# ICoBC Accredited Partner *Accreditation for consultants who prepare clients for the Seal.* ## About this course This is a candidate guide for a work-based validation. It does not teach the Maturity Check from the beginning. You have already done that in ICB-R03 and ICB-R04. This guide tells you what evidence to collect from live work, how to structure your portfolio, how attestation works and how to prepare for the professional discussion with the accreditation panel. **Who it is for.** ICoBC Accredited Partners (N3) who prepare clients for the ICoBC Global Quality Seal and who want to be accredited at Competency stage. **Framework alignment.** ICoBC Credentialing Skills Framework (ICSF), skill QUAL "Quality assurance and accreditation" (VRITE pillar: Rigor), level L3 "Enable", stage C "Competency". At this level the skill is: runs self-assessment against a quality framework; prepares for external review; implements improvements. Stage C means applying the capability in a real context, usually work, with the responsibility of the stated level, over time and with observable effect. **Learning outcomes.** When you have completed the validation, you can: 1. Show one supervised Maturity Check completed with a client to standard. 2. Show that readiness work stayed within the partner role. 3. Show correct use of ICoBC tools. **Workload.** About 15 hours of candidate preparation and assessment. This includes reading this guide, preparing evidence, the supervised engagement itself, portfolio work and the panel discussion. **How it is assessed.** You complete one supervised Maturity Check with a client. The client gives feedback and your supervisor writes a report. Your portfolio and a professional discussion go to the accreditation panel, which makes the decision. **Badge.** "ICoBC Accredited Partner (Competency, L3)", alignment code ICSF-QUAL-L3-C. Badge evidence: supervisor report, client feedback and panel decision. The badge is valid for 3 years. **Prerequisites.** ICB-R03 Accredited Partner Programme: Running the Maturity Check and ICB-R04 Independence and Conflicts of Interest in the Quality Network. | Outcome | Module | How it is assessed | |---|---|---| | 1. Show one supervised Maturity Check completed with a client to standard | Supervised engagement guidance | Supervisor report, client feedback and portfolio reviewed by the panel | | 2. Show that readiness work stayed within the partner role | Partner code of conduct | Role boundary log, conflict declaration and professional discussion | | 3. Show correct use of ICoBC tools | Accreditation panel | Tool use record in the portfolio, panel review and professional discussion | **Status note.** The ICoBC VRITE criteria and the Global Quality Seal are [Emerging]. Indicators are not yet published, internal documents use different expansions of the acronym, and pilots are ongoing. Status as of November 2026; check before publishing. In your evidence, refer to the criteria and tools in the version your supervisor gives you, and note the version. Do not state indicators that ICoBC has not published. > The badge records that a panel judged your evidence from one supervised engagement. Completing this guide does not by itself prove competency in a job. {{1}}

Facilitator notes

Use this overview in the first supervisor meeting. Ask the candidate to say which of the five steps they have already completed and agree dates for the rest. Confirm which version of the Maturity Check tools the engagement will use and record it. Remind the candidate that the VRITE criteria and the Seal are Emerging, so evidence must refer only to published or supplied material.

## Supervised engagement guidance This module covers outcome 1: show one supervised Maturity Check completed with a client to standard. You will learn how to choose and agree the engagement, how supervision works, what evidence to collect from live work and how to structure the portfolio. ### Choosing and agreeing the engagement The validation rests on one real Maturity Check with one real client. Choose a client where you can do the full process: agree scope, run the self-assessment against the quality framework, prepare the client for external review and help the client implement improvements. These steps match the L3 skill "Enable". Before you start, agree four things in writing with the client and your supervisor. 1. **Scope.** Which part of the client's credentialing work is in the Maturity Check, and which part is out. 2. **Roles.** What you do as partner, what the client does and what your supervisor does. 3. **Consent.** The client agrees that your supervisor will see working documents, that the client will give feedback on your work and that anonymised extracts may go to the panel. 4. **Timeline.** The dates of the main steps, so the effect of the work can be observed over time. Stage C asks for "observable effect". A single afternoon of work rarely shows that. Plan the engagement so that at least one improvement is agreed, started and reviewed during the period. The length is set by your supervisor and the programme rules you were given. Pick a client of a size you can handle alone. A small education provider, a training department in a company or a professional association are all suitable. Record the client type in your portfolio, not the commercial details. ### How supervision works Your supervisor is an experienced ICoBC partner or ICoBC staff member who observes your work and writes the supervisor report. The supervisor does not do the work for you. Expect three kinds of supervisor contact. - **Planning.** Before you start, you present scope, roles and plan. - **Observation.** The supervisor attends at least part of the live work, or reviews recordings or working documents with the client's consent. - **Review.** After the engagement, you discuss what happened and what you would change. Keep a short supervision log: date, topic, what the supervisor said and what you did next. The log shows that you acted on feedback, which is part of working "to standard". {{1}}

