An independent directory of widely recognized, accredited certification bodies across the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. Filter by ISO standard, industry, scale and remote audit capability to shortlist before requesting formal quotes.
Certification bodies are regulated through national accreditation bodies. Choose where your business operates to see CBs with relevant accreditation in that market.
Even the most respected certification body will raise nonconformities if your QMS documentation doesn't map clause-by-clause to the standard. QSE Academy documentation packages are built to the current ISO revisions and used by SMEs preparing for certification worldwide.
Browse Documentation PackagesSix criteria experienced quality managers weight most heavily when selecting a CB.
The CB must be accredited by a recognized IAF signatory. Non-accredited certificates carry little regulatory or procurement weight.
Check the CB's accredited scope for your NACE code or industry sector. Advertising a standard is not the same as being accredited to certify it.
Request the lead auditor's CV before signing. Sector-relevant industry experience matters more than generic audit qualifications.
Some customers and tenders specify acceptable CBs. Ask key customers about their CB preferences before choosing.
Certification runs a three-year cycle. Compare Stage 1 + Stage 2 + two surveillance audits + recertification. Get three formal quotes.
Under IAF MD 4, many CBs now offer remote or hybrid audits. This can significantly reduce cost and travel for multi-site or tech-sector clients.
A remote audit uses information and communication technology (ICT) — video conferencing, screen sharing, virtual site tours — to conduct audit activities without physical auditor presence. Under IAF Mandatory Document 4 (IAF MD 4), remote audits conducted by accredited CBs produce certificates that are equally valid to on-site audits. Many CBs now offer a hybrid model combining remote documentation review with on-site physical verification.
Sometimes, but rarely worth it. Through the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement, certificates from one member country are recognized in others. However, travel costs, time-zone friction and language considerations often offset savings. Some customers and regulators also prefer CBs accredited in their own jurisdiction.
Yes — it is called a "transfer of certification" and is permitted under IAF MD 2. The new CB reviews your most recent audit report and any open nonconformities, then continues the surveillance cycle without restarting. There is no penalty and no loss of certificate validity.
Certification is what your company receives — a certificate of conformance to an ISO standard. Accreditation is what the certification body holds — a credential from a national accreditation body confirming the CB is competent to issue certificates in defined scopes. Always verify your CB's accreditation on the relevant public register before contracting.
ISO/IEC 17020:2026 was published on 31 March 2026, ISO/IEC 17024:2026 on 1 April 2026, and ISO 14001:2026 on 15 April 2026. As of April 2026, accreditation bodies (UKAS, ANAB, etc.) are still preparing their transition processes. UKAS begins inspection body transitions in September 2026, with mandatory transition by January 2028. Individual CBs will be accredited to audit against these new versions progressively over the next 9–12 months. No CB is yet accredited for the 2026 revisions.
No. QSE Academy is a documentation and training provider and does not have paid or affiliate relationships with any CB listed on this page. This directory helps shortlist credible options. The final choice depends on your industry, customer requirements, budget and regional needs — always confirm details directly with the CB and obtain formal quotes before committing.
This directory covers widely recognized CBs across the seven markets listed. There are hundreds of accredited CBs globally and many excellent smaller or regional ones are not included. If you are evaluating a CB not listed here, verify their accreditation on the public register of the relevant national accreditation body and confirm the accredited scope covers your industry and standards.
You've shortlisted your certification body. Now make sure the documentation you put in front of them will clear the first audit. QSE Academy packages are built by compliance professionals and used by SMEs worldwide.
QSE Academy supports quality managers, SMEs, and consultants in accelerating their ISO standards implementation through ready-to-use documentation, targeted training programs, custom documentation services, and compliance tools.
Quality Consultants Group LLC
8206 Louisiana Blvd NE,
Ste A #135
Albuquerque, NM 87113
United States
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