Technical analysis of the differences between certification and accreditation. Who certifies, who accredits, ISO/IEC 17021-1 trust chain, and how it affects your organization.
In the ISO ecosystem, the terms certification and accreditation are frequently confused, but they designate radically different processes within the trust chain. Certification assesses whether an organization meets the requirements of a specific standard, while accreditation evaluates the competence of the certification body itself. Understanding this distinction is essential for making informed decisions about your management system.
Certification and accreditation operate at different levels of the same trust chain. As an organization, what you seek is certification of your management system. What you must verify is that the chosen certification body is accredited by an accreditation body recognized by the IAF (International Accreditation Forum).
Technically yes, but the certificate will not have international recognition under IAF/ILAC multilateral agreements. The recommendation is to always choose a body accredited under ISO/IEC 17021-1.
No. ISO/IEC 17021-1 explicitly prohibits a certification body from providing consultancy to the same client it certifies. This structural separation ensures process impartiality.
Need an assessment in this area?