Key Differences Between

Accreditation and ISO Certification

In this blog, we will discuss the difference between accreditation and ISO certification. Though both terms are often used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings.

What is Accreditation?

Simply put, accreditation means that an organization has been officially recognized for its ability to issue certification. In other words, consider accreditation to be "certification for the certification body." Typically, accreditation is awarded to a certification body or registrar after it has carried out the necessary procedures and demonstrated that strict guidelines are followed to issue certification to an organization.

What is ISO Certification?

ISO certification, on the other hand, is granted to an organization that has met specific requirements laid out in one or more ISO standards. For example, if an organization wants to become ISO 9001 certified, it must follow the guidelines set forth in the ISO 9001 standard. Certification bodies or registrars audit organizations to ensure they are compliant with the relevant ISO standard(s).

Is Accreditation Mandatory?

Although Accreditation is not mandatory for organizations issuing certification, it may be required by customers, governments, or other interested parties. For instance, many government contracts require that the certification body or registrar be accredited. In some cases, only certification from an accredited body will be accepted. Therefore, it is important to check with the customer or interested party to see if accreditation is required before beginning the certification process.

What Are The Benefits of Accreditation?

If you are a certification body or registrar, becoming accredited has many benefits. First, it gives you credibility in the marketplace. Second, it demonstrates that you have met strict requirements and that you follow sound practices when issuing certification. Finally, it can open up new business opportunities, since many customers or interested parties will only do business with an accredited organization. Other benefits include:

• You will be able to use the accreditation logo, which can help promote your business.

• You will be listed on the website of the accreditation body, giving you additional exposure.

• You may be able to offer accredited certification, which can fetch a higher price than non-accredited certification.

Choosing an Accreditation Body

There are many accreditation bodies to choose from, so it is important to do your research before selecting one. Some things to consider include:

• The size and scope of the accreditation body - smaller bodies may be more responsive to your needs, while larger bodies may offer more recognition and prestige.

• The cost of accreditation - some bodies charge a flat fee, while others charge an annual fee.

• The location of the accreditation body - it is important to choose one that is convenient for you, since you will need to interact with them on a regular basis.

• The recognition of the accreditation body - some bodies are more widely recognized than others. Make sure the one you choose is recognized by the customers or interested parties you want to do business with.

• The accreditation process - some bodies have a more rigorous accreditation process than others. Choose one that you are confident you can meet.

What Are The Benefits of ISO Certification?

There are many benefits of ISO certification, including:

• Improved efficiency and effectiveness - by implementing ISO standards, you can streamline your processes and make your organization more efficient.

• Greater customer satisfaction - customers are more likely to do business with a company that is certified to ISO standards, as it shows that the company is committed to quality.

• Increased marketability and competitiveness - in today's global marketplace, companies that are ISO certified are more marketable and competitive.

• Improved employee morale and motivation - employees feel proud to work for a company that is ISO certified, and they are more motivated to do their best.

• Lower insurance rates - insurance companies often give lower rates to companies that are ISO certified, as they are seen as less of a risk.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a fundamental difference between accreditation and ISO certification.

While accreditation simply means that a certification body has been recognized for its ability to issue certification, ISO certification is granted to an organization that has met specific requirements laid out in an ISO standard.

The bottom line is that both accreditation and ISO certification are important for organizations involved in the certification process. If you are a certification body or registrar, becoming accredited can give you credibility and open up new business opportunities.

If you are an organization seeking certification, you may need to obtain certification from an accredited body in order to do business with certain customers or governments. In any case, it is important to do your research and choose the option that is best for you.

Contact UQAS today for more information about certification and accreditation!

How to Choose an

ISO Certification Body

Is your business looking to get ISO Certified? Not sure of where to start? Here's a quick guide on choosing the right ISO Certification Body for your business.

What is an ISO Certification Body?

An ISO certification body is an organization that provides certification services to businesses and organizations. Certification bodies are independent from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and operate in accordance with ISO's standards and procedures. In essence, ISO certification bodies or registrars exist to certify that a company is in compliance with ISO standards.

There are many different certification bodies around the world, each with their own specialties and areas of expertise. When choosing a certification body, it's important to consider what your business needs from the certification process.

For example, if you're looking for an ISO 9001:2015 certification, you'll want to find a certification body that specializes in quality management systems. Keep in mind that not all certification bodies are created equal. Some may be more reputable or have more experience than others. Do your research to make sure you're choosing a certification body that is right for your business.

What to Look for When Choosing an ISO Certification Body

There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when choosing an ISO certification body. Here are some factors to consider:

• Does the certification body have experience with the specific ISO standard you're looking to get certified for?
• Is the certification body accredited?
• What is the certification body's reputation?
• How much does certification through the certification body cost?

Once you've considered these factors, you should be able to narrow down your list of potential certification bodies. From there, it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your business.

