Glossary of Terms
Plain-language definitions for common terms used across Pro Class qualifications, professional certifications, approved centres, examinations and credential services.
Terms beginning with A
Approved Centre
An independent organisation approved by Pro Class to deliver applicable Pro Class programmes within the scope and conditions granted to that centre.
Assessment
A method used to evaluate whether a learner or candidate has met defined qualification or certification requirements.
Terms beginning with B
Blueprint
A certification document or framework that identifies the competency domains assessed and, where applicable, their relative assessment emphasis.
Terms beginning with C
Candidate
A person applying for or undertaking the assessment or examination process for a Pro Class professional certification.
Certification
A formal professional credential awarded under a defined Pro Class certification scheme when the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Certification Holder
A person whose Pro Class professional certification has been awarded and recorded under the applicable scheme.
Certification Mark
A Pro Class mark, designation or approved credential reference whose use is governed by Pro Class certification and mark-use rules.
Certification Scheme
The defined requirements, eligibility, examination or assessment, certification decision, validity and maintenance framework for a specific professional certification.
Credential
A recorded Pro Class qualification or professional certification that can be referenced or verified through the applicable Pro Class credential process.
Credential Status
The current state recorded for a credential, such as active, expired, suspended or withdrawn where those statuses apply.
Terms beginning with E
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements a candidate must satisfy before entering or completing a particular certification process.
Examination
A controlled assessment method used by a certification scheme to evaluate defined knowledge, competence or professional requirements.
Terms beginning with I
Impartiality
The principle that qualification, approval and certification decisions should be protected from inappropriate influence, conflicts of interest or unfair discrimination.
Terms beginning with L
Learner
A person undertaking training or learning through an approved centre for a Pro Class qualification or programme.
Terms beginning with P
Professional Certification
A Pro Class credential that recognises a person under a defined certification scheme rather than representing completion of training alone.
Terms beginning with Q
Qualification
A Pro Class programme with defined learning and assessment requirements, delivered through approved independent centres under the applicable qualification specification.
Qualification Specification
The official requirements governing a particular qualification, which may include outcomes, units, assessment, entry requirements, validity and other programme-specific controls.
Terms beginning with R
Recertification
The process used to maintain or renew an existing professional certification when the applicable certification scheme requires continued evidence, professional activity, reassessment or another maintenance requirement.
Reassessment
A further assessment or examination opportunity where permitted by the applicable qualification or certification requirements.
Terms beginning with S
Suspended
A credential status that may indicate a certification is temporarily not valid for use where the applicable Pro Class policy or scheme provides for suspension.
Terms beginning with V
Verification
The process of checking Pro Class credential information against the applicable Pro Class record to confirm authenticity or status.
Validity Period
The period for which a credential is current where the applicable qualification specification or certification scheme defines a time-limited validity.