Facilitator notes

Ask the candidate to explain in one minute who will produce which piece of evidence and by when. If the candidate expects the supervisor to correct documents before submission, clarify that the supervisor observes and reports. Check that the client has seen and agreed the consent wording.

### Evidence from live work and the portfolio The panel judges your portfolio, so structure it so that a reader who was not there can follow what happened. Use this order. 1. **Cover sheet.** Your name, partner number, client type (anonymised), supervisor, dates and the version of the ICoBC tools used. 2. **Engagement agreement.** Scope, roles, consent and timeline. 3. **Maturity Check record.** The completed self-assessment, with the client's own evidence references, your notes on gaps and the agreed ratings. 4. **Readiness plan.** The improvements agreed with the client, who owns each, and what was done by the end of the period. 5. **Effect.** What changed, shown by dated documents, revised procedures or client statements. Keep claims small and checkable. 6. **Supervision log.** 7. **Role boundary log and conflict declaration** (see the next module). 8. **Tool use record** (see the third module). 9. **Reflection.** One page on what went well, what you would change and what you learned. 10. **Attestation statements.** **Attestation** is a signed statement by another person that your evidence is genuine. There are three attesters: you (a declaration that the work is yours and the portfolio is accurate), the client (confirming the engagement took place as described) and the supervisor (confirming what they observed). Attesters sign and date their statements. Do not write attestation statements for others to sign without changes. Each attester must be free to say what they saw. **Data protection.** Remove or anonymise personal data and commercial details unless the client has agreed in writing that the panel may see them. **Worked example: Evidence of a Maturity Check completed to standard** *Context (illustrative).* Amara Okafor is an Accredited Partner. Her client is a mid-sized vocational training provider. Her supervisor is Lukas Meier. *Good evidence in her portfolio.* - An engagement agreement, signed by the provider's quality manager on 12 March, naming the scope as "assessment and certification processes" and excluding "marketing of courses". - The completed Maturity Check record. For each area, a rating, a reference to a client document, and a one-line reason. Where the client had no document, the record says "no evidence seen" instead of leaving the cell empty. - A readiness plan with six improvements. Two were completed within the period, each with a dated before and after version of the procedure. - The supervisor report, which states that Lukas observed the closing meeting and two working sessions, and describes where Amara asked open questions and where she gave too much advice and corrected herself. - The client feedback form, signed by the quality manager, with comments on clarity and timing. *Why it works.* The reader can trace each rating to a source, sees an effect with dates and can read independent views from the client and the supervisor. The portfolio also shows a small weakness and its correction, which makes it credible. **Practice activity: Build your portfolio skeleton** 1. Create a folder or document with the ten sections above as headings. 2. Under each heading, write one line saying what you will put there and when it will be available. 3. Mark three items you are worried about, for example the client feedback or a record of the effect. 4. Agree with your supervisor how you will close each of the three gaps. 5. Add the dates of the supervised sessions to the timeline. Time: about 45 minutes. Keep this skeleton and update it after each session. **Self-check: Supervised engagement guidance** **Question 1.** Which description of the engagement fits the validation best? [( )] Several short desk exercises with imaginary clients, so that the supervisor can compare results [(X)] One real Maturity Check with one client, supervised, with an agreed scope, roles, consent and timeline [( )] A written essay about how a Maturity Check would be run, signed by the supervisor [( )] A group workshop for several partners, with each partner covering one step **** The validation needs one supervised Maturity Check completed with a real client. Agreeing scope, roles, consent and timeline at the start makes the evidence usable and the effect observable. **** **Question 2.