This part of ISO/IEC 14143:

• establishes a framework for the conformity evaluation of a Candidate FSM Method against the provisions of ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998,
• describes a process for conformity evaluation of whether a Candidate FSM Method meets the (type) requirements of ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998 such that it is an actual FSM method, i.e. they are of the same type,
• describes the requirements for performing a conformity evaluation in order to ensure repeatability of the conformity evaluation process, as well as consistency of decisions on conformity and the final result,
• aims to ensure that the output from the conformity evaluation process is objective, impartial, consistent, repeatable, complete and auditable,
• provides informative guidelines (refer Annex A) for determining the competence of the conformity evaluation teams,
• provides an example checklist (refer Annex B) to assist in the conformity evaluation of a Candidate FSM Method, and
• provides an example template (refer Annex C) for the conformity evaluation report.

Conformity evaluations are conducted by a conformity evaluation team that has the competencies described in this part of ISO/IEC 14143. This part of ISO/IEC 14143 assumes familiarity with the concepts and definitions described in ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998.

The conformity evaluation is performed by cross-referencing each component of a Candidate FSM Method against the corresponding provisions of ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998. The components of the Candidate FSM Method are then evaluated for their conformity.

The output from the conformity evaluation includes a decision for each provision evaluated. Only the requirements (shalls) are considered when determining if the Candidate FSM Method conforms to ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998. The recommendations (shoulds) of ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998 may also be investigated to provide additional information to end users of the Candidate FSM Method.

The output from the conformity evaluation process is the conformity evaluation report. The report may be used to:

• inform end users that a Candidate FSM Method conforms to ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998 in accordance with this part of ISO/IEC 14143, and is therefore an FSM Method, and
• assist end users in making informed judgements about which method best suits their needs.

This part of ISO/IEC 14143 may be used for first party (supplier), second party (user or purchaser) or third party (independent body), conformity evaluations.

While conformance of a Candidate FSM Method to ISO/IEC 14143-1:1998 may be claimed without referencing this part of ISO/IEC 14143, this part provides a conformity evaluation process that may be used to add credibility to such claims. This part places requirements upon a conformity evaluation procedure and is usable for first, second or third party claims of conformance. Its provisions are particularly suitable for those who require third party conformity evaluation. Customers desiring to use or aquire an FSM Method evaluated for conformance in accordance with this part, should explicitly cite this International Standard when requesting the evaluation.

Conformity evaluation should not be construed as guaranteeing that the FSM Method is free from non-conformities; it only signifies that evidence of non-conformance was not found during the conformity evaluation process.

A Candidate FSM Method shall be determined as conforming if it successfully completes a conformity evaluation procedure which satisfies the requirements of sub-clause 4.4 of this part of ISO/IEC 14143.