ISO/IEC 17020 Myths Debunked in 3 Minutes
Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro
Why So Many Myths Exist About ISO/IEC 17020
If you’ve been researching ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation, you’ve probably come across a lot of confusing or flat-out wrong information.
Some say it’s only for large inspection companies. Others claim you need a laboratory to qualify. And many think it’s just another version of ISO 9001.
I’ve heard these same statements from inspection managers, consultants, even auditors — and they all have one thing in common: they slow organizations down.
Teams waste months preparing the wrong documentation, chasing unnecessary requirements, or assuming accreditation isn’t worth the effort.
Here’s the reality: ISO/IEC 17020 is one of the most flexible and scalable accreditation standards out there. It’s designed to fit everything from a two-person inspection startup to a government regulatory agency. Yet myths about it keep circulating because most people never see how the standard actually works in practice.
In this article, I’ll clear up the most common misconceptions — quickly.
In just a few minutes, you’ll learn what’s true, what’s not, and how to approach accreditation with confidence instead of hesitation.
Let’s start by addressing the first big misunderstanding: the idea that ISO/IEC 17020 is only for large inspection bodies.
Myth #1 – “ISO/IEC 17020 Is Only for Big Companies”
This is the most common misconception — and it’s completely false.
ISO/IEC 17020 was designed to be scalable, which means it applies just as well to a small, two-person inspection firm as it does to a multinational organization.
Accreditation isn’t about company size — it’s about competence, impartiality, and consistency.
I’ve seen small inspection startups outperform large corporations during assessments simply because they had clear procedures, proper records, and a well-trained team.
What matters to accreditation bodies isn’t how big you are, but how well your system works.
Scalability in Practice
| Factor | Small Inspection Body | Large Inspection Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation | Streamlined manuals and procedures covering all activities; one person may wear multiple roles. | Detailed procedures, department-specific manuals, multi-level review structure. |
| Resources | Limited but well-documented tools and evidence of calibration or verification. | Extensive equipment control systems and databases. |
| Personnel | A few trained inspectors who perform and review inspections. | Several teams with defined authorizations and competence hierarchies. |
| Impartiality Controls | Separation of duties through role definition. | Committees or formal impartiality boards. |
| Accreditation Scope | Narrow, focused on a defined service area. | Broad, covering multiple technical fields. |
Both setups can fully comply with ISO/IEC 17020 — as long as they demonstrate impartiality, technical competence, and proper control of activities.
Key Insight
Accreditation isn’t a luxury for big firms — it’s a credibility tool for any inspection body.
For smaller organizations, it’s often a way to compete on equal footing with larger players, proving technical reliability without needing massive resources.
Myth #2 – “ISO/IEC 17020 Is the Same as ISO 9001”
This myth spreads quickly because both standards include management system requirements — but that’s where the similarity ends.
While ISO 9001 focuses on quality management and customer satisfaction, ISO/IEC 17020 focuses on technical competence and impartiality in inspection activities.
You can have a great ISO 9001 system and still fail ISO/IEC 17020 — because the two aim to prove very different things.
How the Two Standards Differ
| Aspect | ISO 9001 | ISO/IEC 17020 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To ensure organizations consistently deliver quality services or products. | To ensure inspection results are impartial, technically valid, and traceable. |
| Focus | Management consistency, continual improvement, and customer satisfaction. | Technical competence, inspector qualification, and independence. |
| Outcome | Certification by a registrar (quality system compliance). | Accreditation by an official body (technical credibility). |
| Core Evidence | Policies, objectives, and customer feedback. | Inspection procedures, calibration records, inspector authorizations, and impartiality proofs. |
| Recognition | Widely accepted in general business sectors. | Required in regulated industries and conformity assessment. |
Why This Distinction Matters
If you already have ISO 9001, that’s a great foundation — it means you understand documentation, audits, and improvement cycles.
But ISO/IEC 17020 takes those principles and applies them in a technically specific way. It requires you to prove that your inspection outcomes are competent, impartial, and defensible.
You can think of it this way:
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ISO 9001 tells clients, “We manage our quality well.”
-
ISO/IEC 17020 tells regulators, “You can legally and technically rely on our inspection results.”
Both are valuable, but only one — ISO/IEC 17020 — makes your inspection reports recognized and authoritative under international accreditation rules.
Key Insight
ISO 9001 builds management confidence.
ISO/IEC 17020 builds public and regulatory trust.
Understanding that difference helps inspection bodies prepare the right way — focusing on competence, not just paperwork.
Myth #3 – “You Need a Laboratory or Test Facility to Qualify”
Many organizations assume ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation is only for companies that run laboratories or perform physical testing — but that’s not true.
The standard applies to inspection activities, not testing or calibration.
