Official recognition that an organisation is competent to perform specific certification or testing activities.
Accreditation is official recognition that an organisation is competent to perform certification, testing, or inspection activities. Accreditation bodies (like UKAS in the UK) assess certification bodies, ensuring they're qualified to issue certifications. When seeking certification, using an accredited certification body ensures the certificate is credible and recognised. Accreditation provides confidence in the certification process itself.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Use accredited certification bodies for credible certifications. Unaccredited certificates may not be recognised by customers or regulators. UKAS accreditation is the UK standard for certification body competence.