ARA Glossary

Definitions for all terms used throughout the ARA Standard v1.1. Each term indicates which version of the standard introduced it.

Showing 20 of 20 terms

Autonomous Compliance RequirementACRv1.0

A discrete, testable control within the ARA Standard. Each ACR specifies a single reliability requirement with a defined evaluation method, risk weight, classification, and evidence requirements.

Agentv1.0

A software component that perceives its environment, reasons about available information, and acts to achieve specified objectives with some degree of autonomy.

Assurance Classv1.1

One of three classes (A Periodic, B Monitored, C Continuous) that determine the ongoing monitoring intensity and CAPO engagement requirements for a certified system. The Assurance Class is determined by a mandatory 7-factor risk classification conducted by the AVB.

Autonomous Systemv1.0

A software-driven system that acts with limited human oversight to perceive, reason, decide, and execute actions in pursuit of defined objectives. Includes single-agent, multi-agent, hybrid, and physical autonomous systems.

Authorized Validation BodyAVBv1.0

An organization authorized by ARAF to conduct ARA certification evaluations. AVBs are responsible for intake assessment, ACR evaluation, risk classification, certification decisions, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

Blockingv1.0

An ACR classification where non-compliance results in automatic certification denial at all applicable levels. No conditional certification or remediation period is available for blocking controls.

Certified Assurance Platform OperatorCAPOv1.1

A certified organization that provides continuous monitoring services for ARA-certified systems. CAPO engagement is mandatory for Assurance Class B (monthly check-ins) and Class C (24/7 oversight with real-time alerting).

Certification Levelv1.0

One of three tiers that define the scope and rigor of ARA certification: L1 Foundation (baseline controls, express pathway available), L2 Operational (full evaluation with adversarial testing), and L3 Comprehensive (maximum rigor with independent red team assessment).

Conditionalv1.0

An ACR classification that allows conditional certification with a mandated remediation period when non-compliance is identified. The AVB specifies the remediation timeline and required evidence.

Deployment Certificationv1.1

Certification of a specific autonomous system in a specific deployment context. Evaluates the system as deployed, including its operational environment, integration points, and runtime configuration. Contrasts with Platform Certification.

Domainv1.0

A thematic grouping of related ACRs that addresses a specific area of operational reliability for autonomous systems. The ARA Standard v1.1 defines 15 reliability domains.

Data Privacy and Societal Impact CommitteeDPSICv1.1

An advisory body within the ARAF governance structure that provides guidance on data privacy, consent management, and societal impact assessment requirements. DPSIC advises the Technical Standards Board on domains 5 and 13.

Evaluation Methodv1.0

A prescribed technique for assessing ACR compliance. The six methods are: Automated Testing (AT), Human Simulation (HS), Evidence Inspection (EI), Continuous Monitoring (CM), Third-Party Attestation (TP), and Operational Proof (OP).

Express Pathwayv1.1

An accelerated evaluation pathway available for L1 Foundation certification. The express pathway typically completes in 3-4 weeks and is available for systems with lower risk profiles that meet predefined eligibility criteria.

Lapse Windowv1.1

A grace period before a certified system's assurance status is downgraded due to missed monitoring obligations or expired certification. The lapse window duration varies by Assurance Class.

Platform Certificationv1.1

Certification of a reusable platform or infrastructure component that enables ACR inheritance for deployment-level certifications built on that platform. Platform certifications carry forward eligible ACR compliance, reducing evaluation scope for individual deployments.

Recognized Insurer PartnerRIPv1.1

An insurance provider recognized by ARAF that offers coverage products tied to ARA certification status. RIPs participate in the ARA ecosystem by providing insurance products that reference certification levels and assurance classes.

Risk Classificationv1.1

A mandatory 7-factor assessment conducted by AVBs to determine the appropriate Assurance Class for a system seeking certification. The seven risk factors evaluate autonomy level, decision impact, data sensitivity, operational environment, human oversight capacity, reversibility, and scale.

System Profilev1.1

One of four profiles (F Foundational with 97 ACRs, S Standard with 215 ACRs, A Advanced with 368 ACRs, C Comprehensive with 410 ACRs) that determine which ACRs are applicable to a given system based on its complexity, autonomy level, and deployment context.

Technical Standards BoardTSBv1.0

The ultimate technical authority within the ARAF governance structure. The TSB is responsible for ratifying standard revisions, approving domain modifications, and resolving technical disputes related to ACR interpretation and evaluation methodology.