Accreditation is the formal recognition by an independent accreditation body that an organization is competent to perform specific activities, such as testing, inspection, certification, calibration, or training, in accordance with recognized international standards.
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Definition
Accreditation is an independent, third-party assessment that confirms an organization has the competence, impartiality, and management systems required to deliver reliable and consistent services.
Objectives
- Demonstrate technical competence.
- Ensure impartiality and credibility.
- Build customer confidence.
- Promote international recognition.
- Support continual improvement.
Accreditation Process
- Application to an accreditation body.
- Document review.
- On-site assessment.
- Witness assessment (where applicable).
- Resolution of nonconformities.
- Accreditation decision.
- Issuance of accreditation certificate.
- Periodic surveillance and reassessment.
Common Accreditation Standards
- ISO/IEC 17020 – Inspection Bodies
- ISO/IEC 17021-1 – Management System Certification Bodies
- ISO/IEC 17024 – Certification of Persons
- ISO/IEC 17025 – Testing and Calibration Laboratories
- ISO/IEC 17065 – Product, Process, and Service Certification Bodies
- ISO 15189 – Medical Laboratories
Benefits
- International recognition.
- Increased credibility and trust.
- Demonstrated technical competence.
- Improved quality and consistency.
- Greater market access.
- Enhanced customer confidence.
- Support for regulatory compliance.
Accreditation vs. Certification
| Accreditation | Certification |
|---|---|
| Granted to organizations that assess conformity (e.g., laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies). | Granted to organizations, products, services, or individuals that meet specified requirements. |
| Issued by an accreditation body. | Issued by a certification body. |
| Confirms the competence of the organization providing conformity assessment services. | Confirms compliance with a specific standard or scheme. |
| Based on standards such as the ISO/IEC 17000 series. | Based on standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or product/person certification schemes. |
Accreditation provides assurance that an organization operates competently, impartially, and consistently, making its inspection, testing, calibration, certification, or other conformity assessment results widely trusted and accepted.
