Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Choosing the Best Accreditation Body for ISO/IEC 17043:2023

If you’re a proficiency testing (PT) provider aiming for ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation, one of the most important—and often underestimated—decisions you’ll make is choosing your accreditation body.

In my experience helping PT providers through this process, I’ve seen how the right accreditation body can make your journey smoother, faster, and more transparent. I’ve also seen the opposite—long delays, poor communication, and unexpected costs that could’ve been avoided with better planning.

This article is here to guide you through how to select the right accreditation body (AB) for your organization. Whether you’re applying for the first time or transitioning to the 2023 version, the decision you make now can shape your success for years to come.

What Does an Accreditation Body Actually Do?

An accreditation body (AB) is the organization that audits your PT operation and determines whether you meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043:2023. Their role is to provide impartial third-party validation that your systems, staff, and processes are competent.

But here’s what they don’t do:
They do not provide consulting. They won’t rewrite your documents. And they aren’t there to coach you through implementation.

This separation is deliberate—it maintains impartiality. Your AB is there to evaluate, not advise.

Most recognized ABs are members of ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation), which means their decisions are accepted globally under mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs). This is essential if your PT participants are international or if your accreditation needs to hold weight beyond your borders.

How to Find Recognized Accreditation Bodies

Start with ILAC’s website (ilac.org), which lists recognized ABs by country. You can also check the regional cooperations like:

• APAC – Asia-Pacific
• EA – Europe
• IAAC – Americas
• AFRAC – Africa

Each region has its own directory of approved ABs. From there, check which ABs actually accredit to ISO/IEC 17043—some focus only on ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189, for example.

Also, consider your market. If you operate internationally, working with an AB that has strong global recognition matters. If your participants are all local, a domestic AB may offer better responsiveness and understanding of local regulations.

What to Look For When Choosing an AB

Here’s what you really want to evaluate—beyond logos and websites.

1. Scope of Recognition

Not all ABs are approved to assess ISO/IEC 17043. And even among those that are, not all cover your type of PT scheme.

Some are better suited to clinical, environmental, or mechanical testing schemes. Ask if they have assessors familiar with your technical domain.

2. Audit Scheduling and Turnaround Time

How soon can they schedule your assessment? How long will it take to review your documents and issue your certificate?

Some ABs are overwhelmed with demand or have long backlogs. Others may offer faster scheduling, especially for new applicants or transitional clients. Always ask for a timeline estimate up front.

3. Transparent Cost Structure

Every AB charges application fees, document review fees, assessor day rates, and travel costs. But the clarity and predictability of those fees can vary.

Ask for:

• A full quote with all potential charges
• Audit-day estimates based on your scope
• Additional charges for reassessments or surveillance

This will help you budget realistically.

4. Assessor Expertise

This is a big one. The best ABs use assessors who have real-world PT experience in your domain. That makes a huge difference in how your audit goes—especially when it comes to interpreting statistical evaluations, sample logistics, and impartiality concerns.

Ask:

• Who will be on the audit team?
• What experience do they have with PT schemes like yours?

5. Communication and Support

Even though ABs aren’t consultants, they should still be clear, organized, and professional. Do they respond to inquiries quickly? Do they explain expectations clearly? Are they willing to answer pre-application questions?

Trust your instincts here. You’ll be working with them for years.

6. Market Recognition

Finally, consider how your clients view the AB. Some accreditation bodies carry more weight in specific sectors or countries. If your participants expect a certain standard, aligning with a well-respected AB helps reinforce your credibility.

Pro Tips from the Field

• Pro Tip: Ask for a list of other PT providers they’ve accredited. Reach out to one or two and ask about their experience.
• Pro Tip: Review the AB’s published documents—many share policies, assessment procedures, and audit timelines online.
• Pro Tip: Clarify how long the process typically takes, from application to certificate issuance. Plan backward from your target accreditation date.
• Pro Tip: Some ABs will do a pre-review of your documentation before you apply formally. This helps you fix issues early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Based Solely on Price

Low fees can sometimes mean long delays, limited assessor availability, or poor follow-up. Cheapest isn’t always best.

Overlooking ILAC Status

Not all ABs are ILAC-recognized. Without this recognition, your accreditation may not be accepted in other regions.

Not Asking Enough Questions Up Front

Don’t assume all ABs work the same way. Ask about timelines, fees, audit formats, assessor qualifications, and reassessment requirements.

Ignoring Post-Audit Support

Some ABs provide detailed reports with helpful feedback. Others don’t. Ask about how findings will be communicated and what support is available for clarifications.

FAQs

Q: Can I switch ABs later if I’m not satisfied?
Yes, but it’s not automatic. You’ll need to reapply, provide your current documents, and undergo a new assessment. It’s possible—but avoid it if you can by choosing carefully now.

Q: What if there’s no AB in my country offering ISO/IEC 17043?
You can apply to an international AB that is ILAC-recognized. Many will assess foreign providers, though travel costs may be higher.

Q: Do all ABs follow the same process?
Broadly, yes. But the interpretation of certain clauses and the expectations for evidence can vary. It’s worth comparing how thorough or flexible each AB is.

This Decision Is Worth Your Time

Your accreditation body becomes a long-term partner. They’ll evaluate your system, review your improvements, and validate your credibility to clients and regulators.

So don’t rush this decision.

The PT providers I’ve worked with who invest time upfront—reviewing options, asking tough questions, and comparing timelines—are almost always more satisfied with the process. They avoid surprises, save money, and build better systems along the way.

Need help comparing options? I’ve got a checklist you can use to evaluate up to three ABs side-by-side, including scope, recognition, audit time, and cost.

Just let me know if you want a copy—and let’s make sure you’re starting this journey with the right partner by your side.