ISO Certification vs. Accreditation: What’s the Difference?
If you’re exploring ISO for your organization, you’ve likely come across the terms certification and accreditation. While they sound similar, and are often used interchangeably, they actually mean very different things.
Understanding the distinction can help you make informed decisions, especially when selecting the right certification partner or submitting bids and tenders.
What is ISO Certification ?
ISO certification is when a third-party organization (a certification body) assesses your company to confirm that it meets the requirements of a specific ISO standard. This could include:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety)
Once your processes and systems are shown to meet the relevant standard, the certification body issues a certificate verifying your compliance.
In simple terms:
Certification proves that your organization follows internationally recognized standards.
What is Accreditation ?
Accreditation refers to the oversight of the certification body itself.
Accreditation is granted by an accreditation body (like UKAS). These organizations assess whether the certification body operates competently and adheres to international norms and best practices.
In simple terms:
Accreditation proves that the certifier is qualified and trustworthy.
Why the difference matters ?
When your certification body is accredited, it adds an extra layer of assurance and credibility to your ISO certificate. Many clients, governments, and international partners specifically require accredited certification, and may not accept certificates issued by non-accredited bodies.
Benefits of using an accredited certification body include:
- Stronger competitive advantage in tenders and supplier lists
- Greater recognition and trust, locally and internationally
- Confidence that your audit was conducted professionally and impartially
Conclusion
Certification is for your organization, it confirms your compliance with an ISO standard.
Accreditation is for the certification body, it confirms their competence and credibility.
Choosing an accredited certification body ensures your ISO certificate is accepted and respected where it matters most.
To learn more about our certification services or to discuss your organization’s needs, please contact us. We are available to provide clear information on our processes and scopes.