Clauses 7.2 and 7.3 of ISO 9001:2015 require organizations to ensure persons doing work under the organization’s control are competent and aware of the quality policy, relevant quality objectives, their contribution to QMS effectiveness, and the implications of not conforming to requirements.
Clause 7.2: Competence
Determine the necessary competence of persons doing work that affects quality performance and QMS effectiveness. Ensure these persons are competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, or experience. Where applicable, take actions to acquire the necessary competence and evaluate the effectiveness of those actions. Retain appropriate documented information as evidence of competence.
Best Practices for Competence
- Develop a competence matrix linking roles to required quality competencies
- Use training management software to track requirements and records
- Verify competence through testing, observation, or work output evaluation — not just attendance
- Plan refresher training at defined intervals for critical quality tasks
- Include temporary and contracted personnel in competence requirements
Clause 7.3: Awareness
Persons doing work under the organization’s control must be aware of the quality policy, relevant quality objectives, their contribution to the effectiveness of the QMS (including the benefits of improved performance), and the implications of not conforming to QMS requirements.
Common Pitfalls
- Tracking attendance without verifying competence was achieved
- Not including temporary and contracted personnel
- Failing to update training when processes or requirements change
- Not evaluating the effectiveness of training actions
Related Ecesis Solutions
Document Management
Version-controlled procedures and records
Audits & Inspections
Schedule, conduct, and track audit findings
Nonconformity Tracking
Report, investigate, and resolve nonconformities
Training Management
Track competence requirements and records
Change Management
Structured review of planned changes
Compliance Obligations
Track requirements and evaluation schedules
