Certification Examination, Skills Verification, and Documentation Control Policy
PURPOSE
This policy establishes the standardized process for certification eligibility, skills verification, examination access, documentation control, quality assurance, impartiality safeguards, and certificate issuance in alignment with ISO/IEC 17024 principles for certification of persons.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all GEMR-approved instructors, training providers, certification personnel, administrative reviewers, and certification candidates participating in the GEMR Emergency First Aid program.
IMPARTIALITY STATEMENT
GEMR is committed to impartiality in all certification activities. Certification decisions shall be made independently of training delivery and shall not be influenced by commercial, financial, or personal interests. Completion of training does not guarantee certification. All certification personnel must disclose potential conflicts of interest prior to participating in evaluation or decision-making processes.
ROLE SEPARATION
Training, examination, and certification decisions shall be functionally separated. Instructors may evaluate skills competency; however, final certification approval shall be granted by authorized GEMR certification personnel not directly involved in training delivery.
CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must:
- Complete the full 16-hour instructor-led course
- Demonstrate competency in all required practical skills
- Submit signed skills documentation forms
- Pass the GEMR written examination with a minimum score of 85%
- Comply with documentation upload and verification requirements
Certification will not be issued until all requirements are independently verified.
SKILLS VERIFICATION AND DOCUMENT CONTROL
All required skills documentation must include student name, instructor name, instructor signature, course ID, and completion date. Documentation must be uploaded to the candidate’s GEMR profile prior to examination access. GEMR administrative personnel shall verify completeness and authenticity prior to approval.
WRITTEN EXAMINATION SECURITY
The written examination shall be standardized, timed, and electronically controlled when administered online. Candidates are permitted two attempts. Examination materials are confidential and protected. Unauthorized distribution, reproduction, or sharing of examination content is strictly prohibited.
CERTIFICATION DECISION
Certification decisions shall be made by designated GEMR certification authorities after review of all required documentation and confirmation of examination results. Certificates shall include a unique identification number and a defined validity period of two (2) years.
RECERTIFICATION POLICY
Certification is valid for two (2) years. Recertification requires completion of an approved refresher course, verification of continued competency, and submission of updated skills documentation as defined by GEMR standards.
RECORD RETENTION
GEMR shall retain certification records, examination results, and supporting documentation for a minimum of five (5) years. Approved providers must also retain course documentation for a minimum of five (5) years.
COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS PROCESS
Candidates may submit written appeals regarding examination results or certification decisions within 30 days of notification. Appeals shall be reviewed by personnel not involved in the original decision. Complaints regarding instructors or providers shall be investigated in accordance with GEMR quality procedures.
AUDIT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
GEMR reserves the right to conduct audits of training providers, instructors, and certification records. Audit findings may result in corrective action, suspension, or revocation of approval.
FRAUD AND MISCONDUCT
Falsified documentation, examination misconduct, forged signatures, or certification issued without meeting requirements constitute grounds for disciplinary action, including certificate revocation and provider suspension.
POLICY REVIEW
This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with ISO/IEC 17024 principles, current resuscitation science, and accreditation best practices.