The Difference Between ISO Accreditation and ISO Certification

ISO Accreditation and ISO Certification

Both accreditation and certification are essential factors when it comes to ISO and Quality Management System.

Organizations tend to confuse the two, which results in not understanding the processes necessary for each of them.

In principle, accreditation and certification are similar, yet they differ about who does the job.

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) creates thousands of standards per year, covering various disciplines and topics.

It produces a group of standards known as management system standards to guide organizations in offering goods and services that are safe, resilient, environmentally friendly, and quality-made.

Some of the well-known standards include ISO 9001 (Quality Management)ISO 27001 (Information Security). There’s also the ISO 22301 (Business Continuity) and ISO 14001 (Environmental). Soon, the ISO 45001 (Health and Safety) will be launched.

There are instances where organizations are obligated to implement these standards. This is where the confusion between accreditation and certification comes through.

To save your organization from this trouble, QSE Academy has created this post to explain the differences between ISO certification and ISO accreditation.

Understanding ISO Accreditation

Definition of ISO Accreditation

ISO accreditation involves formal recognition by an authoritative third-party assessment body that a certification body is competent to perform specific tasks. Accreditation bodies assess certification bodies to ensure they meet the necessary standards for competence, impartiality, and consistent operation. This process validates that certification bodies are qualified to audit and certify other organizations.

Purpose of Accreditation

The primary purpose of accreditation is to ensure that certification bodies are impartial and competent. This builds trust in the certification process, ensuring that certifications are reliable and credible. Accreditation enhances the quality and credibility of certification services, which is crucial for maintaining confidence among stakeholders and clients.

Accreditation Process

The process of obtaining ISO accreditation involves several steps. First, certification bodies must apply to an accreditation body, submitting detailed documentation about their processes and competencies. The accreditation body then conducts a thorough assessment, including on-site audits and evaluations of the certification body’s management systems and practices. Certification bodies must demonstrate compliance with standards like ISO/IEC 17021 to achieve accreditation.

Understanding ISO Certification

Definition of ISO Certification

ISO certification is the process by which an organization is assessed and verified to comply with specific ISO standards. Certification bodies conduct audits to evaluate whether an organization’s management system meets the requirements of a particular ISO standard, such as ISO 9001 for quality management or ISO 14001 for environmental management.

Purpose of Certification

Certification demonstrates an organization’s stakeholder commitment to adhering to internationally recognized standards. It provides assurance to customers, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies that the organization operates effectively and meets high-quality standards. Certification can enhance an organization’s reputation, improve operational efficiency, and open up new market opportunities.

Certification Process

The certification systematic approach typically involves several stages. Organizations must first implement the required management systems and processes. Once ready, they apply to a certification body for an audit. The certification body conducts an initial audit to assess compliance with the relevant ISO standard. If the organization meets the requirements, it receives certification. Regular surveillance audits ensure ongoing compliance.

Key Differences Between ISO Accreditation and Certification

Scope and Focus

The primary difference between accreditation and certification lies in their focus. Accreditation focuses on the certification bodies, ensuring they are competent and impartial. Certification, on the other hand, focuses on organizations and their compliance with specific ISO standards.

Authority and Responsibility

Accreditation bodies, such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and national bodies like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), oversee accreditation. They ensure certification bodies operate impartially and competently. Certification bodies, such as Bureau Veritas or SGS, are responsible for certifying organizations.

Standards and Requirements

Different ISO standards govern accreditation and certification. For accreditation, standards like ISO/IEC 17025 outline requirements for accreditation bodies. For certification, standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 specify requirements for organizations’ management systems.

Evaluation and Assessment

Accreditation involves a detailed assessment of certification bodies, including their management systems, audit processes, and personnel competence. Certification involves evaluating an organization’s compliance with specific ISO standards through audits and assessments.

Certification and Accreditation in the Global Setting

Generally, both accreditation and certification are globally recognized. However, some regulatory bodies or clients may request an accredited certification. Meanwhile, there are times when being certified suffices.

Do note that an accredited certification body cannot offer any assistance with the ISO standard‘s implementation.

Certification bodies must get a license to conduct certification audits and issue certificates. Hence, certification bodies secure their licenses through accreditation. On the other hand, companies simply get certified.

Normally, there’s only one accreditation body per country. Accreditation bodies must be compliant with the ISO 17011, which determines the process of accreditation.

ISO Accreditation vs ISO Certification

ISO certification and ISO accreditation are often used interchangeably. In some cases, they even go hand in hand.

ISO accreditation is granted to organizations for certain activities whereas ISO certification covers the company as a whole.

ISO’s website also clarified the difference between accreditation and certification. According to the website:

“The formal recognition by an independent body, generally known as an accreditation body, that a certification body operates according to international standards.”

“The provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.”

“The provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.”

Therefore, ISO develops international standards but isn’t involved in the certification process. Also, it doesn’t issue certificates.

What is ISO Accreditation?

ISO accreditation is an authoritative body’s formal recognition of the competence to work to specified standards.

Similarly, accreditation is an independent third-party endorsement of the certification.

All accreditation standards encompass the principles of quality management systems, including those found in the ISO 9001 QMS standard.

Simply put, being ISO certified means an organization has met the requirements in the Quality Management System of a certain standard. For instance, ISO 9001 QMS.