Tips for Choosing an ISO Certification Body

There are a few things to consider when choosing an ISO Certification Body. The first is whether the Certification Body is accredited. This means that the Certification Body has been recognized by a national or international accreditation organization as being competent to provide certification services.

The second thing to consider is the size and scope of the Certification Body. Some Certification Bodies only certify businesses in certain industries, while others may have a more global reach. Make sure that the Certification Body you choose is able to certify businesses in your industry.

The third thing to consider is the fees charged by the Certification Body. Some Certification Bodies may charge a flat fee for their services, while others may charge based on the size and scope of your business. Make sure to get quotes from several different Certification Bodies before making a decision.

The fourth thing to consider is the turnaround time for certification. Some Certification Bodies may be able to certify your business within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Make sure to ask about the turnaround time when you are getting quotes from different Certification Bodies.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be able to choose the right ISO Certification Body for your business. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help.

Why is it Important to Choose a Reputable ISO Certification Body?

It's important to choose a reputable ISO Certification Body because they are responsible for certifying that businesses are in compliance with ISO standards. If a Certification Body is not reputable, they may not be as thorough in their certification process, which could lead to businesses that are not actually in compliance with ISO standards.

A reputable ISO Certification Body will have a good reputation within the industry and will be accredited by a national or international accreditation organization. They will also have experience certifying businesses for the specific ISO standard you're looking to get certified for. The bottom line is that it's important to do your research when choosing an ISO Certification Body. Make sure to ask around and get quotes from several different Certification Bodies before making a decision.

The Bottom Line

Choosing an ISO Certification body is an important decision for any business looking to get certified. Make sure to do your research and choose a reputable, experienced, and accredited Certification Body. Doing so will ensure that your business is actually in compliance with ISO standards. For more information on certification and accreditation, please contact us today!

Business Benefits of ISO Certification

Have you ever wondered what benefits your business could reap by becoming ISO certified? There are numerous benefits that come with certification, including increased marketability, improved efficiency and effectiveness, and more. Let's take a closer look at some of the top benefits of ISO certification in this blog!

What is ISO Certification?

Before we dive into the benefits of ISO certification, let's first take a look at what it is. ISO certification is an internationally recognized validation that helps businesses ensure they are providing products and services that meet customer expectations. In order to become certified, businesses must go through a rigorous assessment process to ensure they meet all the requirements of the chosen ISO standard.

There are over 20,000 different standards that businesses can choose from, each with its own set of requirements. Some of the most popular ISO standards include ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and ISO 27001 (information security management). Once a business is certified, they will need to go through regular audits to maintain their certification status.

Importance of ISO Certification

ISO certification is important for businesses of all sizes in all industries. By becoming certified, businesses can show their customers that they are committed to providing high-quality products and services. Certification can also help businesses streamline their operations, improve communication and collaboration amongst employees, and become more environmentally sustainable. In addition, ISO certification can help businesses gain a competitive edge in today's marketplace.

Top Business Benefits of ISO Certification

Now that we've covered the basics of ISO certification, let's take a look at some of the top benefits it can provide your business!

1. Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness

One of the main benefits of ISO certification is that it can help businesses improve their overall efficiency and effectiveness. By implementing an ISO-certified management system, businesses can streamline their operations and procedures to better meet customer needs. This can lead to increased productivity and improved quality control throughout the organization.

2. Increased Marketability

Another benefit of ISO certification is that it can help businesses increase their marketability. In today's competitive marketplace, customers are often looking for businesses that have been certified by a reputable organization like ISO. By becoming certified, businesses can show their customers that they are committed to providing quality products and services.

3. Improved Customer Satisfaction

ISO certification can also lead to improved customer satisfaction. When businesses implement an ISO-certified management system, they are required to put procedures in place that help ensure customer needs are being met. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Enhanced International Recognition

ISO certification is internationally recognized, which can be a major benefit for businesses that operate in multiple countries. By becoming certified, businesses can show their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction on a global scale.

5. Increased Employee morale

Another benefit of ISO certification is that it can lead to increased employee morale. When businesses implement an ISO-certified management system, they are required to put procedures in place that help ensure employees are properly trained and have the necessary resources to do their job. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and motivation.

How to Get ISO Certified?

If you're interested in becoming ISO certified, there are a few things you need to do. First, you'll need to choose the right ISO standard for your business. Once you've done that, you'll need to put together a management system that meets the requirements of the chosen standard. This involves understanding the requirements of the specific ISO standard, preparing documentation, and implementing procedures.

After you've done that, you'll need to go through an assessment process to ensure your management system meets all the requirements of the chosen standard. Once you've passed the assessment, you'll be ISO certified!

Conclusion

There are many benefits that come with ISO certification, including improved efficiency and effectiveness, increased marketability, enhanced international recognition, and increased employee morale.

If you are considering ISO certification for your business, be sure to weigh the costs and benefits to ensure it is the right decision for your organization.

Contact UQAS today to learn more about ISO Certification and Accreditation!