TSE ISO/IEC TS 17021-14

TSE ISO/IEC TS 17021-14 is a technical specification focused on the competence of personnel involved in auditing and certifying management systems for records (MSR). It adapts the general competence framework used by certification bodies under the ISO/IEC 17021 series to the records-management context, defining the subject-matter capabilities expected for people who assess and certify these systems.

Why competence is distinct in the records-management context

Management systems for records are concerned with how an organisation controls its records so they remain reliable, accessible, traceable and fit for use over time. In practical terms, an audit in this field goes beyond checking whether documents exist: it examines how records are created, classified, retained, protected, retrieved, and ultimately disposed of. As general technical context, records management is closely linked to governance, accountability, operational continuity and evidence preservation.

What this technical specification covers

• It complements the existing requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1; it does not replace the general certification rules on its own.
• It is stated as applicable for auditing and certification of MSR based on ISO 30301.
• The document can also be used for other MSR applications, with suitability determined by the specific application context.
• Its focus is the subject-specific competence of audit and certification personnel, rather than the operational design of a records system itself.

For certification bodies working with records-management systems, this document serves as a complementary reference that clarifies the expertise profile needed for the task. It provides a common technical basis for personnel who understand the records life cycle, can evaluate related processes, and can interpret the controls that support order, reliability and control in an MSR.