ISO/TS 24283-1:2022

Overview

ISO/TS 24283-1:2022 defines qualification criteria and assessment guidance for a qualified technician and qualified operator involved in geotechnical investigation and testing. The technical specification covers persons who perform sampling, laboratory and field testing, measuring, monitoring and the installation of borehole equipment (for example, piezometers, borehole heat exchangers, inclinometers and extensometers). It forms Part 1 of the ISO 24283 series and complements requirements for responsible experts and enterprises.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope of competence: documented competence in soil/rock identification and description, sampling, lab and field testing, measurement, monitoring and equipment installation in boreholes.
• Technical knowledge: understanding of geological, soil and rock properties, hydrogeology, and the purpose of geotechnical ground investigation.
• Health, safety and environment: awareness of relevant HSE regulations and safe operation/maintenance of field equipment (including field checks).
• Quality management: familiarity with the relevant parts of a quality management system for geotechnical work.
• Work experience and training:
  • The specification sets out differentiated minimum experience requirements depending on whether the candidate has completed relevant vocational training or relies on workplace experience (see Annex A tables). Examples include ISO 14688/14689 for description, ISO 22475 for sampling categories, ISO 22476 series for in-situ tests, ISO 17892 for laboratory tests and ISO 18674 series for monitoring equipment.
  • Prerequisites for assessment include minimum age (18), language proficiency for assessment, documented vocational or professional experience, and documented preparatory training (Annex B).
• Assessment and re‑assessment (Annex A): recommends assessment by an accredited body (aligned with ISO/IEC 17024) including written, practical and oral examinations; outlines re‑assessment conditions and certificate validity considerations.

Practical applications

• Establishing competence for field crews and laboratory staff in site investigation projects.
• Specifying personnel qualification criteria in contracts, tenders and procurement for geotechnical services.
• Supporting third‑party conformity assessment and certification of individuals for ground investigation tasks.
• Ensuring safe and consistent installation and operation of monitoring instruments (piezometers, inclinometers, extensometers) used in construction, tunnelling, geothermal and groundwater projects.

Who should use this standard

• Geotechnical contractors and site investigation teams
• Laboratory managers and QA/QC officers for soil and rock testing
• Employers specifying personnel qualifications in bids and contracts
• Certification bodies and training providers designing assessment programs

Related standards

Common referenced standards (also listed in the document’s tables) include:

• ISO 14688‑1, ISO 14689 (soil/rock description)
• ISO 22475 (sampling)
• ISO 22476 series (in‑situ testing)
• ISO 17892 series (laboratory testing)
• ISO 18674 series (monitoring equipment)
• ISO 22282 series (borehole permeability and pumping tests)
• ISO 17628 (geothermal tests)

Using ISO/TS 24283-1:2022 helps organisations and assessors align personnel competence with internationally recognised geotechnical practices, improving data quality, safety and contractual clarity in ground investigation projects.