Accreditation of certification bodies
Accreditation of certification bodies is a process aimed at confirming their competence, independence and ability to perform their functions in accordance with established standards. The accreditation procedure includes several key stages, such as examination of the application, examination of documents, certification of applicants, decision-making on accreditation and inspection control of accredited organizations. Let’s look at each of these stages in more detail.
Application for accreditation (Technical Centre)
The first stage of the accreditation procedure begins with the submission of an application by the certification body to the accreditation body. The application should contain complete information about the applicant, including its organizational and legal form, a list of products or services that will be subject to certification, as well as information on the availability of the necessary resources for certification (personnel, equipment, techniques, etc.).
The technical center of the accreditation body conducts the initial analysis of the submitted documents. It is important to make sure that the application contains all the necessary information and documents required by the standards. At this stage, formal aspects, such as completeness of documentation and compliance with established requirements, are checked.
The main steps at this stage are:
- Reception and registration of the application.
- Check the completeness of the submitted documentation.
- Initial assessment of the applicant’s compliance with the basic requirements.
Examination of documents (Expert opinion)
After successful consideration of the application by the technical center, the documents are transferred to the examination stage. This process includes detailed analysis of submitted materials by independent experts. The examination is carried out to assess whether the applicant meets the established accreditation criteria.
Experts analyze organizational documents, personnel qualifications, certification methods and procedures, quality management system and other aspects that may affect the quality of the certification performed. Based on the examination, an expert opinion is drawn up containing recommendations for further actions.
The main steps at this stage are:
- Appointment of independent experts to review documents.
- Conducting a detailed examination of the submitted materials.
- Preparation and submission of an expert opinion.
Applicants' certification
Attestation of applicants includes conducting on-site inspections to confirm the applicant’s compliance with accreditation requirements. At this stage, audits are carried out, within the framework of which the actual implementation of certification procedures, the functioning of the management system, the competence of the staff and other critical elements of the work of the certification body are evaluated.
The purpose of certification is to check the real level of competence of the applicant and his readiness to conduct certification activities in accordance with international and national standards.
The main steps at this stage are:
- Planning and conducting on-site audits.
- Assessment of competence and professional skills of staff.
- Verification of compliance of the management system with accreditation requirements.
Decision on accreditation
Based on the data obtained during the examination of documents and attestation of applicants, the accreditation body decides on accreditation. If all the requirements are met, the applicant is issued an accreditation certificate, which confirms his competence and the right to conduct certification.
In case of detection of defects, the applicant may be denied accreditation or asked to eliminate the identified shortcomings and re-pass the procedure. The decision on accreditation is made on the basis of a comprehensive assessment and conclusion of all stages.
The main steps at this stage are:
- Analysis of the results of examination and certification.
- Deciding to grant accreditation.
- Issuance of accreditation certificate or notification of refusal.
Inspection control of accredited organizations
After accreditation, the certification body is subject to regular inspection by the accreditation body. This is necessary to confirm that the organization continues to meet the requirements of accreditation and maintains a high level of quality of services provided.
Inspection control includes periodic inspections, audits, monitoring of certification procedures, as well as assessment of compliance with quality management requirements and other aspects. If violations are detected, measures may be taken up to the suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.
The main steps at this stage are:
- Planning and conducting regular inspections.
- Monitoring compliance with accreditation requirements.
- Take action when discrepancies are identified.
Accreditation of certification bodies is a complex and multi-step process aimed at ensuring a high level of quality and reliability of certification procedures. Every step of the process, from application review to inspection control, is critical to ensuring the credibility of accredited bodies and their ability to perform their functions in accordance with established standards.
