Management system certification bodies
For bodies that audit and certify management systems — quality, environment, occupational health and safety, food safety, information security, medical devices and energy.
The programmeHome›Schemes
Accreditation schemes
Three programmes, each governed by the international standard written for that kind of conformity assessment body.
Conformity assessment is not one activity. Auditing a management system, inspecting a pressure vessel and examining an individual’s competence demand different structures, different competence criteria and different safeguards. Each has its own standard, and we assess against the one that fits the work you do.
Inspection bodies
For type A, B and C bodies carrying out inspection of products, installations, plant, processes and services — including the independence requirements that separate the three types.
The programmePersonnel certification bodies
For bodies certifying the competence of individuals against a defined certification scheme — examination design, impartiality and the separation of training from certification.
The programmeAt a glance
Comparing the three programmes
| Management systems | Inspection | Personnel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ISO/IEC 17021-1 | ISO/IEC 17020 | ISO/IEC 17024 |
| Object of attestation | An organisation’s management system | A product, installation, plant, process or service | An individual’s competence |
| Central safeguard | Separation of certification from consultancy | Independence type (A, B or C) | Separation of training from examination |
| Witness assessment | Auditors observed on a client audit | Inspectors observed performing inspection | Examinations and invigilation observed |
| Scope defined by | Standard and economic sector | Field of inspection and independence type | Named certification scheme |
| Accreditation term | Granted for a defined term, maintained by surveillance and closed by reassessment | ||
Choosing
Not sure which one you fall under?
It is decided by the activity, not by preference. A body that audits management systems and also inspects equipment needs two accreditations, not one broader one.
Send us a description of the work
Tell us what your body actually does — what you assess, for whom, and what the output document says. We will tell you which programme applies and whether the scope you have in mind is one we can assess.
