Certificate Check

Accreditation vs. Certification

Accreditation is the formal recognition by an independent body that is commonly referred to as an accreditation body. The accreditation body operates in accordance to international standards and provides accreditation to certification registrars.

Certification is provided by an independent body of written assurance (known as a certificate) that the product, service, or system in question meets specific requirements. Certification registrars can certify individual companies that meet these standard requirements.

Choosing a Certification Body

You have a choice when it comes to the certification body you choose to work with. You should consider the following when deciding which certification body to work with:

• Evaluate more than one certification body.
• Check if the certification body uses the relevant internationally recognized standard.
• Confirm that it is accredited. Accreditation is not required by law, and non-accreditation does not necessarily mean it is not reputable. Accreditation provides independent confirmation of competence.