ISO offers training and technical assistance to its members in order to help them make the most out of international standardization. Services offered are divided into two categories, training services and technical assistance. Technical assistance is designed for ISO’s developing country members and aims to help build the capacity of national standards bodies. Training services are aimed at all members and support the development, adoption and implementation of International Standards.

Technical assistance

Technical assistance is designed for ISO’s developing country members and helps build their capacity in standardization.

International Standards represent an important source of technological know-how for developing countries and can help the transfer of new technologies. As they define the characteristics that products and services have to meet on export markets, International Standards help developing countries access new markets and take part in global trade. Helping to build capacity and increase the participation of developing country members in international standardization is one of ISO’s key objectives. Technical assistance activities are financially supported by ISO and external donors.

Read more about ISO’s work with developing countries.

Technical assistance focuses on many subjects including:

• raising awareness on standards and their benefits
• enhancing regional cooperation, and
• improving the information and communication capacity for participating in international standardization

Read more about Technical Assistance, including a full list of courses and how to participate. More information can also be found in the Developing Talent publication.

Training Services

ISO offers a series of structured courses for individuals performing various roles in International Standardization. Training services are offered to all ISO members, both from developing and developed countries, and can be organised at the Central Secretariat in Geneva or at other locations on request. These courses help members in specific aspects of the development of ISO International Standards as well as their distribution. For example, courses focus on topics such as:

• drafting a standard according to ISO/IEC Directives
• using the eServices provided by ISO, and
• promoting and marketing ISO International Standards

The majority of training services are offered free of charge but ISO cannot support members with the costs of participation, for example with transport or accommodation costs.

Read more about Training Services, including a full list of courses and how to participate.