** Why does the guide ask for a dated "effect" section in the portfolio? [( )] To show how many hours you worked for the client [( )] To give the client a marketing summary [(X)] Because stage C expects observable effect over time, shown by checkable documents or statements [( )] Because the panel only reads the effect section **** Stage C is about applying the capability in a real context with observable effect over time. Dated before and after documents or client statements make that effect checkable. **** **Question 3.** Who signs which attestation? [( )] Only the supervisor signs, because the others are not independent [( )] You write all three statements and the others sign without changes [(X)] You, the client and the supervisor each sign a statement about what they know first-hand [( )] The panel signs after the discussion **** Each attester confirms what they can speak to. You declare that the work is yours, the client confirms that the engagement took place and the supervisor confirms what they observed. Each must be free to word their own statement. **** ## Partner code of conduct This module covers outcome 2: show that readiness work stayed within the partner role. It explains the role boundaries, how to record them and how to deal with conflicts of interest. ### The partner role and its boundaries An Accredited Partner prepares clients for external review. The partner helps the client understand the framework, assess itself, plan improvements and collect its own evidence. The partner does not act as the reviewer, does not decide the outcome and does not do the client's work in a way that hides the client's real position. Think of the role as three zones. - **Inside the role.** Explaining criteria and tools, asking questions, structuring the self-assessment, suggesting options for improvement, training client staff, reviewing drafts and giving feedback. - **At the edge.** Writing a first draft of a procedure as a template for the client to adapt, or helping to choose evidence. Do this only if the client owns the result, adapts it and understands it. - **Outside the role.** Promising or implying that the client will receive the Seal, influencing or contacting the reviewers about this client, altering or inventing client evidence, taking a fee linked to the outcome, and carrying out the external review of a client you advised. The rules of independence and conflicts of interest come from ICB-R04 and the partner terms you accepted. Where this guide and those documents differ, the documents apply. Because the Seal and the VRITE criteria are [Emerging], you may not know how a pilot review will rate your client. Say so. A statement such as "I cannot predict the review outcome" is correct and builds trust with the client. ### Recording boundaries and conflicts The panel cannot see what happened in your meetings. You show it with two records. **Conflict declaration.** Written before the engagement. It lists any relationship with the client or with its competitors, any earlier paid work, any link to a reviewer and how you will manage it. If there is nothing to declare, say so and confirm that you checked. The supervisor reviews it. **Role boundary log.** A short table kept during the engagement. For each moment where the boundary was tested, record the date, the situation, what was asked, what you did and why. Include moments that went well and moments you corrected. | Date | Situation | Request | Your action | Reason | |---|---|---|---|---| | (date) | (what happened) | (what the client asked) | (what you did) | (rule or principle) | Entries should be short and honest. A log with no entries at all is not convincing, because most engagements contain at least a few boundary moments. A log in which you always did the right thing without any doubt may also raise questions in the professional discussion. {{1}}

Facilitator notes

Ask the candidate to describe one real moment from earlier work where the boundary was unclear. Discuss which zone it fell into and what the candidate would log. Make clear that a candid log with a corrected mistake is stronger evidence than a log with no entries.

