We all know the importance of independent validation of the quality of a company, it helps to stay competitive and maintain reputation. But what's the real difference between certification and accreditation, two words that are often used interchangeably?
Key distinctions between accreditation and certification
Certification is written confirmation by a third party that products, processes and services conform to specified requirements, as set out in a standard. It's achieved through an audit process and confirmed in a written assurance.
Accreditation is a written assurance provided by a third party that is itself approved by the UK's designated accreditation body, UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).
The ISO 9001 principles of quality management are incorporated into all accreditation standards. Unlike non-accredited certification, accredited certification indicates technical competence and is specific to the activities covered under a particular standard, the scope of which is listed on a schedule of accreditation.
The role of UKAS
UKAS is the UK's national accreditation body. In addition to providing accreditation services, it also assesses whether certification bodies meet internationally recognised standards. Certification bodies may be accredited by UKAS to demonstrate their own credentials, meaning they must show they meet certain criteria of competence, impartiality and integrity.
If a certification organisation has been accredited by UKAS, then organisations audited by that certification body hold 'accredited certification'. If a regulator, client or prospective employer asks for a business to be certified, this is most likely what they mean.
Ensuring accreditation relates to specific activities
Although accreditation is a reassuring sign of an organisation's credentials in a given area, clients must check the schedule of accreditation to ensure a particular activity is actually covered. For example, a company holding ISO 17025 accreditation for testing and calibration laboratories may only hold it for a particular type of testing, and the schedule will confirm the exact scope.
What are the benefits of accreditation and certification?
Both provide assurance that the requirements of a particular standard are being met. Just as standards help improve efficiency by preventing parties to a contract from having to establish their own rules of good practice for each project, accreditation and certification let government and regulatory bodies avoid expensive, time-consuming checks and assessments of their own.
They provide reassurance that best practice in key areas such as safety, environmental protection and sustainability is being met without the need for additional monitoring and scrutiny. This controls risk, reduces cost, minimises technical barriers to trade and helps maintain quality.
Next steps to certification
The process starts by following the requirements of the standard or framework you want to implement, then selecting a suitable certification body. A review process follows to confirm that the right measures and practices are in place, properly implemented, and being followed. Once achieved, certification and accreditation demonstrate to stakeholders and potential clients that best industry practice is being followed and that industry-wide recognition has been reached.
