One of the most important factors that determine the quality of a measure, or the result of a calibration, providing elements for its confidence, is the competency of the individuals that perform these activities. This fact has been explicitly recognized by the leading organizations in metrology worldwide (e.g. NIST Policy on Traceability and System for Assuring Quality in the Results of Measurements...,) and the standards developed for the metrological activity (e.g. ISO/IEC 17025). Furthermore, this is reflected by the importance given by the international standards ISO 9000 v. 2000 to personnel competencies. The Centro Nacional de Metrología of México, recognizing this fact, launched in 1999, together with the MESURA Interinstitucional Network of Metrological Service Suppliers, a training and certification program for metrology consultants (PROCERH). The aim of this program is to provide, through competence development, evaluation, proficiency testing and certification processes, evidence of the knowledge and skills of individuals that perform metrological activities, referred to specific codified standards. In the global scene, the challenge of measurement interoperability will be faced, together with the challenge of meeting established requirements for standards, measurement and test equipment, technical procedures and registers, quality systems, etc., with the challenge of meeting requirements of personnel competence. These are more objectively stated in competence standards, and better evaluated through comprehensive certification processes. The paper will present the scope and stages of PROCERH, an evaluation of the current experience and possible scenarios for the future. An important section will be the discussion and assessment of certification criteria. |