### Showing the boundary in the professional discussion The panel will ask about your role boundary log. Prepare short, concrete answers. Use the pattern: situation, what the client wanted, what you did, which rule applied, what the client then did. Typical questions include these. - Where did you come closest to doing the client's work? - How did you handle a request for a guarantee? - What would you do if you learned that a reviewer was a friend? - How did you separate your advice from the decision of the client? Do not recite rules. Describe the situation and your reasoning. If you made a mistake, say what you noticed, when and what you changed. **Worked example: A role boundary log entry the panel can trust** *Context (illustrative).* Amara Okafor advises a professional association that wants to use the Global Quality Seal in its member communication. *Log entry.* | Date | Situation | Request | Your action | Reason | |---|---|---|---|---| | 2 April | Closing meeting of the Maturity Check | The association's director asked: "Can you confirm that we will get the Seal?" | Said that the partner role does not include predicting outcomes and that the Seal is Emerging with pilots ongoing. Offered a written summary of strengths and gaps instead. | Partners do not promise or imply outcomes. | | 9 April | Drafting an evidence index | The quality officer asked me to write the whole index for her. | Provided a blank template and two example rows. The officer filled in the rest and I reviewed it. | Client owns its evidence. | *Why it works.* Each entry names a real moment, a concrete action and a reason. The second entry sits at the edge of the role and shows the safeguard: the client wrote and owns the content. The supervisor can confirm both entries from observation. **Practice activity: Draft your conflict declaration and first log entries** 1. Write your conflict declaration. List any contacts, earlier paid work, memberships or personal links with the client, its competitors or any known reviewer. If none, state that you checked and how. 2. Share it with your supervisor and note their comments. 3. Create the role boundary log table and enter the first two moments from the planning stage. 4. Write answers to the four typical panel questions above, three or four sentences each. 5. Read your answers aloud. Cut anything that sounds like a recited rule. Time: about 60 minutes. **Self-check: Partner code of conduct** **Question 4.** A client asks you to confirm that it will receive the Seal after the readiness work. What is the best response? [( )] Say yes, because you know the client well and the work was thorough [( )] Say yes, but add that it depends on luck [(X)] Say that partners do not predict or promise outcomes, offer a written summary of strengths and gaps, and log the exchange [( )] Avoid the question and change the subject **** Partners do not promise or imply outcomes. A clear answer, a useful alternative and a log entry keep you inside the role and give the panel evidence. **** **Question 5.** Which activity sits at the edge of the role and needs a safeguard? [( )] Explaining a criterion to client staff [(X)] Writing a template draft of a procedure that the client then adapts and owns [( )] Asking open questions in a workshop [( )] Giving written feedback on a client draft **** Template drafts can help, but only if the client adapts them, owns the result and understands it. The other activities are normal partner work inside the role. **** **Question 6.** What does a role boundary log show the panel? [( )] How many hours you spent with the client [( )] That you never had any doubt about a decision [(X)] Concrete moments where the boundary was tested, what you did and why [( )] A list of all fees you charged **** The log makes your judgement visible. Concrete moments, actions and reasons let the panel see that readiness work stayed within the partner role. **** ## Accreditation panel This module covers outcome 3: show correct use of ICoBC tools. It also explains how the panel works and how to prepare for the professional discussion. ### Using ICoBC tools correctly ICoBC gives partners tools for the Maturity Check, for recording evidence and for reporting. You will use the versions your supervisor issues for this validation. Correct use means five things. 1. **Right version.** Use the issued version and record it on the cover sheet. Do not mix versions within one engagement. 2. **Complete use.** Fill every field. Where there is no evidence, say so. Do not leave blanks. 3. **Faithful use.** Do not change the structure, the rating scale or the wording of the criteria. If a tool does not fit the case, note this in the log and tell your supervisor. 4. **Client ownership.** The client's self-assessment records the client's own view. Your notes are marked as yours. 5. **Safe handling.** Store client documents securely, share only what the client agreed and remove personal data from what goes to the panel. Because the VRITE criteria and the Seal are [Emerging], some tools may be pilot versions. Pilot tools can change. State in the portfolio which version you used and whether it was a pilot version. Do not describe indicators that ICoBC has not published, and do not present internal expansions of the acronym as official. Create a **tool use record**: a one-page table listing each tool, version, purpose, date used and any deviation with its reason. | Tool | Version | Purpose | Date used | Deviation and reason | |---|---|---|---|---| | (name) | (version) | (what for) | (date) | (none, or description) | ### How the panel works The accreditation panel decides whether to award the badge. It receives your portfolio, the supervisor report and the client feedback. It then holds a professional discussion with you. The panel looks for four things across the evidence. - **Sufficiency.** Is there enough evidence from live work? - **Authenticity.** Is it your work, confirmed by attestation? - **Currency.** Is it recent enough to reflect how you work now? - **Consistency.** Do the portfolio, the supervisor report and the client feedback tell the same story? The decision is recorded in writing. The panel may award the badge, ask for more evidence on a specific point or decline. If more evidence is requested, the panel states what is missing and the deadline. {{1}}

Facilitator notes

Ask the candidate to walk through their tool use record and name one deviation. Check that the version is recorded and that pilot versions are marked as pilot. Ask the candidate to say what they would do if a tool did not fit the client's case, and confirm that the answer includes logging and telling the supervisor.

