Last Updated on November 3, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Why Picking the Right Accreditation Body Matters

Choosing an accreditation body isn’t just a formality. It determines how credible your certification will be — and how smoothly your ISO/IEC 17024 journey goes.

I’ve seen certification bodies get stuck for months because they chose the wrong partner. Some picked the cheapest, only to discover later that their certificates weren’t globally recognized. Others went for big names but struggled with communication and endless delays.

This article breaks down exactly how to evaluate, compare, and choose the right accreditation body for your needs. By the end, you’ll know what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make a confident, strategic decision that supports your long-term goals.

Understanding the Role of an ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Body

Before you compare options, it helps to understand what accreditation bodies actually do. Their role is to assess certification bodies like yours to make sure you’re competent, impartial, and fully aligned with ISO/IEC 17024 requirements.

Think of them as the “certifiers of certifiers.” They ensure your certification decisions are valid and internationally recognized.

Globally, most reputable accreditation bodies are part of recognition networks like ILAC MRA, APAC, or EA. These networks make your accreditation accepted across borders — a critical factor if you plan to operate internationally.

Pro Tip: Always check if your chosen body is an ILAC MRA signatory. That one line of recognition can determine whether your certificates hold weight worldwide.

Pitfall: Choosing a non-recognized accreditation body might look cheaper upfront but limits your credibility and market acceptance later.

Key Criteria for Selecting the Right Accreditation Body

When comparing accreditation bodies, don’t just focus on price or proximity. Evaluate based on credibility, compatibility, and service quality.

Here’s what matters most:

• Recognition & credibility: Are they an ILAC MRA signatory?
• Scope alignment: Do they accredit certification of persons specifically to ISO/IEC 17024?
• Geographical relevance: Will your clients or regulators accept their recognition in your target market?
• Service responsiveness: How quickly do they reply to inquiries or schedule assessments?
• Cost transparency: Are man-day rates and travel expenses clear in their quotation?

Pro Tip: Ask for their official accreditation policy and fee schedule before committing. It’s the simplest way to gauge professionalism and transparency.

Common Mistake: Assuming all accreditation bodies operate under the same structure. They don’t. Each has different processes, assessor pools, and administrative cycles.

Comparing Major ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Bodies

Here’s a quick snapshot of the major players and their strengths:

Accreditation Body	Region	Recognition	Typical Strengths
SANAS	South Africa	ILAC MRA Member	Strong technical background; thorough evaluations
ANAB	USA	ILAC MRA Member	Fast turnaround; global recognition
UKAS	United Kingdom	EA & ILAC MRA Member	Highly reputable; strong in Commonwealth regions
IAS	USA / Global	ILAC MRA Member	Cost-effective; flexible scheduling
EIAC (formerly DAC)	UAE	ILAC MRA Member	Preferred in Middle East and North Africa

In my experience:

• SANAS tends to be detailed and methodical — ideal for technically complex schemes.
• ANAB and IAS are faster and often more cost-efficient.
• UKAS carries prestige, especially for clients targeting European or Commonwealth markets.

Pro Tip: Evaluate responsiveness early. A body that takes two weeks to reply to a simple email is likely to take two months to review your documents later.

Factors That Impact Cost and Duration of Accreditation

Not all accreditation bodies cost the same — or take the same time. Key variables include:

• How they calculate man-days (per assessor or per scope).
• Travel and per diem policies (international vs local assessors).
• Assessment model (onsite, remote, or hybrid).
• Annual surveillance requirements and reassessment intervals.

Experience Insight: Smaller certification bodies often save time and cost with IAS or ANAB due to faster document reviews. SANAS and UKAS may take longer but are incredibly thorough — ideal if you need deep technical validation.

Pro Tip: Don’t base your decision solely on the initial application quote. Evaluate the total three-year cost, including surveillance visits, witness audits, and reassessments.

Pitfall: Ignoring lead time. Some accreditation bodies have waiting lists for assessor availability — a hidden cause of project delays.

How to Evaluate Accreditation-Body Fit for Your Organization

The best accreditation body for you depends on your scope, market, and client expectations.

If your clients are local or regional, a national accreditation body like SANAS or EIAC can be faster and more cost-effective.
If your clients are international, you’ll want an ILAC-recognized body with global reach like ANAB, UKAS, or IAS.

Example: A certification body in South Africa that mainly certifies local professionals would benefit more from SANAS, while one serving global clients through online exams would gain more recognition through ANAB or IAS.

Pro Tip: Ask for a sample accreditation report or checklist. It shows you how detailed and structured their assessments are — and gives you a preview of what to expect.

Common Mistakes When Choosing an Accreditation Body

I’ve seen organizations lose months — and thousands of dollars — because of poor initial choices. The most common mistakes are:

• Choosing based only on the lowest quotation.
• Ignoring the body’s response time and post-accreditation support.
• Not verifying that they actually accredit to ISO/IEC 17024.
• Failing to check recognition on ILAC or IAF websites.

Pro Tip: Before signing anything, search the ILAC MRA signatory list to verify that your chosen body is legitimately recognized for ISO/IEC 17024. It’s quick, free, and can save you major headaches later.

FAQs – Choosing an ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Body

Q1: Can I switch accreditation bodies later?
Yes, but it’s not easy. You’ll need to undergo reassessment, pay new application fees, and migrate your certification records. Choose wisely the first time.

Q2: Does the country of the accreditation body matter?
Only if your clients or regulators require accreditation from a specific region. For international work, ILAC MRA signatory status is what matters most.

Q3: Which accreditation body is fastest?
IAS and ANAB are often quicker at document reviews. SANAS and UKAS move slower but offer deep technical engagement — ideal for complex schemes.

Choose Recognition, Not Just Convenience

Choosing the right accreditation body isn’t about ticking a box — it’s about choosing the level of trust your certification will carry.
The best accreditation body for you is one that matches your technical scope, supports your long-term goals, and gives your clients confidence in your competence.

In my experience, a smart, well-matched accreditation partnership saves time, cost, and countless frustrations.

If you’re still unsure which body fits your needs, QSE Academy can help you compare options, estimate total cost, and guide you step-by-step through your ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation journey — from planning to certification.