1.An independent assessment of the procedures for the acquisition and assessment of professional knowledge and competences, and of the system for the issuing of licences and certificates, shall be carried out in each Member State at intervals of not more than five years. This shall not apply to activities already covered by the safety management systems put in place by railway undertakings and infrastructure managers in accordance with Directive 2004/49/EC. The assessment shall be carried out by qualified persons who are not themselves involved in the activities concerned.
2.The results of these independent assessments shall be duly documented and brought to the attention of the competent authorities concerned. If necessary, Member States shall take appropriate measures to remedy any shortcomings brought to light by the independent assessment.