Accreditation is an independent assessment of a conformity assessment body’s competence and impartiality for a defined scope of work. The steps below are a general guide. The applicable IACA scheme, published criteria and application documents determine the requirements for each activity.
Start with your scope. Identify the services you want assessed and the locations where they are performed. IACA’s published scope areas include testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, medical laboratories, certification bodies and product certification.
Typical application pathway
- Confirm the applicable scheme. Review IACA’s accreditation criteria and programme for your activity. If you are unsure which scheme or standard applies, contact IACA before submitting an application.
- Define the requested scope. Describe the specific tests, calibrations, inspections or certification activities, methods, locations and technical fields for which you seek recognition.
- Prepare your application and records. Submit the current application form and the supporting documents requested for your scheme. These may include your legal and organizational details, management system documents, personnel competence records, equipment and facility information, method or scheme controls, impartiality safeguards, internal audit and management review records.
- Application review. IACA reviews the submission for completeness and confirms the next steps. Additional information may be requested before assessment planning.
- Assessment. A qualified assessment team reviews relevant records and evaluates implementation. Depending on the scheme and scope, this may include an on-site assessment, witnessing of activities, or both.
- Address findings. If issues are identified, the applicant is asked to respond with corrections and corrective-action evidence within the time and process set by the applicable IACA rules.
- Independent decision and scope publication. Accreditation is granted only after the required assessment and review are complete and a positive accreditation decision is made. The certificate and scope specify the activities covered.
- Maintain accreditation. Accredited bodies remain subject to the monitoring, reassessment, change-notification and mark-use requirements in the applicable scheme.
Before you apply
- Read the relevant IACA criteria, application rules and scope requirements.
- Check that your requested scope is clear, technically specific and supported by your records.
- Ensure staff, facilities, equipment and procedures are ready for the activities in the requested scope.
- Review IACA’s requirements for impartiality, complaints, appeals and use of accreditation marks.
Forms and questions: Use the IACA application form and the current documents in the Center of Documents. For scheme or application questions, email accreditation@iacaab.org.
Assessment arrangements, timelines, fees and required records depend on the scheme, scope and application. Contact IACA for the current instructions before relying on this general overview.