The Ombuds Blog: IOA Commits to Certification Changes in 2025

January 06, 2025

IOA Commits to Certification Changes in 2025

The International Ombuds Association will make significant changes to its certification process, introducing a new program accreditation while retooling individual certification. These updates aim to make certification more accessible, inclusive, and reflective of the Ombuds profession's evolving needs. Applications for Program Certification will open in June 2025, focusing on environmental compliance with IOA Standards of Practice.

Changes to individual certification will shift the emphasis to personal skills, knowledge, and ethical standards, independent of office compliance. Applications under the current CO-OP model closed at the end of 2024, with the new model launching in April 2025. Additional updates include year-round availability of the CO-OP exam, options for remote testing, and potential adjustments to recertification. Many details are still be worked out. IOA will provide monthly updates to guide members through this transition. (IOA Blog.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany -- Ombudspersonen

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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