Transition of Behaviour Certification to a New Edition
Behaviour certification transition enables an existing professional credential to be updated to a new edition of the applicable standard or body of knowledge, subject to meeting the relevant requirements. Explore the available pathways in Quality, Privacy, Anti-Corruption and Information Security.
What is Behaviour certification transition?
It is the formal updating of the edition or reference version of a certification already awarded. It does not take place automatically when a new edition is published and is distinct from recertification and from obtaining a separate Transition credential.
Updates the edition
Following a favourable decision by Behaviour Certification Services (BCS), the credential will identify the new edition of the applicable standard or body of knowledge.
Retains the certification level
The holder retains the level previously awarded. Transition does not constitute progression to a higher level.
Each credential is independent
Updating one credential does not automatically change any other certifications held. Behaviour Certification Services (BCS) assesses eligibility and requirements separately for each certification.
Deadlines for Behaviour certification transition
Validity, transition deadlines and eligibility for reinstatement depend on the scheme, credential and edition stated on the diploma. There is no single deadline that applies to all Behaviour certification pathways.
Certifications with an expiry date
Check the date stated on your diploma and submit your request in good time. Submitting a transition request does not extend the validity of the credential.
Certifications linked to a new edition
Some credentials have a transition deadline linked to the publication of the next edition of the standard. Check the specific deadline under the relevant scheme before starting the transition pathway.
ISO 27001 example: Employee Readiness, Essentials, Foundation and Transition remain valid until 12 months after publication of the next edition of the applicable standard; Associate, Auditor, Implementer and Lead levels are valid for three years. These conditions must not be assumed to apply to other certification areas.
How does Behaviour certification transition work?
To transition a Behaviour certification, Behaviour Certification Services (BCS) confirms the applicable pathway, including the training, examination and application required under the relevant scheme. Attending a Transition course does not, on its own, update an existing credential.
1. Confirm your credential
Identify your diploma, certification level and current edition. Behaviour Certification Services (BCS) will confirm the applicable transition pathway.
2. Complete the training
Complete the Behaviour training specifically prescribed by Behaviour Certification Services (BCS) for the relevant edition.
3. Pass the examination
Take and pass the new examination required to update your certification.
4. Formalise the Behaviour certification transition
Submit the online request and, following review, complete, sign and return the documents provided by Behaviour Certification Services (BCS).
Have you not yet completed the training or examination? The transition form can also be used to request guidance on the pathway applicable to you. The transition process is formalised once you have passed the applicable examination and submitted the required documentation. Submitting the request does not automatically update the certification.
Transition conditions, fees and requirements are defined for each credential. Under the ISO 27001 scheme, the applicable Behaviour training and examination are mandatory, and completion of the formal transition process is included in that pathway. Transitioning a certification of persons is not the same as transitioning an organisation’s management system certification.
Courses and pathways for Behaviour certification transition
For Behaviour certification transition, explore the knowledge-update pathways listed in the training calendar. Whether they can be used to update an existing Behaviour certification depends on the requirements of the relevant scheme and confirmation by Behaviour Certification Services (BCS).
ISO 9001 Transition (2015 → 2026)
Quality Management. Updates knowledge of the requirements, auditing and the impact of the new edition. This is a transition pathway for eligible holders of Behaviour ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and Lead Implementer certifications.
ISO 27701 Transition (2019 → 2025)
Privacy Management. Covers changes to ISO/IEC 27701, controls, documentation and evidence relating to the Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It prepares candidates for the examination associated with the Transition credential specified on the course page.
ISO 37001 Transition (2016 → 2025)
Anti-Corruption. Covers changes to anti-bribery management, including organisational culture, conflicts of interest, controls and auditing. It prepares candidates for the Certified ISO 37001 Transition credential examination.
ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 (2013 → 2022)
Information Security. The former dedicated Transition course has been discontinued. Knowledge is now updated through ISO 27001:2022 Foundation; updating the certification requires the applicable examination and formal process.
Important: attending a transition course or obtaining the corresponding Transition credential does not automatically update other previously awarded personal certifications. Behaviour Certification Services (BCS) confirms eligibility and the training and examination required under the applicable scheme for each such update.
Frequently asked questions about Behaviour certification transition
Are transition and recertification the same process?
No. Recertification maintains the credential at the same level and edition, where applicable. Transition updates the reference edition through the training, new examination and process specified by Behaviour Certification Services (BCS).
Does a Transition course automatically update my certification?
No. The course updates your knowledge and, where applicable, prepares you to obtain a separate Transition credential. Formally updating an existing certification requires eligibility to be verified and completion of the examination and application specified by the relevant scheme. Under the ISO 27001 scheme, Auditor and Implementer credentials are independent.
What if my certification has expired?
An expired certification must not be presented as valid. Any possibility of reinstatement depends on the applicable scheme. Under the ISO 27001 scheme, reinstatement may be completed within six months after expiry; after this deadline, the credential cannot be reactivated. View the maintenance and reinstatement requirements.
Update your certification
To begin the Behaviour certification transition process, identify the credential, edition and level you wish to update.
Behaviour Certification Services (BCS) will advise you of the transition pathway applicable to your scheme.