The VCS methodology approval process offers developers a pathway for building new methodologies when no existing methodology addresses their needs. Under the methodology approval process, or MAP, proposed methodologies are assessed and validated by two separate and independent validation/verification bodies (VVBs); the first VVB is contracted by the methodology developer while the second is contracted directly by VCS.

The basic steps of the MAP:

1. Methodology developer prepares and submits methodology concept note
2. VCS reviews methodology concept and accepts it into the full MAP, if it meets evaluation criteria
3. After the concept note is accepted by VCS, the methodology developer prepares and submits documentation
4. VCS conducts 30-day public consultation
5. Methodology developer contracts first VVB to review the methodology and produce an assessment report
6. VCS contracts second VVB to review the methodology and produce an assessment report
7. VCS reviews documentation and assessment reports
8. VCS approves methodology for use if it meets all VCS requirements

To see the complete rules and requirements for developing a methodology, please refer to the Methodology Approval Process document.