1. About this handbook
This Certification Handbook describes the Compliance Officer credential awarded by International Security Certification Board SAS under the accreditation of the Colombian National Accreditation Body (ONAC), in conformance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012. It supersedes all prior versions and is effective on its publication date.
The handbook is updated at least annually. The current version is always available at ecertify.org. Material changes are communicated to active candidates and certified professionals at least 30 days in advance.
2. About ISCB®
International Security Certification Board (ISCB®) is an independent personnel certification body operating in Colombia through International Security Certification Board SAS and in the United States through International Security Certification Board LLC. Our mission is to certify, under international standards, the technical and ethical competence of polygraph and compliance professionals.
ISCB® operates under an audited ISO/IEC 17024 management system with clear separation between training and assessment, documented impartiality, and multi-stakeholder participation in all schemes.
3. The credential
The Compliance Officer certification is the ISCB® credential for professionals performing compliance duties in Colombia. It certifies core competencies in anti–money laundering (SAGRLAFT/SARLAFT), corporate ethics, personal-data protection (Law 1581), and internal controls required by the Superintendencia de Sociedades, the Superintendencia Financiera and other regulators.
4. Accreditation & credential identity
Same scheme, two accreditation paths
The ISCB® Compliance Officer scheme is published under two accreditation paths. This page describes the Colombian path; the equivalent international version is issued as CCO® (Certified Compliance Officer) via ANAB.
| Path | Issuing entity | Accreditor | Certificate name |
|---|---|---|---|
| This page | ISCB SAS · Colombia | ONAC · ISO/IEC 17024:2012 | Oficial de Cumplimiento |
| International | ISCB LLC · USA | ANAB · ID 9115 | CCO® · Certified Compliance Officer |
The body of knowledge, examination structure and technical requirements are equivalent under both paths. Selection depends on the candidate's jurisdiction and intended professional scope.
5. Scheme Committee
The Compliance Officer scheme is governed by the ISCB® Scheme Committee, comprising representatives from employers, certified compliance officers, academia and sector supervisors. The Committee approves the occupational profile, body of knowledge and assessment mechanisms, and reviews scheme validity annually.
6. Eligibility requirements
- Professional or technical degree in a related field (law, business administration, accounting, engineering, economics or security).
- At least 1 year of verifiable experience in compliance, audit, risk or related areas.
- Official application form (F-CER-02) completed and signed.
- Express acceptance of the ISCB® Code of Ethics.
- Payment of certification fees.
7. Body of knowledge (BoK)
The examination assesses the following domains, derived from the ISCB® P-EOC-01 scheme and aligned with FATF best practices and the Colombian regulatory framework:
- Colombian regulatory framework: SAGRLAFT, SARLAFT, Law 1581, SFC Legal Circular, SuperSociedades External Circular 100-000016.
- ML/TF/PADM risk management and internal controls.
- Customer due diligence (KYC/EDD), PEPs and ultimate beneficial owner.
- Ethics, code of conduct and corporate governance.
- Personal-data protection and information security.
- Regulatory reporting (SARs, cash operations, transfers).
8. Application process
- Submit application with supporting documentation (F-CER-02, résumé, diplomas, employment certifications).
- Document review by the ISCB® Certification team (up to 15 business days).
- Admission notification and signature of the certification agreement (F-CER-01).
- Fee payment and exam scheduling.
- Delivery of the proctored theoretical examination.
- Certificate issuance upon passing, with verifiable registry number.
9. Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full certification | COP 650.000 + IVA | Covers admission, examination and certificate issuance. |
| Retake | — Not available — | The fee covers a single attempt. A new attempt requires starting a new certification cycle. |
| Recertification (every 3 years) | Contact ISCB | Current fee published on the portal before the cycle begins. |
Fees are reviewed annually. Payments are made in Colombian pesos (COP) and invoiced under International Security Certification Board SAS.
10. Examination
Format and duration
Written exam of 100 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour duration.
Minimum passing score
70% overall. The cut score is technically determined using the modified Angoff method, documented in P-CER-02.
Delivery and proctoring
Delivered at authorized centers or online via live remote proctoring through the official ISCB® proctoring partner (the same provider for all accreditation paths). A valid photo ID and a controlled environment are required.
Scheduling and rescheduling
Scheduling is done through the ISCB® portal. Rescheduling is allowed up to 72 hours before the appointment without penalty.
Cancellation and no-show
Cancellations more than 7 days in advance are 50% refundable. No-show without documented justification within the next 14 days counts as a consumed attempt.
11. Scoring and results
Results are communicated to the candidate within 10 business days after the examination, via the ISCB® portal and official email. The report indicates the overall outcome (pass / fail) and domain-level performance. Specific item content is not disclosed, consistent with the exam security policy.
12. Retake policy
This path (ISCB SAS / ONAC) does not offer a retake fee. Candidates who do not pass must start a new certification cycle, with a new application, document review and full payment.
13. Recertification
The credential is valid for 3 years. It is maintained by accumulating 60 continuing-education credits within the period and continuously complying with the Code of Ethics. Recertification is available by credits (preferred path) or by re-examination.
14. Code of Ethics
Every candidate and certified professional accepts and is bound by the ISCB® Code of Ethics, which covers: professional integrity, impartiality, confidentiality, prohibition of undisclosed conflicts of interest, correct use of the trademark, and cooperation with internal investigations.
15. Appeals and complaints
Any candidate or third party may file an appeal against a certification decision or a complaint about a certified professional's conduct. The appeal window is 30 calendar days from decision notice. Appeals are resolved by an independent committee within 90 days. Procedures are documented in P-CER-04.
16. Privacy and data protection
ISCB SAS processes personal data in accordance with Colombian Law 1581 of 2012. The data-processing policy, data-subject rights and contact channels are published at ecertify.org.
17. Non-discrimination and accessibility
ISCB® provides equal access to the certification process without discrimination based on race, gender, orientation, religion, nationality, disability or other status. Candidates requiring reasonable accommodations may request them at the time of application.