliance with examination rules, education, professional experience, project experience, and other applicable requirements.
The certification decision is made only after all requirements have been verified. If approved, Advisera issues the certificate and sends it to the certified person by email together with the Code of Conduct.
Maintaining your certification
Requirements for maintaining the certification, recertification, suspension, and withdrawal are explained separately here: Recertification, suspension and withdrawal
The Implementer certification has a three-year recertification cycle and no routine surveillance activities during that period.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to take an Advisera course?
No. You can provide documented proof of equivalent training or self‑study.
How many times can I retake a failed unit?
Up to three attempts per unit within the 12‑month certification window.
What counts as “substantial role” in a project?
Being the project lead, co‑lead, or a major contributor (e.g., responsible for > 30 % of the implementation tasks).
Can I combine experience from different standards?
Experience must be relevant to the specific standard you are applying for (e.g., ISO 27001 experience does not count toward ISO 9001).