What Is Accreditation

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?

Accreditation is a trade support tool for recognition of a level of organizational competence as per the requirements of internationally agreed standards and other benchmarks that is comparable to other conformity assessment bodies accredited by the same accrediting body.

Accreditation of a conformity assessment body signifies that its systems and processes are under regular oversight to be competent, effective, efficient, accountable, improvement oriented and has adequate resources while providing services.

Accredited service quality implies meeting or exceeding the international standards.

Reliability Through Conformity Assessments

Requirements regarding the quality of goods and services are continuously increasing as a result of the liberalization of global trade and increasing demands by consumers, companies and legislators. Whether for environmental protection, in the food or electrical industry, health care or renewable energy – for these and many other industries, objective testing, calibrations, inspections or certifications therefore play a very important role.

These assessments ensure that tested products, methods, services or systems are reliable with regard to their quality and safety, that they correspond to a technical minimum standard and conform to the standards, guidelines and laws that correspond with the various requirements. These objective attestations are therefore also described as conformity assessments.

Trust Through Accreditation

However, the trust placed in certificates, inspections, tests or calibrations stands and falls with the competence of the person that renders the assessment service. Many of these so-called conformity assessment bodies therefore confirm the quality of their own work with an accreditation.

As part of the accreditation procedure, they can confirm to an independent accreditation body that they carry out their activities with technical competence, in compliance with statutory and standards-based requirements and at an internationally comparative standard. The accreditation body assesses and monitors the management system and the competence of the conformity assessment body’s assigned personnel.

Therefore, accreditations play a key role in warranting the comparability of conformity assessment results and creating trust in the quality and safety of products and services.

Definition Of the Term Accreditation Pursuant To ISO/IEC 17011

“Accreditation refers to third-party attestation related to a conformity assessment body conveying formal demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks”

Benefits of Accreditation offers:

For Companies

• Better acceptance of products and services eases market access or makes it possible
• Tested once, accepted everywhere: International comparability and recognition of certificates, inspections, tests or calibrations prevents costs resulting from multiple assessments
• Proof of competence facilitates the selection of a suitable service provider for the conformity assessment of goods and services

For Accredited Bodies

• Objective proof of quality and competence for the activities of conformity assessment bodies according to international standards
• Competitive advantages over non-accredited market participants

For Consumers

• More consumer trust in the quality of products and services – notwithstanding a complex global market
• Fewer production errors or recalls

For Legislators

• Flexible alternative to legislation

Validity Of Accreditations

Accreditations are generally valid for a period of three years, but must be monitored by GAB on a regular basis.