After almost a year of development and close collaboration across the NATO QA community, we are proud to announce the official launch of the NATO Quality Assurance Specialist Programme (NQASP). This marks a significant milestone in our shared effort to build a professional, resilient, and recognized cadre of Quality Assurance experts across NATO Education and Individual Training (E&IT) spectrum.
The online application form is now live on the QA Hub. Interested candidates from NATO-accredited Education and Training Facilities (ETFs) can submit their application directly via the secure platform.
What is NQASP?
The NATO Quality Assurance Specialist Programme (NQASP) is a certification and professional recognition initiative for individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in Quality Assurance for NATO Education and Individual Training (E&IT).
The Programme formally acknowledges QA Managers activating in the NATO-Accredited Education Training Facilities who not only understand NATO’s Quality Standards but have actively contributed to their implementation for compliance, whether by leading institutional accreditations, participating in On-Site Visits (OSVs), or delivering practical lectures at NATO QA Courses hosted at NATO School Oberammergau (NSO).
NQASP certification is valid for six years and is signed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Multi-Domain Force Development (DCOS MDFD) on behalf of the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. It is the highest recognition a QA in NATO E&IT professional can receive in this domain.
Why should you apply?
If you are a QA Manager working in a NATO-Accredited ETF, this is your opportunity to:
✅ Be recognized at NATO level for your QA expertise.
✅ Join a professional network of certified QA specialists.
✅ Support NATO QA efforts as a trusted external expert during staff transitions or temporary operational surges.
✅ Enhance your institution’s credibility by having certified expertise in-house.
✅ Advance your own professional development, backed by a formal NATO certificate (link) and a badge (link).
✅ Enhance NATO QA Programme resilience through sustained expert support.
This is more than just a professional title. It’s an endorsement of your knowledge, experience, and contribution to NATO’s education and training excellence.
Meet the first certified specialists
We are also pleased to announce that the first two NATO QA Managers have already been officially certified under the NQASP framework:
Their expertise and longstanding contributions to the NATO QA Programme have set the benchmark for future applicants. All the NQASP certified candidates will be officially listed on this page (Link).
Meet the NQASP Manager
To support the application process and enhance transparency and guarantee of a fair process, LTC Amer Rikovic (PSOTC-BIH), has been appointed as the first NQASP Manager. Acting as the bridge between candidates and the NATO QA TOE, he is responsible for:
Supporting candidates through the application process.
Providing guidance on eligibility and documentation.
Coordinating with the NATO QA TOE on assessments and procedural questions.
All initial requests or special clarifications (see below) should be addressed to him.
📧 amer.rikovic[at]mod.gov.ba
📱 +387 61 152 755 (available via WhatsApp/Viber).
Who can apply?
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
You are currently serving as a QA Manager (or equivalent) in a NATO-accredited ETF.
You have successfully coordinated your institution’s NATO Institutional Accreditation, resulting in an Unconditional Accreditation outcome.
You have completed the required online and residential NATO QA training courses.
You are a member of the NATO QA Pool of Experts (POE).
You have supported at least two On-Site Visits (OSVs) as part of the NATO QA Team of Experts (NATO QA TOE).
You have delivered practical lectures during two NATO QA Course iterations at the NATO School Oberammergau.
What if I supported NATO QA Programme before but don’t have the forms?
We recognize that many members of the QA POE have been supporting the NATO QA Team of Experts since 2018, long before formal documentation (Form 01 and Form 02) was introduced.
To ensure fairness and inclusivity, a mechanism that will bridge the gap is in place:
If you have supported OSVs or NATO QA Courses in the past but do not possess the evaluation forms, you may still apply.
Before submitting your formal application, send an email to the NQASP Manager with:
A list of events (OSVs, QA Courses) you participated in, and
Dates, locations, and any other details to help verify your contribution.
The NQASP Manager will review your request and forward it to the QA TOE.
If validated, the QA TOE will draft the necessary forms retroactively, which will be emailed back to you for your signature and upload to the QA Hub.
After that, you may proceed with your formal application.
This ensures that your contributions are recognized, even if they predate the current formal process.
How does it actually work?
The NQASP certification process is structured in five simple steps:
Application
Submit Candidate Application Form (Form 00) with your basic personal information and statement of intent.Formal Learning
Upload your certificates for:ADL 222: Global Programming (online, available on JADL)
ADL 244: Introduction to NATO Quality Assurance in Education and Individual Training (online, available on JADL)
S7-135: NATO Global Programming Analysis Course (residential, delivered by NSO)
S7-137: NATO Quality Assurance in Education and Individual Training (residential, delivered by NSO)
Experiential Learning
Upload supporting documents:Letter of confirmation from your Director/Commandant (confirms your current post as QA Manager or equivalent and successful accreditation of your ETF. (The standard text is available in the online form help text.)
Two On-Site Visit evaluation forms (Form 01) - support to the NATO QA TOE as a part of the evaluation team for Institutional Accreditation.)
Two QA Course Instructor evaluation forms (Form 02) - support as an instructor.
Eligibility Assessment
The QA Team of Experts will review all evidence and complete the Candidate Eligibility Assessment (Form 03) formally demonstrating the candidate fulfils all the stated requirements.Certification Decision
If all requirements are met, your certification will be issued and signed by DCOS MDFD.
All steps are now managed through the QA Hub platform, ensuring a secure, transparent and traceable process. Each document must be uploaded as a PDF following a standardized naming convention to facilitate accurate review and record-keeping.
What happens after certification?
Once certified, you will be formally designated as a NATO Quality Assurance E&IT Specialist. Your name will be added to the certified cadre of QA professionals who may be called upon to support:
NATO Institutional Accreditation On-Site Visits
NATO QA Course instruction at NSO
Other strategic QA-related tasks, as required by HQ SACT
You will also receive a formal certificate and, if feasible, a digital badge confirming your qualification. Our intent is to establish a short formal ceremony, handing the printed certificates and badges, at the annual NATO QA Forum which takes place in October.
Your name will be automatically added in the official NATO QA Specialists list, which can be visited by clicking this link.
Ready to apply?
Visit the QA Hub and access the NQASP Application Form under the User account menu tab. The option is called "Submit NQASP Application". This option is visible only to specific NATO QA Hub user roles, namely: ETF Profile Manager and External Pool of Experts. Please make sure that your user has attributed the aforementioned roles by visiting your profile page using "My account" link and verify the User roles(s) listed under your account.
All additional questions about this Programme or the application process can be directed to NQASP Manager or NATO QA Team of Experts.
Final word
The launch of the NATO Quality Assurance Specialist Programme is more than a new certification. It’s a recognition of the expertise, dedication, and professionalism that sustain the Alliance’s commitment to excellence in education and training. By joining the NQASP, you are not only advancing your own professional journey, but also reinforcing the credibility, continuity, and resilience of NATO’s QA framework. If you’ve contributed, led, and shaped quality in your institution—this is your moment to be recognized.