Standards & Assurance
Common-Specification Equivalency Assessment
What this control does
Document equivalent technical solutions when an applicable AI common specification is not followed.
How to implement
Where an applicable common specification exists and a provider of high-risk AI or a GPAI model uses another approach, document the basis for equivalent compliance. Identify exactly which requirements or obligations the specification covers. Compare the adopted technical solutions with those requirements and retain the evidence and competent review supporting at least an equivalent level. Reassess when the specification, system or model changes. Do not treat a general framework mapping or an unrelated certificate as evidence of equivalence.
Suggested timing and triggers
When selecting an alternative to an applicable common specification; on relevant source, system or model changes.
Evidence examples
Applicable common-specification and scope record Requirement-by-requirement comparison Technical justification and supporting tests Review decision and unresolved gaps Change and reassessment history
How to check this control
Select an alternative technical solution and test whether its justification addresses the actual covered requirement. Check that evidence supports the claimed level of protection or compliance and remains current.