Inspection bodies don’t need to measure data in a lab; they need to observe, verify, and judge whether something conforms to defined requirements.
This myth often comes from confusing ISO/IEC 17020 with ISO/IEC 17025 (the laboratory standard). The two are part of the same conformity assessment family, but their roles are completely different.
Inspection vs. Testing – The Core Difference
| Activity Type | Description | Applicable Standard | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection | Examination of a product, process, service, or installation to determine conformity with requirements (visual, functional, or documentary). | ISO/IEC 17020 | Inspection report or certificate of conformity. |
| Testing | Determination of one or more characteristics of an item according to a defined procedure or method. | ISO/IEC 17025 | Test or calibration report with measurement results. |
In simple terms:
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If you judge compliance, you belong under ISO/IEC 17020.
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If you measure values, you belong under ISO/IEC 17025.
Examples of 17020-Applicable Inspections
| Sector | Example Inspection Activity | Why It Falls Under ISO/IEC 17020 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Visual inspection of welds or structural integrity. | Relies on observation and criteria judgment, not measurement. |
| Manufacturing | Product conformity checks against design drawings. | Evaluates compliance, not numeric test data. |
| Transportation | Vehicle safety or emissions inspections. | Applies pass/fail criteria based on regulatory limits. |
| Energy | Pressure vessel or pipeline integrity assessments. | Observes compliance with codes and maintenance records. |
None of these require laboratories — they require competent inspectors, clear procedures, and documented impartiality.
Key Insight
ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation recognizes inspection expertise, not laboratory capacity.
If your organization evaluates compliance — even visually or through documentation — you qualify.
The real question isn’t “Do we test?” but “Do we inspect, verify, or decide conformity?”
Myth #4 – “ISO/IEC 17020 Doesn’t Apply to Internal Departments”
Another common misunderstanding is that only independent, third-party inspection firms can become accredited.
In reality, ISO/IEC 17020 was designed to include internal inspection units within larger organizations — as long as they can demonstrate impartiality and functional independence.
Whether you’re a manufacturer inspecting your own equipment, a government agency reviewing internal safety systems, or a utility verifying installations, you can still qualify for accreditation under Type B or Type C classification.
Types of Inspection Bodies and Their Independence Levels
| Type | Description | Independence Level | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Fully independent, third-party inspection body offering services to external clients only. | High | Independent inspection firms, certification-linked inspection bodies. |
| Type B | Internal inspection department performing services only for its parent organization, with structural separation from operational functions. | Medium | Quality or safety departments in large industrial companies. |
| Type C | Internal inspection body that serves both its own organization and external clients, with impartiality safeguards in place. | Controlled | Manufacturing firms that inspect their own products and also inspect for customers. |
All three types can achieve ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation. The difference lies in how each manages impartiality and conflict of interest.
How Internal Departments Demonstrate Independence
| Requirement | What Internal Teams Must Show | Evidence Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Separation | Inspection activities are independent from design, production, or sales. | Organizational chart, job descriptions, reporting structure. |
| Impartiality Risk Management | Potential conflicts of interest are identified and mitigated. | Risk register, impartiality statement, management review minutes. |
| Technical Competence | Inspectors are trained, authorized, and periodically reassessed. | Competence matrix, training records, authorization list. |
| Transparency | Inspection procedures and decisions are traceable and reviewed. | Controlled inspection records, audit trails, approval logs. |
Accreditation bodies focus on how independence is maintained, not whether you’re a standalone company.
An internal department can fully comply — it just needs clear boundaries, proper records, and leadership commitment to impartiality.
Key Insight
ISO/IEC 17020 isn’t exclusive to external inspection bodies.
It recognizes that competent, structured, and impartial internal inspections are equally valuable.
If your team performs conformity assessments — even within your own organization — you’re eligible, provided you manage impartiality transparently.
Myth #5 – “Accreditation Isn’t Worth the Effort”
This myth usually comes from frustration — teams see the paperwork, audits, and time investment and assume accreditation just adds bureaucracy.
But that view misses the point entirely.
ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation is not about more paperwork; it’s about building credibility that pays off — with regulators, clients, and even your own staff.
When you look beyond the initial workload, the long-term return on investment becomes clear: fewer disputes, smoother approvals, and access to opportunities that non-accredited inspection bodies can’t even bid for.
