The Process

How Certification Works

From centre approval to certificate issuance — a structured, five-stage process in which WOC controls every certification decision.

Training ≠ Certification. WOC does not deliver training. Approved Training Centres teach; WOC designs qualifications, governs assessment, and issues every certificate. This structural separation is the foundation of our integrity — and the reason a WOC certificate means something.

Five Stages

The certification journey

Every WOC certification follows the same five stages — each with defined responsibilities, governed by WOC policy.

Stage 01

Centre Approval

A training organisation applies to become a WOC Approved Training Centre. WOC conducts a document review and site inspection. Upon satisfying all requirements, the centre is formally approved and a binding ATC Agreement is signed.

Responsibility: WOC Quality Team + Applicant Centre

Stage 02

Learner Registration

The Approved Training Centre registers candidates with WOC. WOC issues a unique Candidate ID (WOC-CAN-[CC]-[YYYY]-[NNNNNN]) for each learner. Registration confirms the learner is formally enrolled under a WOC-regulated programme.

Responsibility: Approved Training Centre + WOC Registry

Stage 03

Training & Assessment

The centre delivers the WOC qualification programme. Training is the centre's domain; assessment components — written knowledge tests, practical observations, portfolio evidence, and oral assessments — are conducted using WOC-designed instruments under WOC standards.

Responsibility: Approved Training Centre (delivery) + WOC (assessment design)

Stage 04

External Verification

A WOC External Verifier — independent of the training centre — reviews all assessment evidence, attends or reviews practical sessions, and confirms that standards have been met. No certification decision proceeds without EV sign-off.

Responsibility: WOC External Verifier (independent)

Stage 05

Certificate Issuance

Following EV sign-off, WOC issues the certificate directly to the learner. The certificate carries a unique ID (WOC-[CC]-[YYYY]-[LX]-[NNNNNN]), the learner's details, qualification, level, credits, issue date, and training centre. Certificates are publicly verifiable via the WOC online registry — 365 days a year.

Responsibility: WOC (issuing authority)

Stage Detail

What happens at each stage

Stage 01

Centre Approval


  • Application form submitted to WOC
  • Document review: facilities, staff qualifications, policies
  • Site inspection by WOC quality team
  • ATC Agreement signed by both parties
  • Unique ATC ID issued: WOC-ATC-[CC]-[NNNN]
Stage 02

Learner Registration


  • Centre submits candidate registration to WOC
  • WOC verifies eligibility and assigns Candidate ID
  • Learner formally enters WOC registry
  • Assessment session scheduled with WOC
Stage 03

Training & Assessment


  • Centre delivers the programme to WOC standards
  • WOC assessment instruments used throughout
  • Internal assessors conduct observations and record evidence
  • Portfolio compiled by learner under assessor guidance
  • Assessment session ID issued: WOC-ASM-[CC]-[YYYY]-[NNNN]
Stage 04

External Verification


  • WOC EV reviews all assessment evidence
  • EV attends or remotely reviews practical sessions
  • Sampling of portfolios and written assessments
  • EV report submitted to WOC central office
  • Sign-off required before any certificate is issued
Stage 05

Certificate Issuance


  • WOC issues certificates directly — not via the centre
  • Unique certificate ID assigned and registered
  • Certificate publicly verifiable immediately upon issuance
  • Status changes (suspension, revocation) managed by WOC
  • Verification available at woc-verify
5
Process Stages
From centre approval to certificate issuance
100%
Externally Verified
Every certification independently reviewed by a WOC EV
WOC
Centrally Issues
Certificates issued by the awarding body, never the centre
365
Day Verification
Public registry accessible every day of the year
Take the Next Step

Ready to become part of the WOC network?

Apply for Approved Training Centre status or explore the full qualification framework.

Apply for Centre Approval View the Framework