Hence, ISO-accredited certification happens when an organization has fulfilled an ISO standard, following an accreditation process by a certification body.

What is an ISO Certification?

ISO certification means securing a written assurance from a third party. This is after proving the conformity of a process, product, or service to specified requirements.

Also, it is the third-party endorsement of the products or systems of an organization.

ISO certification includes evaluating organizations that are offering calibration, inspection, and testing, inspection services against internationally recognized standards.

Likewise, it means proving that an organization certainly complies with the relevant standard(s). However, it does not involve implementing extra controls or requirements.

Although, ISO certification includes an independent organization or a certification body to conduct an audit.

An ISO certification is conferred for three years if an organization fulfills the requirements and is recommended for certification.

The Role of Accreditation Bodies

Functions and Responsibilities

Accreditation bodies are responsible for accrediting certification bodies. They ensure that these bodies operate impartially and competently, providing reliable certification services. Accreditation bodies establish and enforce standards, conduct assessments, and monitor certification bodies’ performance capability.

Examples of Accreditation Bodies

Examples of prominent accreditation bodies include the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and national accreditation bodies like the North America National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). These bodies play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the certification process.

Impact on Certification Bodies

Accreditation bodies ensure that certification bodies maintain high standards of competence and impartiality. This continuous monitoring and evaluation help certification bodies improve their processes and uphold the quality of their services.

The Role of Certification Bodies

Functions and Responsibilities

Certification bodies certify organizations against ISO standards. They conduct audits and assessments to verify that an organization’s management system complies with the relevant ISO standard. Certification bodies must operate impartially and competently to provide credible certification services.

Examples of Certification Bodies

Prominent certification bodies include Bureau Veritas, SGS, and Lloyd’s Register. These organizations provide certification services across various industries, helping businesses achieve and maintain compliance with ISO standards.

Impact on Organizations

Certification bodies help organizations improve their quality and compliance. Achieving ISO certification can enhance an organization’s reputation, increase customer confidence, and open new market opportunities. Certification demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards and continuous improvement.

What Are the Benefits of ISO Accreditation and ISO Certification?

An organization that strived to comply with standards and get certified can reap the following benefits:

• Easily prove compliance to clients and interested parties.
• Being independently and globally recognized for its efforts, quality products, and services.
• Boost assurance to customers.
• Better internal management and processes.
• Increased productivity, efficiency, and profit.
• Guaranteed customer acquisition and retention.

Knowing the difference between ISO accreditation and ISO certification is useful information when complying with ISO standards. How they are connected and their benefits are also vital factors.

There’s a lot of confusion out there about the difference between ISO accreditation and ISO certification. In a nutshell, here’s the difference:

ISO accreditation is an independent third-party conformity assessment body of an organization’s ability to meet specific standards. For example, an organization might be accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to show that it has the necessary capabilities to perform ISO audits.

ISO certification, on the other hand, is granted by an accredited body after an organization has been assessed and found to be in compliance with a particular standard. For instance, an organization might be certified to ISO 9001, meaning it has met all the requirements of the ISO 9001 quality management system standard.

So, in short, accreditation is needed in order to certify, but certification is not necessarily dependent on accreditation. However, many organizations choose to seek both accreditation and certification in order to demonstrate their commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Do you have any questions about the difference between ISO accreditation and certification? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’d like to learn more about how ISO accreditation and ISO certification could impact your organization, feel free to check out our toolkits and packages. QSE Academy also has a team of expert ISO consultants who could guide you.

Challenges and Solutions in ISO Accreditation and ISO Certification

Common Challenges

Common challenges in achieving ISO accreditation and certification include understanding complex requirements, managing resource constraints, and ensuring continuous compliance. Both processes require significant time and effort, which can be daunting for organizations and certification bodies alike.

Overcoming Challenges

Effective planning and preparation are key to overcoming these challenges. Seeking expert guidance and support can simplify the process and ensure compliance with ISO standards. Regular training, internal audits, and continuous improvement practices are essential for maintaining accreditation and certification.

Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is crucial for sustaining ISO accreditation and certification. Organizations and certification bodies must regularly evaluate and enhance their processes to adapt to changing standards and requirements. This proactive approach ensures long-term compliance and operational excellence.

Future Trends in ISO Accreditation and ISO Certification

Evolving Standards and Requirements

ISO standards are continuously evolving to address new challenges and opportunities. Organizations and certification bodies must stay informed about updates and revisions to ensure ongoing compliance. Future trends may include new standards for emerging industries and technologies.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are transforming the accreditation and certification landscape. Digital tools and platforms streamline audit processes, improve data management, and enhance transparency. Organizations and certification bodies can leverage these technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy in business operations.

Globalization and Market Dynamics

Globalization is increasing the importance of international accreditation and certification. As markets become more interconnected, achieving ISO accreditation and certification can enhance global competitiveness. Organizations must adapt to dynamic market conditions and international standards to succeed.

ISO accreditation and certification play distinct yet complementary roles in ensuring the quality and reliability of certification processes and organizational management systems. Understanding the differences between these processes is crucial for quality managers and business owners. Accreditation focuses on the competence and impartiality of certification bodies, while certification assesses organizations’ compliance with specific ISO standards.

Achieving ISO accreditation and certification provides numerous benefits, including enhanced credibility, improved operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. For certification bodies and organizations alike, these processes demonstrate a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, fostering trust among clients and stakeholders.