What is ISO certification?
Within the world of ISO standards, you can opt for certification in order to demonstrate that you have met all of the standard's requirements. This is done so by using a Certification Body, an independent third-party that has proven qualified expertise to verify your claims.
Because for many the two words are the same, sometimes people will interchange the words 'certification' and 'accreditation'. However, when it comes to ISO standards, certification and accreditation actually mean two different things.
How does accreditation fit in?
Whilst you can become, for example, ISO 9001 certified, technically you cannot become ISO 9001 'accredited'. This is because accreditation is intended for Certification Bodies. Certification Bodies become accredited so they too can demonstrate they meet a standard, ensuring they are fit to carry out their certification roles. Effectively then, it is the certification of certification.
Why use an accredited Certification Body?
There is no regulator for the Certification Body industry. However, accredited Certification Bodies meet standards that demonstrate their competence and impartiality, ensuring you get the most out of the certification process.
Because of the clear benefits of accredited certification, many buyers insist on it. For example, UK Government supports our National Accreditation Body - UKAS - and stipulates UKAS accredited certification in both local and central government tenders. In fact, UKAS has been the sole accreditation body recognised by the UK Government to assess Certification Bodies.
For more information on why UKAS is the sole National Accreditation Body, see our article on 'Ensuring recognised accreditation'.
Accreditation schematic
The tiers of accreditation and certification can, at first glance, appear confusing. Below is a schematic aimed at simplifying the structure, based on ISO's own model.
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The IAF is an association of Accreditation Bodies and other interested parties from around the world who work together to promote confidence and consistency in the accreditation and certification processes. A question mark tends to be raised over any Accreditation Body which is not a member of the IAF. |
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The accreditation process provides additional confidence that the certification nobody is competent and has the necessary integrity to issue a certificate. Accreditation is usually carried out by a National or Regional Accreditation Body, and their accreditation mark will be visible on their certificate. |
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A common way for a supplier to demonstrate conformity to an ISO standard is via third-party certification. A Certification Body (sometimes called a 'Registrar'), conducts and audit of the organisation to ensure they meet the requirements of the standard. If they have, a certificate of conformity is issued. Ongoing surveillance audits are required to ensure the organisation is still meeting the standard's requirements.
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The organisation who hold accredited certification to an ISO standard will benefit from the audit process, thanks to the auditors having proven they are experts in their field. Accredited certification demonstrates to clients of the organisation that their credentials have been verified, providing confidence in the services or products supplied.
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The British Assessment Bureau's reputation was established in 1969 and we achieved pre-eminent status in 1997.
As well as providing certification to internationally recognised standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, we provide bespoke assessment services for people, services and organisations of all sizes.
For more information visit www.british-assessment.co.uk.
