Accreditation is the formal recognition that an organization is competent to carry out specified tasks. Accreditation is granted by an accreditation body (AB), which is an independent organization that assesses the competence of conformity assessment bodies (CABs).

CABs are organizations that assess the conformity of products, services, processes, and systems to relevant standards and requirements. CABs are accredited by national or regional accreditation bodies, which ensures that they meet high standards of competence, impartiality, and consistency.

Why is accreditation important for certification bodies?

Accreditation is important for certification bodies for a number of reasons:

• Credibility and recognition: Accreditation is a visible mark of quality and excellence. It is recognized by governments, businesses, and consumers around the world. Accredited certification bodies are more likely to be trusted by their clients and partners.
• Access to new markets and customers: Many businesses and organizations require their suppliers to be certified by accredited certification bodies. Accreditation can help certification bodies to gain access to new markets and customers around the world.
• Improved performance: The accreditation process helps certification bodies to identify and address areas for improvement. Accredited certification bodies are required to maintain a high level of competence and impartiality in order to maintain their accreditation. This can lead to improved performance in all areas of the organization.
• Reduced risk: Accredited certification bodies are less likely to make mistakes that could lead to inaccurate or unreliable certification results. This can help to reduce risk and liability for certification bodies.
• Attracted and retained partners and investors: Partners and investors are more likely to do business with certification bodies that have earned accreditation. Accreditation is a sign of an organization’s commitment to quality and excellence.

How to obtain accreditation for certification bodies?

To obtain accreditation for certification bodies, the organization must follow these steps:

1. Select an accreditation body. There are a number of different accreditation bodies around the world. It is important to choose an accreditation body that is accredited to the International Organization for Accreditation (ISO/IEC 17011) standard.
2. Submit an application to the accreditation body. The application process will vary depending on the accreditation body.
3. Undergo an assessment by the accreditation body. The assessment will cover the organization’s management system, quality management system, and technical competence.
4. If the organization meets the requirements of the assessment, the accreditation body will issue accreditation.

How to maintain accreditation for certification bodies?

Once an organization has been accredited, it must maintain its accreditation by undergoing regular surveillance assessments. Surveillance assessments are typically conducted on an annual basis to ensure that the organization continues to meet the requirements of the accreditation standard.

Benefits of accreditation for certification bodies

There are a number of benefits to accreditation for certification bodies, including:

• Increased credibility and recognition
• Access to new markets and customers
• Improved performance
• Reduced risk
• Attracted and retained partners and investors
• Recognition by the US government and other countries around the world
• Access to the USAB Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), which allows USAB accredited certification bodies to be automatically recognized by other MRA signatories
• Eligibility to participate in USAB’s training and development programs

Accreditation is an important way for certification bodies to demonstrate their competence and impartiality. Accreditation can help certification bodies to increase their credibility and recognition, access new markets and customers, improve their performance, reduce risk, and attract and retain partners and investors.

USAB Accreditation for Certification Bodies

The United States Accreditation Board (USAB) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits certification bodies to a variety of conformity assessment standards. USAB accreditation is a valuable tool for certification bodies that are committed to quality and excellence.

To become accredited by USAB, certification bodies must undergo a rigorous assessment process. The assessment process covers the organization’s management system, quality management system, and technical competence.

Once accredited by USAB, certification bodies are required to undergo regular surveillance assessments to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements of the accreditation standard.