Your accreditation journey, step by step

ISO/IEC 17021-1

Management System Certification Body Accreditation: 7 steps to accreditation

1. 01

   Application

   Certification bodies initiate the accreditation process by submitting an application form along with required documentation, such as quality manuals, procedures and evidence of competence in specific management system standards.

2. 02

   Office assessment

   ACBNA conducts an on-site assessment to evaluate the certification body's compliance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements, including a review of documentation, interviews with personnel and observation of assessment activities.

3. 03

   Witness assessment

   As part of the process, ACBNA requires witness assessments where an ACBNA assessor shadows an auditor during an assessment to ensure compliance with accreditation standards, reinforcing impartiality, consistency and reliability.

4. 04

   Review by accreditation committee

   The assessment findings are reviewed by the accreditation committee, which determines whether the certification body meets the accreditation criteria. The committee may request additional information or clarification before making a decision.

5. 05

   Committee decision

   Based on the assessment findings and recommendations, the accreditation committee makes a decision regarding accreditation status. Accredited bodies receive a certificate and are listed on ACBNA's official registry.

6. 06

   Annual surveillance

   Accredited certification bodies undergo regular surveillance assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements. These may include site visits, document reviews and interviews with personnel.

7. 07

   Reaccreditation at 4 years

   Accreditation is valid for four years. To maintain accreditation, certification bodies must undergo reaccreditation at the end of this period, involving a comprehensive reassessment of competence, management system and compliance with ISO/IEC 17021-1.