How to match auditors to sub-codes: IAF, NACE, EAC and IATF
How competence codes nest inside each other, why matching only on the top-level code goes wrong, and how to set up a competency hierarchy scheduling can use.
Key takeaways
- Codes nest: a sector contains narrower technical areas.
- Matching only at the parent level overstates competence.
- Matching only at the child level hides qualified auditors.
- Store the hierarchy once and let the scheduler use it.
Record competence at the most specific code the client needs and link each sub-code to its parent, so an auditor qualified for a sub-code can be matched to clients in it, while a parent-level qualification is not assumed to cover every child. ScheduleAI by Checkfirst understands parent and child competencies, so matching works at the right level automatically.
How do the code systems relate?
Background on the codes themselves is in IAF codes explained.
| System | Used for |
|---|---|
| IAF code | Economic sectors for management system certification scopes |
| NACE code | EU statistical classification of economic activities, often mapped to IAF codes |
| EAC code | European sector codes, used interchangeably with IAF codes in many bodies |
| Scheme categories | Food chain categories (for example ISO 22003-1) and automotive scopes |
What does a competency hierarchy look like?
Auditor 1 can take clients in sub-code A, is training for B and should not be booked for C, even though they hold the parent sector.
| Parent sector | Sub-code A | Sub-code B | Sub-code C | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditor 1 | ||||
| Auditor 2 | ||||
| Auditor 3 |
QualifiedIn trainingNot qualified
Mistakes to avoid
MythA parent code covers every sub-code.
RealityCompetence must match the client's actual processes; the parent alone can overstate it.
MythRecord everything at the finest level only.
RealityWithout the parent link, planners can't search by sector and miss qualified auditors.
Setting it up
- Choose the finest level you auditUsually the client's scope.
- Link to parentsSub-code to sector, sector to scheme.
- Date every authorisationWith status and expiry.
- Let the scheduler matchAt the level the audit needs.
ScheduleAI by Checkfirst stores competencies as a hierarchy of parent and child codes, so matching uses the level each audit needs and never assumes a parent qualification covers every sub-code.
Book a demo Estimate your savingsQuestions
What is a competency hierarchy?
A structure linking specific codes to broader parent sectors so matching can work at the right level.
Are EAC and IAF codes the same?
They are closely aligned sector lists; many bodies use them interchangeably, but check your accreditation body's mapping.
Can one auditor hold a parent code but not a sub-code?
Yes, which is why matching should check the specific code.