Definition
Accreditation is third-party attestation conveying formal demonstration of a conformity assessment body's competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks.
For management system certification, accreditation bodies assess certification bodies against relevant requirements and publish scopes of accreditation.
In practice
When buyers ask for "accredited ISO certification," they usually mean a certificate issued by a CB that is accredited for that standard. Verify listings in the accreditation body's directory.
Your organization is typically certified, not accredited, for ISO 9001-style management systems.
Not to confuse with
Management system certification of an organization. Marketing uses of "accredited" that lack a verifiable accreditation body. Laboratory accreditation schemes (related concept, different objects).
Need help applying this?
Use the guide, then discuss your requirements when ready — without sales pressure.
Need help applying this?Consultancy vs certification
Beyond Carbon provides ISO consultancy, implementation support, documentation assistance, and audit preparation support. Independent certification bodies issue certificates after successful certification audits. Beyond Carbon does not present itself as a certification body or accreditation body.
FAQs
Conformity assessment bodies such as certification bodies — not usually the certified organization for QMS certificates.
An accreditation body.
No. ISO publishes standards.
It provides independent confidence in the CB's competence and impartiality within a defined scope.
No.
What happens after you submit?
We do not promise minute-level response times unless operationally guaranteed.
- We received your request
- Your requirements are reviewed
- A consultant contacts you
- Scope is clarified
- Next steps are recommended
Ready to strengthen your management system?
Tell us about your organization, scope, and requirements. We’ll help clarify the appropriate next step.