### Preparing for the professional discussion The professional discussion is a structured conversation with the panel. It lets the panel test what the documents show. It is not a repeat of the portfolio and it is not a knowledge test of the whole framework. Prepare in four steps. 1. **Re-read your portfolio** as if you were a panel member. Mark places where a reader might ask "how do you know?". 2. **Prepare three stories.** One about the Maturity Check to standard, one about a role boundary and one about tool use. Each story follows: situation, task, what you did, result, what you would change. 3. **Prepare for gaps.** Know what is missing from the portfolio and be ready to say so plainly. 4. **Practise aloud** with a colleague or your supervisor. Keep answers under two minutes. On the day, answer the question asked, refer to your documents by section, and say "I do not know" or "that is not covered by my evidence" when that is true. Do not invent details. State that the Seal and VRITE criteria are Emerging when a question touches on them and avoid claims beyond the material you were issued. After the discussion, the panel records its decision. You receive it in writing. Keep the supervisor report, the client feedback and the panel decision, because they are the badge evidence. The badge is valid for 3 years. **Worked example: A tool use record and a panel-ready answer** *Context (illustrative).* Amara Okafor used the Maturity Check template issued for the pilot. She noticed that one rating field did not fit the association's structure. *Tool use record entry.* | Tool | Version | Purpose | Date used | Deviation and reason | |---|---|---|---|---| | Maturity Check template | Pilot version as issued by supervisor, 2026 | Self-assessment | 12 March to 2 April | One field left unchanged; a note was added in the log that the association has no separate certification unit. Supervisor informed on 14 March. | *Panel question.* "Did you adapt the tool?" *Good answer.* "No. I used the issued pilot version and did not change any scale or wording. In one area the structure did not match the association, so I wrote a note in the log and told my supervisor on 14 March. The rating stayed within the tool. The record is in section 8 of my portfolio." *Why it works.* The answer is short, points to the document, names the version and shows both fidelity to the tool and honest reporting of a mismatch. **Practice activity: Rehearse the professional discussion** 1. Complete your tool use record. 2. Write your three stories on one page each, using the five-part pattern. 3. Ask your supervisor or a colleague to play a panel member and ask six questions: two on the Maturity Check, two on the role boundary, two on tools. 4. Record your answers or ask for notes. Find one answer that was too long and one that lacked a document reference. Redo them. 5. List the three gaps in your portfolio and write one sentence on each that you could say honestly. Time: about 90 minutes. **Self-check: Accreditation panel** **Question 7.** A tool field does not fit the client's structure. What should you do? [( )] Change the field so that it fits the client [( )] Skip the field and say nothing [(X)] Use the tool as issued, note the mismatch in the log and tell your supervisor [( )] Use an older tool without telling anyone **** Faithful use means you do not change the structure, scale or wording. Logging the mismatch and informing your supervisor keeps the record honest and shows correct tool use. **** **Question 8.** Why does the panel hold a professional discussion? [( )] To repeat the content of the portfolio word for word [( )] To test knowledge of every part of the framework [(X)] To test what the documents show, including authenticity, judgement and consistency [( )] To replace the supervisor report **** The discussion lets the panel check that the work is yours, that your reasoning is sound and that your account matches the supervisor report and client feedback. **** **Question 9.** A panel member asks about a part of the VRITE criteria that has not been published. What is the best answer? [( )] Give your best guess about what the indicators will be [( )] Say that the internal documents contain the official expansion of the acronym [(X)] Say that the criteria and the Seal are Emerging, that you worked only with the material you were issued, and answer from that [( )] Refuse to answer any question about the framework **** The Seal and the VRITE criteria are Emerging. Indicators are not yet published and internal documents differ in how they expand the acronym, so you answer from the issued material and avoid speculation. **** ## Assessment and badge ### The task Your assessment is one supervised Maturity Check completed with a client, supported by a portfolio and a professional discussion with the accreditation panel. The assessment follows the evidence path described in this guide. 