A certification body is an independent organization that evaluates and certifies organizations against specified standards, such as ISO 9001. By conducting audits and assessments, certification bodies validate compliance, fostering trust among stakeholders and facilitating access to global markets.
| What Is a Certification Body?
Example of Certification Agencies |
Certification Body List
A certification body list is a directory of organizations accredited to certify businesses and systems according to international standards. These lists are often maintained by national accreditation bodies or international organizations such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). They provide essential information to organizations seeking reliable certifiers for compliance with standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and others.
Certification Body List
A certification body list is a directory of organizations accredited to certify businesses and systems according to international standards. These lists are often maintained by national accreditation bodies or international organizations such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). They provide essential information to organizations seeking reliable certifiers for compliance with standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and others.
Certifiers and Their Roles
Certifiers ensure that an organization’s management system meets the requirements of relevant international standards. Accredited certifiers conduct audits and issue certifications, validating that organizations consistently deliver quality products and services, comply with environmental management standards, or uphold information security protocols.
Examples of Certification Agencies
Global certifiers such as TÜV SÜD, SGS, Bureau Veritas, and DNV provide certification services for various standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001. These agencies operate independently to verify compliance with international benchmarks, enhancing credibility and market access for certified entities.
Accessing Accredited Certifier Directories
The global list of certifiers can be accessed through platforms like the IAF CarSearch database. Additionally, national accreditation bodies, such as UKAS in the United Kingdom or ANAB in the United States, maintain directories of accredited certifiers operating within their regions. These resources help organizations find reliable certifiers for standards like ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 22000.
Certification and Notified Bodies
Certifying agencies assess voluntary compliance with international standards such as ISO 9001, while notified bodies are designated by governments to assess mandatory compliance with regulations, such as the EU’s CE marking requirements. Notified bodies primarily evaluate product conformity under specific regulatory frameworks, whereas certifying agencies focus on management systems and organizational standards.
Accredited Certification
An accredited certifier has been formally recognized by an authorized accreditation body for its competence in certification activities. Accreditation ensures that the certification process is impartial, reliable, and adheres to international standards like ISO/IEC 17021-1, enhancing the credibility of certifications issued.
Oversight by the International Accreditation Forum
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) oversees the global network of accredited certifiers. IAF ensures consistency in the certification process by accrediting these organizations through recognized national accreditation bodies. The IAF CarSearch database allows organizations to verify the authenticity of accredited certifiers worldwide.