ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP)
ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) What is ISO 29993? ISO 29993:2017 is an international standard that specifies requirements for learning services provided outside formal education (schools, colleges, universities). It is designed for organizations that deliver non-formal training and education, such as: Corporate training providers Professional development centers Language training institutes Coaching & mentoring services E-learning providers Vocational training organizations The goal is to make learning services: Transparent → Learners know what they will gain Consistent → Structured approach across all courses Quality-driven → Ensures trainers, materials, and methods are effective Outcome-based → Focus on learning results, not just teaching Key Requirements for Learning Service Providers (LSP) under ISO 29993 Information to Learners Objectives, scope, prerequisites, fees, duration, methods Design of Learning Services Needs analysis, defined learning outcomes, appropriate methods & materials Delivery of Learning Services Qualified trainers, proper support, active learner engagement Evaluation of Learning Assessing learning outcomes, collecting feedback, continual improvement Management System Clear responsibilities, monitoring, resource management, records Benefits of ISO 29993 for an LSP Builds trust and credibility with learners and organizations Improves consistency & quality in training programs Demonstrates international recognition of training services Enhances learner satisfaction and outcomes Supports tender eligibility & compliance (some clients require ISO-certified LSPs) In summary:An ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) is any training or education provider (outside formal education) that designs, delivers, and evaluates learning services in compliance with ISO 29993:2017 requirements, ensuring quality, transparency, and measurable learning outcomes. What is Required ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) Courtesy: Shamkris Group ISO 29993:2017 lays down service requirements that any organization providing learning outside formal education must meet. Here are the core requirements: 1. General Information to Learners Clear details must be provided to learners before enrollment, including: Learning objectives & expected outcomes Target audience / prerequisites Course duration, location, schedule, fees Teaching methods & materials used Assessment and evaluation methods Certification to be issued (if any) 2. Design of Learning Services Learning services must be designed systematically: Needs analysis (understanding learner or client needs) Defined learning outcomes (measurable results, not vague promises) Selection of methods (classroom, online, blended, workshops, etc.) Preparation of learning materials and tools 3. Delivery of Learning Training must be delivered effectively: Trainers must be qualified and competent Learning environment must support engagement (physical or online) Learners must receive support services (guidance, Q&A, materials, technical support) 4. Assessment & Evaluation The LSP must measure learning outcomes: Assess whether learners achieved the objectives Collect learner feedback Evaluate satisfaction and effectiveness Use results for continual improvement 5. Management System Requirements The organization must have a management system for learning services: Defined roles & responsibilities Availability of resources (human, financial, infrastructure) Documented processes (design, delivery, evaluation) Records of training programs, learner results, and feedback System for continuous improvement Additional Notes: Unlike ISO 9001 (quality management system), ISO 29993 is service-specific — it focuses only on learning services. Certification is voluntary, but it builds strong credibility and can help in government tenders, B2B contracts, and international recognition. Summary To be an ISO 29993 certified Learning Service Provider (LSP), your organization must: Provide clear, transparent information to learners Design courses based on needs and outcomes Deliver with competent trainers and support Evaluate effectiveness and satisfaction Maintain a management system for continual improvement Who is Required ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) Who Needs ISO 29993 Certification? ISO 29993 is for any organization or individual that delivers learning/training services outside of formal education (schools, colleges, universities). It is not mandatory by law, but many organizations choose or are asked by clients to get certified to show quality, consistency, and international recognition. Organizations that require or benefit from ISO 29993 LSP Corporate Training Providers Soft skills, leadership, management, sales, customer service training Vocational Training Institutes Skill development, trades, technical training Language Training Centers English, foreign languages, business communication E-learning & Online Education Providers Online courses, LMS platforms, MOOCs Professional Development Providers Certification courses, workshops, CPD (Continuous Professional Development) Coaching & Mentoring Services Executive coaching, personal development, life skills NGOs / Non-profit training projects Community education, capacity building, literacy programs Consulting Companies with Training Divisions ISO training, compliance workshops, industry-specific skill programs Why They Need It To show credibility and trust in their training To qualify for government and corporate tenders (many ask for ISO-certified training providers) To demonstrate international recognition of their services To ensure quality and consistency in course design, delivery, and outcomes To improve learner satisfaction and measurable results Who Does Not Need It Formal schools, colleges, and universities (covered under ISO 21001) Individuals offering informal, unstructured teaching (like casual tutors, unless they want credibility) In Short ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) certification is required by training providers outside formal education (corporate trainers, institutes, e-learning companies, language centers, coaching providers, etc.) who want to prove quality, attract clients, and meet tender requirements. When is Required ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) 1. When bidding for tenders or contracts Many government departments, public-sector units (PSUs), and large corporates ask for ISO-certified training providers. In such cases, ISO 29993 certification is required to be eligible. 2. When providing corporate training Companies often demand certified providers to ensure: Standardized training quality Measurable learning outcomes Trust and credibility If you provide employee development programs, ISO 29993 is often expected. 3. When expanding internationally If you deliver training globally (online or in-person), ISO 29993 gives international recognition, helping in: Partnering with foreign organizations Attracting international learners Meeting client requirements abroad 4. When learner trust is critical If your learners pay for professional certifications, language skills, or job-oriented training, they look for reliable training providers. ISO 29993 assures them the service is transparent, structured, and effective. 5. When competing in a crowded training market In sectors like soft skills, coaching, e-learning, or vocational training, there are many providers. ISO 29993 certification differentiates you from competitors. 6. When required by regulators or associations Some industry associations or government schemes for skill development make ISO certification a mandatory eligibility for empaneled training providers. In Short: ISO 29993 is required or useful: When applying for government/corporate tenders When clients demand ISO-certified training providers When expanding into international training markets When you want to prove quality and credibility to learners When working with skill councils or professional associations that make it a requirement Where is Required ISO 29993 Learning Services Provider (LSP) 1. International Use Worldwide: Any training provider outside formal education can use ISO 29993 to show compliance with a globally recognized benchmark. Especially useful for cross-border training services, online/e-learning platforms, and international corporate training contracts. 2. In India Required when applying for Government skill development programs (Skill India, NSDC, state-level skill missions). Often needed in public sector undertakings (PSUs) and government tenders for training services. Increasingly demanded by corporate L&D departments for vendor approval. 3. In Europe Many EU-funded training