1. Complete the engagement agreement, conflict declaration and timeline with your client and supervisor. 2. Run the Maturity Check, prepare the client for external review and support at least one implemented improvement. 3. Collect the evidence in the portfolio structure given in the first module. 4. Obtain the client feedback and the supervisor report. 5. Sign your own attestation and collect the others. 6. Submit the portfolio to the panel and attend the professional discussion. 7. Receive the panel decision in writing. ### Assessment criteria | Outcome | Criterion | Meets the standard when | Main evidence | |---|---|---|---| | 1. Supervised Maturity Check to standard | Engagement set-up | Scope, roles, consent and timeline are agreed in writing before work starts | Engagement agreement | | 1 | Maturity Check quality | Each rating links to client evidence or says "no evidence seen"; reasons are clear | Maturity Check record, supervisor report | | 1 | Readiness and effect | At least one improvement is agreed, started and reviewed, with dated before and after evidence | Readiness plan, effect section, client feedback | | 1 | Supervised practice | You acted on supervisor feedback and the log shows this | Supervision log, supervisor report | | 2. Role boundaries | Independence | A conflict declaration was made before the work and reviewed | Conflict declaration | | 2 | Boundary judgement | The role boundary log shows concrete moments, actions and reasons; no promises of outcomes; client owns its evidence | Role boundary log, client feedback, discussion | | 3. ICoBC tools | Fidelity | Issued versions are used and recorded; scales and wording are unchanged; deviations are logged and reported | Tool use record | | 3 | Completeness and handling | All fields are completed or marked as no evidence; client data is stored and shared safely | Maturity Check record, portfolio | | 1, 2, 3 | Authenticity and communication | Attestations are signed; answers in the discussion are consistent with the documents and honest about gaps and Emerging status | Attestations, panel decision | ### Pass rule The panel awards the badge when all criteria are met. A criterion that is not met on first review may be resubmitted with additional evidence as the panel directs. A decision of "not awarded" is recorded in writing with reasons. ### Evidence submitted for the badge - Supervisor report - Client feedback - Panel decision The badge is "ICoBC Accredited Partner (Competency, L3)", alignment code ICSF-QUAL-L3-C. It is valid for 3 years. Completing this guide and receiving the badge records a panel judgement on the evidence from one supervised engagement. It does not by itself prove competency in any particular job. ### Final knowledge check Use this check to test your readiness before you submit the portfolio. It does not replace the panel decision. **Question 1.** Which set of documents forms the evidence for the badge? [( )] Your CV, a list of courses and a letter from your employer [( )] The completed Maturity Check template and an invoice [(X)] Supervisor report, client feedback and panel decision [( )] A certificate of attendance for ICB-R03 and ICB-R04 **** The badge evidence is the supervisor report, the client feedback and the panel decision. Prerequisite courses are required but are not the badge evidence. **** **Question 2.** What does "to standard" mean for a Maturity Check record in your portfolio? [( )] Every rating is the highest possible [( )] The client has agreed to all your suggestions [(X)] Each rating is tied to client evidence or marked as no evidence seen, with clear reasons [( )] The record is shorter than five pages **** A record to standard is traceable. Each rating links to a source and the reason is clear, including the case where evidence is missing. **** **Question 3.** Which of the following shows observable effect at stage C? [( )] A statement that the client was satisfied with the workshop [( )] A list of the topics that were discussed [(X)] A dated before and after version of a client procedure, linked to an agreed improvement [( )] A forecast that the client will pass the external review **** Observable effect needs checkable change over time. Dated before and after documents linked to an agreed improvement show this. Forecasts and general satisfaction do not. **** **Question 4.** A client wants you to draft its whole evidence index. What is the best action? [( )] Write all of it, because the client is short of time [(X)] Provide a template and examples, let the client complete and own the content, review it and log the situation [( )] Refuse to help with any document [( )] Ask the reviewer to accept the index without client review **** Templates and examples are at the edge of the role and are acceptable if the client owns the content. Logging the situation shows your judgement to the panel. **** **Question 5.