What is a certification body (fachkundige Stelle)?

What does a certification body do?

It decides on the approval of training providers and their courses. To do so, it checks the documents submitted and carries out on-site checks (section 181 (4) SGB III). With the approval, it issues a certificate (section 181 (6) SGB III).

What the certification body checks

For provider approval, it checks the requirements of section 2 AZAV for each location and each specialist area, for example vocational training or activation measures (section 5 (1) AZAV). For course approval, it checks the objectives, duration and content of the course and whether the costs are appropriate (sections 3 to 5 AZAV). It can suspend the procedure once for a maximum of three months so that improvements can be made (section 181 (4) SGB III).

Who accredits the certification bodies?

Certification bodies are the certification organisations accredited by the accreditation body (section 177 (1) SGB III). The accreditation is limited to a maximum of five years (section 177 (3) SGB III). The Federal Employment Agency supervises the accreditation body in professional matters.

Independence

A certification body may only decide on a provider if it has no economic, personnel or organisational ties with it and has not advised it and does not advise it (section 177 (2) no. 3 SGB III). Advice and certification are therefore strictly separate.

In practice: an example

As a participant, you will have little to do with the certification body. It matters to you because its certificate shows that the provider and the course have been checked. For training providers, it is the first point of contact on the way to approval; information on this is on our page for training providers.

How we help you

We clarify with you which funding route fits your situation and look for an approved course in our course finder. All funding routes at a glance are on our funding page, and you can request an appointment here.