Why do Regulators Consider some Certifications Fraudulent?

What causes certifications issued by training organizations to be deemed fraudulent? 

In Australia, a registered training organization was charged with issuing false documents to multiple trainees. The organization marked the participants as attending a full, two-day, training when they actually left at noon each day. Participants received their certifications to operate forklifts and erect scaffolding without meeting the full training requirements.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) recently uncovered a large-scale counterfeiting operation in Canada. This operation was selling fake training certifications for safety credentials, such as H₂S Alive® and First Aid/CPR. H₂S Alive® is issued to people working with hydrogen sulphide, a highly flammable and toxic chemical. People who bought these certificates did not only miss half a course. They did not participate in any of the training.

It is important to note that employees and their colleagues are put at risk due to improper training. This risk may include injury, loss of limb, or even death.

It is far too common for certificates to be given without confirming identity or full participation. Most people do not think twice about the consequences of leaving training sessions early. The same goes for attending training where attendance and identity is not confirmed. Few, if any, would assume either of these situations could lead to regulatory bodies deciding that their certificates are fraudulent. 

Fraud is more than just stealing or pretending to be someone else. Fraud is also when a person is given credit for something they did not, in fact, do.

So, who is responsible for preventing fraudulent training certifications? 

As an employer, it is your legal and moral responsibility to protect your employees and your organization from risk.

Employee certifications are a promise to colleagues and clients that your employees meet industry standards and expectations. You must be able to show that your employees actually completed the necessary training to be certified.

Without a trusted mechanism in place, the consequences can range from reputational damage to financial ruin. 

Workers who operate heavy machinery or work with dangerous chemicals are at the highest risk. However, employees in all roles must demonstrate proof of training. This proves that they possess the necessary skills to reduce risk to operations and protect themselves, their colleagues, and the environment. 

There is also a risk of fines for negligence. The Australian training organization had to pay hefty penalties as a result of the findings. This could lead to a loss of public trust in your organization. Such an occurrence could mean lost profits, concern from investors, and possible legal action. 

How industry-leading organizations are combating fraud 

How can you be sure that the employees in your organization are taking and successfully completing their training?

First, by carefully vetting and selecting your training organization. This is particularly important for in-person training opportunities. It can be difficult to rely on technology to validate participants' identities and participation in-person.

However, in today's world, most training happens online. This means that it is essential for the training organizations you work with to use an identity verification and participation monitoring solution.

The best online proctoring software solutions use a modern blend of human review and artificial intelligence (AI). This is the best way to verify that the right employee takes the right training and that they stay engaged throughout without adding significant cost or administration. 

Safety-conscious businesses and industry safety organizations are now releasing "verified" training. This allows them to take advantage of online training without jeopardizing legal compliance and risk management. This trend continues to emerge in numerous industries.

Choosing verified online training that confirms employees' attention and focus can give you peace of mind that you have done your best to ensure they are ready to work safely. 

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Integrity Advocate’s best-in-class online participation monitoring and proctoring software solution was built for industry and working professionals like you. Get in touch today to find out how we can help mitigate risk and keep your job site safe.