(3)In order to ensure a consistent assessment of compliance with the requirements to be fulfilled for using the IRB Approach throughout the Union, it is necessary that competent authorities apply the same methods for that assessment. As a result, it is necessary to lay down a set of methods to be applied by all competent authorities. However, given the nature of the model assessment and the diversity and particularities of the models, competent authorities should also apply their supervisory discretion in the application of those methods with regard to the specific models under examination. The assessment methodology in this Regulation should specify the minimum criteria for competent authorities to verify compliance with the requirements to use the IRB Approach and lay down an obligation for the competent authorities to verify any other relevant criteria necessary for that purpose. Furthermore, in certain cases where the competent authority has carried out recent assessments for similar rating systems in the same class of exposures, it is appropriate to allow use of the results of such assessments, rather than the competent authority having to repeat them, if the competent authority after applying its discretion finds that those remain materially unchanged. This should avoid complexity, unnecessary burdens and duplication of work.