Differences between certification and accreditation in the world of management systems

In the field of management according to ISO standards, certification and accreditation are two terms often mistakenly used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and applications.

In this article, we will examine the differences between certification and accreditation and their roles in ensuring quality and reliability.

Certification

Certification is a process where an independent certifying organization (third party) evaluates whether an organization meets management standards, e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 37001, ISO 27001, BRCGS, FSSC 22000. An organization that undergoes the certification process is evaluated by an external auditor. The auditor focuses on how the organization is managed, its internal processes, and procedures. For example, ISO 9001 certification focuses on quality management and requires companies to maintain an established standard in almost every aspect of their operations.

Example:

The company "XYZ" undergoes a certification audit by a certifying body for compliance with ISO 9001.

Key points about certification:

• Independent Certifying Organization: Certification is conducted by an independent certifying body that has the knowledge and experience in assessing compliance with the standard's requirements.
• Compliance Evaluation: The certification process involves evaluating the organization's compliance with the established standard requirements. Auditors assess whether the organization has implemented appropriate processes and procedures according to the requirements.
• Certificate: If the organization meets the standard's requirements, it receives a certificate confirming compliance with specific standards, e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 37001, ISO 27001, BRCGS, FSSC 22000. The certificate is valid for a specified period and can be renewed through subsequent audits.

Examples of well-known certification bodies (alphabetical order):

• Bureau Veritas
• BSI
• Dekra Certification
• DNV GL
• TÜV Nord
• SGS

It is important to note that there are many other organizations certifying management systems, and the choice of the appropriate company depends on specific needs, location, and industry.

Link: A Collection of Certifying Bodies

Selecting a certifying body:

It is crucial to choose an accredited certifying body with the necessary qualifications and experience in the specific field.

To learn more about the certification process and services available on the market that meet your needs, fill out the contact form or simply get in touch with us directly. We are ready to help you choose the right company and provide the necessary information.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process where an external organization, called an accreditation body, assesses and confirms the competence and ability of another organization to perform specific tasks or provide services. Accreditation aims to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the organization being assessed.

Accreditation does not directly concern organizations seeking certification but provides an additional layer of trust in the certification process by confirming that the certifying body operates according to international standards and is competent to conduct certifications.

Example:

The certifying body "AAA" undergoes an accreditation audit by an accreditation body, which confirms its competence and ability to conduct certification audits for compliance with ISO 9001 on behalf of its clients.

Key points about accreditation:

• Accreditation Body: Accreditation is conducted by an independent accreditation body with the authority and qualifications to assess and confirm an organization's competence.
• Capability Evaluation: The accreditation process involves evaluating the organization's ability to perform specific tasks or provide services. The accreditation body checks whether the organization meets specific requirements and possesses the appropriate competencies.
• Accreditation as Confirmation: If the certifying body meets the requirements, it receives accreditation, confirming its ability to perform specific tasks or provide services. Accreditation is valid for a specified period and is subject to regular reviews to maintain its validity.

Examples of well-known accreditation bodies (alphabetical order):

• Accredia
• ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
• Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS)
• Polish Centre for Accreditation (PCA)
• United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

It is important to note that most countries have their national accreditation bodies responsible for accreditations within the country.

Conclusion

Certification and accreditation are two different processes, but both play a crucial role in ensuring quality and reliability. Certification focuses on evaluating an organization's compliance with standards, while accreditation assesses an organization's ability to perform specific tasks or provide services.