Effort vs. Payoff
| Category | Initial Effort | Long-Term Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Documentation & System Setup | Develop and control procedures, forms, and records. | Creates clarity, reduces errors, and standardizes workflow. |
| Training & Competence Development | Time spent qualifying and authorizing inspectors. | Builds a skilled workforce and enhances service quality. |
| Audit Preparation | Internal and external audit readiness. | Early detection of issues prevents costly nonconformities. |
| Impartiality & Management Reviews | Regular analysis of independence and risks. | Reinforces client trust and protects against conflicts. |
| Accreditation Assessment | Undergo document and on-site review by assessors. | Yields official recognition accepted by regulators and certification bodies. |
How Accreditation Converts to Real Value
| Business Area | Tangible Result | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Market Access | Eligibility for tenders and regulated projects. | Expands revenue potential. |
| Client Confidence | Inspection results recognized without re-verification. | Increases repeat business and referrals. |
| Operational Control | Clear structure for decisions, roles, and traceability. | Reduces errors and rework costs. |
| Reputation | Accredited status demonstrates verified competence. | Positions your body as a trusted authority. |
Cost of Avoiding Accreditation
| Missed Opportunity | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|
| Disqualified from tenders requiring accredited reports. | Direct revenue loss. |
| Clients question technical credibility. | Longer sales cycles, reduced trust. |
| Regulators reject or challenge inspection findings. | Delays, re-inspections, and higher liability risk. |
Key Insight
Accreditation pays for itself — not in paperwork, but in trust and opportunity.
Organizations that commit to ISO/IEC 17020 consistently find that the system makes operations leaner, results more defensible, and their brand far more respected.
Bonus Myth – “Once You’re Accredited, You’re Done”
A lot of inspection bodies breathe a sigh of relief after earning their accreditation — and understandably so. It’s a major milestone.
But here’s the truth: accreditation isn’t an endpoint; it’s a continuous cycle.
Maintaining ISO/IEC 17020 compliance means proving every year that your inspection body still meets all the requirements for competence, impartiality, and consistency.
Accreditation bodies don’t just hand over a certificate and walk away. They come back for surveillance assessments, periodic reviews, and reassessments to make sure your system continues to perform as intended.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
| Activity | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Surveillance Assessments | Every 12–18 months | Confirms that your management system and inspections remain compliant and effective. |
| Reassessment (Full Review) | Every 4–5 years | Comprehensive evaluation of competence, impartiality, and all documentation. |
| Management Reviews | At least once per year | Ensures leadership is monitoring performance, risks, and improvement actions. |
| Internal Audits | Annually or as planned | Detects nonconformities before external assessments. |
| Competence Reauthorization | Periodic (varies by body) | Verifies inspectors remain qualified and updated on standards and methods. |
Each of these activities ensures that your accreditation status reflects ongoing reliability, not just a one-time success.
Why Continuous Compliance Matters
| Area | Without Maintenance | With Continuous Improvement |
|---|---|---|
| Client Trust | Gradual decline as procedures become outdated. | Confidence grows through consistent performance. |
| Regulatory Standing | Risk of suspension or withdrawal. | Ongoing recognition and faster renewals. |
| Operational Quality | Processes drift or lose consistency. | Methods stay aligned with current standards and expectations. |
| Reputation | Certification seen as symbolic. | Accreditation viewed as a living proof of competence. |
Accreditation is not a trophy — it’s a commitment to sustained integrity and technical excellence.
By embedding continual improvement and monitoring into daily operations, inspection bodies ensure that their credibility remains strong year after year.
Key Insight
Earning ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation proves you meet the standard.
Maintaining it proves you live the standard — every inspection, every decision, every day.
Quick-Fire Recap – 3-Minute Truth Summary
Let’s cut through the noise and finish where we started — with clarity.
Below is the straight truth about ISO/IEC 17020, distilled into a few core points you can read (and remember) in under three minutes.
The Real Facts About ISO/IEC 17020
| Myth | Reality | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| “It’s only for large inspection companies.” | ISO/IEC 17020 scales to any size — even small or single-department teams. | You don’t need a big structure, just competence and documented control. |
| “It’s the same as ISO 9001.” | ISO 9001 manages quality; ISO 17020 proves technical competence and impartiality. | You can have both, but only ISO 17020 earns inspection credibility. |
| “You need a lab or test facility.” | Inspections don’t require testing — they rely on observation and judgment. | ISO 17020 covers inspection, ISO 17025 covers testing. |
| “Internal departments can’t be accredited.” | Type B and C inspection bodies within organizations qualify if impartiality is managed. | Even internal teams can gain recognized status. |
| “It’s not worth the effort.” | Accreditation brings regulatory trust, client confidence, and new market access. | The investment pays back through credibility and opportunity. |
| “Once you’re accredited, you’re done.” | Accreditation requires ongoing audits, reviews, and staff competence checks. | Sustained performance keeps your status — and your reputation. |
Why These Myths Matter
Each of these myths leads to the same costly mistake: underestimating the power of accreditation.
When inspection bodies delay or dismiss ISO/IEC 17020, they miss out on the credibility that regulators, certification bodies, and international clients are already demanding.
Understanding the truth lets you focus your efforts on what actually matters — competence, impartiality, and consistency — instead of chasing outdated assumptions.
