Accreditation
Use of the Accreditation Symbol
Policy
Official symbol usage policy
This policy sets out the requirements for the use of ACBNA accreditation symbols by accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
Assessment verification
During CAB assessments, ACBNA assessors review a sample of certificates and other documents to confirm the CAB follows these rules.
- Accreditation symbol reproduction standards
- How to properly display the accreditation symbol
- How to refer to ACBNA accreditation in text and marketing materials
- The obligation to use the ACBNA accreditation symbol with its registration number and scope of accreditation
- Detailed specifications of uses that are not permitted
- Sanctions for failure to comply with policy requirements
Logo types
Two distinct ACBNA logos
Each logo serves a different purpose and has its own usage rules.
Exclusive use only
Corporate logo
The ACBNA corporate logo may not be used by any other organization for any purpose.
- ACBNA permanent and contracted staff for presentations
- Official ACBNA stationery
- Not permitted for assessors working on behalf of ACBNA
For accredited CABs
Accreditation symbol
Issued to CABs to demonstrate their accreditation with ACBNA.
- Only for ACBNA-accredited CABs
- Must include the certificate/registration number
- Must reference the scope of accreditation
- A specific symbol for each accreditation standard
Symbols
Official accreditation symbols
A specific symbol for each accreditation program — for use only by accredited organizations.
ISO/IEC 17021-1
Management System Certification Bodies
ISO/IEC 17065
Product Certification Bodies
ISO/IEC 17025
Testing and Calibration Laboratories
ISO/IEC 17020
Inspection Bodies
ISO/IEC 17024
Personnel Certification Bodies
Mandatory
Requirements for symbol display
Certificate / registration number
Whenever the ACBNA accreditation symbol is displayed, it must be accompanied by the CAB's assigned certificate or registration number.
ACBNA Certificate No. AMSCB-0001-23-001
Accredited by ACBNA (Cert. #ACTL-0015-24-002)
Scope of accreditation reference
Every use of the symbol or reference to ACBNA accreditation must reference the CAB's specific scope of accreditation.
- “For detailed scope, see www.example.com/scope”
- “Accredited for ISO 9001:2015 certifications (see scope document)”
- “Scope of accreditation available upon request”
- Full scope details on the same document or page
Wording
How to refer to ACBNA accreditation in text
When referring to your accreditation in written materials without displaying the symbol:
Correct
- “ABC Laboratory is accredited by the Accreditation Body of North America (ACBNA) for testing services as detailed in our scope of accreditation.”
- “This organization is ACBNA-accredited (Certificate No. AMSCB-0001-23-001) for ISO 9001:2015 certification services.”
- “Accredited by ACBNA in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for the tests listed in our scope document.”
Incorrect
- “We are fully accredited” — no mention of ACBNA or scope
- “ACBNA certified company” — ACBNA is an accreditation body, not a certifier
- “Internationally accredited” — too vague; doesn't specify ACBNA
Reproduction
Symbol reproduction standards
File format and quality
- Use only high-resolution files (EPS, SVG or PDF) supplied by ACBNA
- For digital use, minimum 300 DPI resolution
- Keep the original aspect ratio — never stretch or distort
- Minimum size: 25 mm wide in print
Color and placement
- Use official ACBNA colors only — no color changes
- Keep clear space of at least 10 mm around the symbol
- Monochrome versions are acceptable on single-color materials
- Place on a clean background with sufficient contrast
Not permitted
Prohibited uses
Uses that are not permitted under any circumstances.
Use on products or packaging
The accreditation symbol must not appear on products, product packaging, or in any way that implies the product itself is accredited or approved by ACBNA.
Use outside the scope of accreditation
The symbol cannot be used in connection with activities, standards or services not covered by your scope of accreditation.
Modification of the symbol
No alterations or adaptations to the symbol's design, colors, proportions or any of its elements.
Misleading placement or context
Use in any context that could mislead the public about the nature, extent or scope of accreditation.
Use without a certificate number
Displaying the accreditation symbol without the associated certificate or registration number.
Use without a scope reference
Failing to reference your scope of accreditation when using the symbol or claiming accreditation.
Use after suspension or withdrawal
Any use of accreditation symbols or claims after accreditation has been suspended or withdrawn.
Transfer to other organizations
Allowing subsidiaries, parent companies or other organizations to use your symbols unless they hold separate accreditation.
Combination with other marks
Incorporating the ACBNA symbol into a composite logo or combining it with other marks without prior written approval.
Sanctions for non-compliance
Depending on the severity and nature of the misuse, ACBNA applies the following sanctions.
Questions? Contact us- 1
Written warning and corrective action request
For minor or first-time violations, ACBNA issues a written warning requiring the CAB to correct the misuse within a specified timeframe.
- 2
Formal nonconformity
Repeated or significant misuse is raised as a nonconformity requiring documented root-cause analysis and corrective action.
- 3
Suspension of accreditation
Serious or unresolved misuse may lead to suspension of accreditation for all or part of the scope.
- 4
Withdrawal and legal action
Deliberate or persistent misuse may result in withdrawal of accreditation, public notice, and legal action to protect ACBNA's marks.