** What should your conflict declaration contain if you have no relationship with the client? [( )] Nothing, because no declaration is needed [( )] A promise that you will never have a conflict [(X)] A statement that you checked for relationships, earlier paid work and links to reviewers, and found none, reviewed by your supervisor [( )] A copy of the client's contract **** A declaration of no conflict still records that you checked and how. The supervisor review adds independence. **** **Question 6.** Which statement about outcomes is correct for partners? [( )] Partners may say a client is certain to receive the Seal if the Maturity Check is strong [( )] Partners may take a bonus if the client receives the Seal [(X)] Partners do not promise or imply review outcomes and do not influence reviewers about their client [( )] Partners may contact reviewers to explain the client's context **** Promising outcomes or influencing reviewers is outside the partner role. Partners prepare clients and leave the decision to the review. **** **Question 7.** What should you record on the cover sheet and in the tool use record? [( )] The brand names of any software you used [(X)] The version of each ICoBC tool, whether it was a pilot version, and any deviation with its reason [( )] Only the date of the final meeting [( )] The client's financial results **** Recording versions and deviations lets the panel judge correct tool use. Pilot status matters because the Seal and the VRITE criteria are Emerging and tools may change. **** **Question 8.** Who confirms what in the attestation process? [( )] The client confirms the supervisor's observations [( )] The supervisor confirms the client's satisfaction [(X)] You declare the work is yours, the client confirms the engagement took place as described and the supervisor confirms what they observed [( )] The panel confirms the accuracy of the portfolio before it is submitted **** Each person attests to what they know first-hand. This makes the evidence authentic and independent. **** **Question 9.** In the professional discussion, how should you handle a gap in your evidence? [( )] Hide it and move to another topic [( )] Invent a plausible explanation [(X)] Name the gap plainly, say what the evidence does and does not show and what you would do next [( )] Ask the panel to ignore that criterion **** Honesty about gaps supports authenticity and judgement. Panels trust candidates who know the limits of their evidence. **** **Question 10.** A panel member asks you to explain the published indicators of the VRITE criteria. What is the correct response? [( )] List the indicators from the internal draft you saw [( )] Say that the expansion of the acronym is fixed across all internal documents [(X)] Explain that indicators are not yet published, that the criteria and Seal are Emerging with pilots ongoing, and describe only what the issued material says [( )] Say that you cannot discuss the framework at all **** You may only describe what has been published or issued to you. The VRITE criteria and the Global Quality Seal are Emerging, and internal documents use different expansions of the acronym. Status as of November 2026; check before publishing. ****

Facilitator notes

Use the final knowledge check as a readiness conversation, not as a graded test. Ask the candidate to explain each answer in their own words and link it to a section of their portfolio. If a candidate cannot link an answer to evidence, agree what to add before submission. Remind the candidate that the panel decision, not this check, determines the badge.

## Sources and further reading Status as of November 2026; check before publishing. - ICoBC, International Council on Badges and Credentials, Berlin: ICoBC Credentialing Skills Framework (ICSF), the framework to which this badge is aligned. Use the version issued by ICoBC. - ICoBC course ICB-R03 Accredited Partner Programme: Running the Maturity Check. Prerequisite course in the ICoBC Kursbibliothek. - ICoBC course ICB-R04 Independence and Conflicts of Interest in the Quality Network. Prerequisite course in the ICoBC Kursbibliothek. - ICoBC partner terms, code of conduct and supervision rules as issued to Accredited Partners. - ICoBC VRITE criteria and Global Quality Seal: status Emerging. Indicators are not yet published, internal documents use different expansions of the acronym and pilots are ongoing. Check with ICoBC for the current position before relying on any detail. - LiaScript project documentation, for authors who maintain this file: the LiaScript documentation published by the LiaScript project.