"The certification sector has responded positively to support the introduction of new driver fatigue laws," said National Transport Commission (NTC) Chief Executive Nick Dimopoulos. "Transport operators must use RABQSA certified HVA Auditors, who are certified to audit fatigue management systems, to complete their entry audits", says Dimopoulos.

From September 29, Basic and Advanced Fatigue Management modules under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) will allow transport operators greater flexibility, in return for managing driver fatigue risks.

RABQSA certified HVA auditors must expand their certification to include the NHVAS-FM scope to audit against NHVAS Fatigue Accreditation Modules. Only RABQSA certified auditors can perform NHVAS audits.

"This is an additional enhancement to the current RABQSA HVA Auditor Certification requirements for NHVAS Mass and Maintenance modules," said RABQSA Executive Director Peter Holtmann. "Applicants for the NHVAS-FM Scope are required to successfully complete the RABQSA NHVAS-FM e-based examination and submit evidence of two years work experience to be granted RABQSA HVA Auditor Certification with the Scope of NHVAS-FM", says Holtmann.

Applicants for RABQSA HVA Auditor Certification should apply for RABQSA HVA Certification to receive, if eligible, the Skill Examiner subsidy, which ends on 30 September 2008.

The HVA Auditor Scheme has incorporated competency-based certification requirements in accordance with the International Standard ISO/IEC 17024:2003.

Auditors certified by RABQSA will be listed on the RABQSA International Register of Certified Professionals.