In Summary
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ISO/IEC 17020 applies to inspection bodies of all sizes and structures.
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It’s not a management fad — it’s the recognized global standard for inspection credibility.
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Accreditation is achievable, scalable, and worth the investment for any serious inspection organization.
Clearing these myths is the first step toward transforming how your organization operates and is perceived — not as a service provider, but as a trusted authority in inspection.
FAQs – Fast Answers to Common Concerns
Even after the myths are cleared up, many inspection bodies still have a few practical questions before they commit to ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation.
Here are concise, experience-based answers that resolve the most common doubts.
FAQ 1: Can small inspection firms afford ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation?
| Concern | Reality | What You Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| “Accreditation is too expensive for us.” | Costs scale with your organization’s size and scope. | Accreditation bodies adjust man-day estimates for smaller teams. |
| “We’ll need a consultant to handle everything.” | Consultants can help, but you can implement the system internally with clear guidance. | Many small firms achieve accreditation using lean documentation and targeted training. |
| “Our workload will double.” | The system replaces ad-hoc processes, not adds to them. | Once established, it reduces duplicated effort and rework. |
In short: Small doesn’t mean excluded — ISO/IEC 17020 was built to scale proportionally.
FAQ 2: Do internal inspection departments need external audits?
| Aspect | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Internal vs. external audits | Internal audits must be done by competent, independent staff or external auditors. | Ensures objectivity and detects conflicts of interest. |
| Accreditation surveillance | External surveillance by the accreditation body occurs every 12–18 months. | Confirms ongoing impartiality and competence. |
Answer: Yes. Whether performed by an external auditor or an internal team independent of operations, impartial review is mandatory.
FAQ 3: Is ISO 9001 required before ISO/IEC 17020?
| Question | Answer | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| “Do we need ISO 9001 certification first?” | No. It’s not a prerequisite. | ISO 17020 already includes management-system clauses covering document control, corrective actions, and continual improvement. |
| “Would ISO 9001 help?” | Yes, it provides a strong foundation. | Organizations with ISO 9001 often adapt faster because the structure feels familiar. |
FAQ 4: How often do surveillance assessments happen?
| Assessment Type | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Accreditation Audit | Once (comprehensive) | Validates full compliance with ISO/IEC 17020. |
| Surveillance Assessments | Every 12–18 months | Confirms ongoing conformity and performance. |
| Re-assessment | Every 4–5 years | Full re-evaluation of competence, impartiality, and management system. |
Answer: Accreditation is a continuing partnership — staying ready for these periodic visits keeps your inspection body sharp and compliant year-round.
FAQ 5: Can ISO/IEC 17020 help attract new clients?
| Perspective | How It Helps | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Clients | Accreditation ensures reports meet legal recognition criteria. | Easier approval and contract eligibility. |
| Private Clients | Demonstrates impartiality and technical assurance. | Increases trust and shortens client onboarding. |
| International Partners | Accreditation under an ILAC-signatory body means global recognition. | Opens doors to cross-border projects. |
Answer: Absolutely — ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation is a credibility passport that turns compliance into commercial growth.
Clearing the Myths, Claiming the Advantage
Most of the confusion around ISO/IEC 17020 comes from outdated assumptions — that it’s expensive, complicated, or reserved for large organizations.
But once those myths are cleared, what remains is a standard that’s practical, scalable, and transformative for any inspection body that values trust and credibility.
ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation doesn’t just prove compliance. It proves competence, impartiality, and consistency — three qualities every client, regulator, and partner looks for.
It turns inspection work into a recognized authority service, giving your organization the legitimacy to operate confidently in regulated markets and high-stakes industries.
Key Takeaways
| Area | Myth Replaced With Truth |
|---|---|
| Scope | ISO/IEC 17020 fits all sizes — from internal teams to global firms. |
| Purpose | It’s not ISO 9001; it’s a technical competence standard. |
| Structure | No lab required — inspections rely on observation and evaluation. |
| Eligibility | Internal departments can be accredited under Type B or C. |
| Value | Accreditation effort pays off through recognition, efficiency, and market access. |
| Continuity | It’s a living system — improvement never stops after certification. |
Final Insight
In reality, ISO/IEC 17020 is less about bureaucracy and more about clarity and credibility.
It helps inspection bodies of every size move from “doing inspections” to being trusted authorities — respected by clients, regulators, and peers alike.
And that shift is what drives long-term growth, stability, and professional reputation.
Next Step:
If your organization is ready to move past the myths and explore real accreditation readiness, download QSE Academy’s “ISO/IEC 17020 Myths & Facts Quick Guide.”
It gives you a one-page checklist summarizing truths, eligibility factors, and key benefits — so you can make your next step toward accreditation in full confidence and with no confusion.
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.
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