Last updated: November 4, 2026
The value of an IIME certificate depends on public confidence that it was awarded objectively and solely on the basis of demonstrated competence. This Impartiality & Conflict of Interest Policy sets out how the International Institute of Mechanical Engineering ("IIME") safeguards impartiality in all certification activities. It is aligned with the principles of ISO/IEC 17024 for bodies certifying persons.
1. Statement of Commitment
IIME's leadership is committed to impartiality in all certification activities. We will not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise the objectivity of our certification decisions. Certification decisions are based solely on objective evidence obtained through a fair, valid and reliable assessment process.
2. Scope
This policy applies to IIME directors, managers, employees, examiners, invigilators, scheme committee members, appeals panel members, contractors, and accredited training centers and their personnel insofar as they participate in IIME certification activities.
3. Separation of Training and Certification
IIME offers training and also certifies persons. To protect impartiality:
- attending an IIME course or a course at an accredited training center is not a condition of certification unless a scheme explicitly requires it, and it does not provide any advantage in the examination beyond the knowledge gained;
- an individual who has trained a candidate within the preceding two years must not act as that candidate's examiner or take part in the certification decision for that candidate;
- examination content is developed and controlled separately from training materials, and training staff do not have access to live examination items; and
- certification decisions are made by IIME personnel who were not involved in training or examining the candidate.
4. Identifying and Managing Risks to Impartiality
IIME maintains a register of risks to impartiality and reviews it at least annually. Risks considered include self-interest, self-review, familiarity, intimidation and financial pressures, as well as risks arising from relationships with training centers, employers and other stakeholders. For each risk, we document controls designed to eliminate or minimize it.
5. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists where a person's private interests, relationships or activities could influence, or be perceived to influence, their judgment in a certification activity. Examples include:
- examining or deciding on the certification of a relative, close friend, current or recent employee, or business associate;
- having a financial interest in a training center whose candidates are being assessed;
- receiving gifts, hospitality or payments from candidates or training centers; and
- providing consultancy to a candidate's employer on matters related to the certification.
Declarations
All persons within the scope of this policy must sign a declaration of interests upon appointment, update it whenever their circumstances change, and confirm it at least annually. Before each examination or decision, examiners and decision-makers must declare any actual or potential conflict relating to the specific candidates.
Management of Conflicts
Where a conflict is declared or identified, the person concerned is removed from the relevant activity, and the activity is reassigned. Undeclared conflicts discovered later are investigated, and any affected decisions are reviewed and, where necessary, reversed.
6. Gifts and Inducements
IIME personnel must not solicit or accept gifts, hospitality, payments or other benefits that could influence, or appear to influence, a certification activity. Nominal courtesy items of insignificant value may be accepted only where they cannot reasonably be perceived as an inducement and are recorded.
7. Non-Discrimination and Equal Access
Access to IIME certification is not conditional on membership of any association or group, nor on the number of certificates already issued. IIME does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable adjustments are made as described in our Accessibility Statement.
8. Training Centers
Accredited training centers must not influence examination outcomes, must not guarantee certification to prospective candidates, and must disclose any relationships that could compromise the integrity of examinations they host. Breaches are addressed under our Training Center Accreditation Policy.
9. Oversight
IIME management reviews the effectiveness of impartiality safeguards at least annually, taking into account input from stakeholders with an interest in certification, such as employers, industry practitioners and certificate holders. Findings and actions are documented.
10. Reporting Concerns
Anyone who believes that impartiality has been compromised may report the concern using the contact details published on our Contact page. Reports are treated confidentially and handled under our Appeals & Complaints Policy. IIME prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.