When Certification Bodies (CBs) start their ISO/IEC 17021-1 journey, they often focus on documentation, competence, and procedures — but overlook one critical decision: which accreditation body (AB) to choose.
In my experience helping CBs across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the wrong AB choice can slow everything down. I’ve seen clients stuck for months waiting for assessor assignments or paying unexpected renewal fees because they didn’t compare ABs properly at the start.
This guide walks you through how to choose your accreditation body strategically — not just the one with the fastest or cheapest quote, but the one that fits your scope, region, and long-term goals.
Understanding the Role of an Accreditation Body
An accreditation body isn’t just an organization that hands out certificates. It’s the authority that evaluates and confirms your Certification Body’s competence to audit and certify other organizations.
They operate under ISO/IEC 17011, and most reputable ones are signatories to the IAF MLA (Multilateral Recognition Arrangement). That status means your CB’s certificates are recognized internationally — a major trust factor for clients.
Pro Tip: Always confirm your AB is listed as an IAF MLA signatory. You can check directly on the IAF website.
Common Mistake: Some CBs pick a “private” AB offering faster or cheaper accreditation, only to realize later their certificates aren’t accepted globally. Once that reputation damage is done, it’s hard to recover.
Step 1 — Define Your Accreditation Scope and Market Needs
Before shortlisting any AB, get clear on what you actually need.
Ask yourself:
Which standards will our CB certify (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, etc.)?
Which industries and regions will we serve?
Do our clients expect global or local recognition?
Example: If you’re certifying food-safety systems like ISO 22000, your AB should have recognized expertise in that sector — ideally one accepted by regional food authorities.
Pro Tip: Align your choice with your target market. Large corporations often require accreditations recognized by specific ABs like ANAB (USA) or UKAS (UK).
Common Mistake: Selecting an AB that doesn’t cover your desired schemes under ISO/IEC 17021-1 — you’ll have to start over when expanding your scope.
Step 2 — Compare Accreditation Bodies by Recognition and Reputation
Not all ABs are equal. Some hold strong reputations within specific industries, while others are more regionally focused.
Here’s what to look for:
Whether they’re an IAF signatory.
Their regional or national authority (e.g., ANAB in the U.S., UKAS in the U.K., PNAC in Pakistan).
Their industry credibility — how clients perceive certificates accredited by them.
Pro Tip: Check if the AB participates actively in the IAF or regional cooperations like APAC (Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation). Active membership often signals robust oversight and up-to-date processes.
Common Mistake: Assuming all ABs under ISO/IEC 17011 are interchangeable. Some specialize in certain schemes; others have limited assessor pools.
Step 3 — Evaluate Accreditation-Body Processes and Requirements
Each AB runs its own system for applications, assessments, and renewals. Understanding their process early prevents delays later.
Look for clarity in:
How the application process works and what documents they require.
The timeline from submission to accreditation decision.
How soon they can schedule witness audits.
Whether they offer pre-assessment options to identify gaps before formal evaluation.
Pro Tip: Request a sample accreditation plan before applying — it reveals how structured and predictable their process really is.
Example: A CB I worked with chose an AB that published a clear 30-week timeline and delivered exactly as promised. Another chose an AB with no defined schedule — they waited 10 months just for Stage 1.
Common Mistake: Not verifying assessor availability. If your AB has limited auditors for your standard or region, you’ll face long scheduling delays.
Step 4 — Analyze Accreditation Costs and Contract Terms
Here’s what I’ve noticed — most CBs only look at the headline price and forget about the recurring fees that come later.
Break down the full cost:
Application and document review fees
Office and witness-assessment charges
Travel and accommodation costs
Annual surveillance and renewal fees
Pro Tip: Ask for a complete fee schedule, including any “additional assessor time” or “follow-up assessment” costs. Transparency now saves financial surprises later.
Example: One CB chose a national AB with low application fees, only to discover high yearly surveillance costs. Over five years, the “cheaper” option ended up 25 % more expensive.
Common Mistake: Choosing based purely on upfront cost. Accreditation is a multi-year relationship — calculate your total cost of ownership.
Step 5 — Assess Technical Support and Communication Quality
Accreditation is technical work, but the human side matters just as much.
Ask yourself:
How responsive is this AB when you send inquiries?
Do they explain findings clearly?
Are assessors approachable and consistent?
Pro Tip: ABs that offer a pre-application consultation or assign a dedicated coordinator usually provide smoother experiences and quicker responses.
Example: I once worked with a CB that switched ABs mid-cycle purely because their original AB took months to reply to queries. The new AB’s coordinator cut their response time to two days — small change, huge impact.
Common Mistake: Underestimating communication quality. A technically competent but slow AB can derail your project timeline.
Step 6 — Confirm Legal, Geographic, and Operational Compatibility
Before you finalize, make sure the AB is authorized to operate in your market.
Checklist:
Are they recognized by your national accreditation network or IAF regional group?
Do they have local assessors to reduce travel costs?
Do they provide support in your language and time zone?
Pro Tip: Choosing an AB with assessors based near your region not only cuts expenses but also ensures faster audit scheduling.
Common Mistake: Applying to a foreign AB without checking their legal recognition — your accreditation might not hold value in local tenders or government projects.
Step 7 — Request References and Review Track Records
Before you commit, talk to other CBs accredited by the same AB.
What to Ask:
How smooth was their initial assessment?
Were findings fair and consistent?
How responsive is the AB during surveillance cycles?
Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn or professional CB forums — many CB owners share honest feedback about their AB experiences.
Example: A client of mine avoided a six-month delay by reaching out to another CB who revealed their chosen AB had assessor shortages in their sector. That one conversation saved them half a year.
Common Mistake: Signing contracts without background checks. Real-world feedback tells you more than any brochure ever will.
FAQs — Choosing an ISO/IEC 17021-1 Accreditation Body
Q1. Can I change accreditation bodies later? Yes, but it’s not simple. Transfers require coordination between both ABs and can take months, so it’s best to choose carefully from the start.
Q2. Can I hold multiple accreditations at once? Yes. Many large CBs maintain multiple accreditations for different standards or regions.
Q3. How can I verify if an AB is legitimate? Check the IAF MLA Signatory List or your country’s official accreditation directory. If it’s not listed there, think twice.
Choose Strategy, Not Just a Logo
Your choice of accreditation body shapes your credibility for years to come. It affects how fast you can grow, how smoothly your audits run, and how clients view your certificates.
CBs that take the time to research scope coverage, assessor competence, and long-term costs always come out ahead.
If you’re unsure where to start, gather data, compare options, and plan strategically — your future reputation depends on it.
Need help identifying the best accreditation body for your scope and region? Reach out to QSE Academy for a customized AB comparison matrix and checklist tailored to your business model.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
