Accreditation
What ISAO accreditation is, who it is for and how it is maintained.
Accreditation is an independent check that a certification body is competent, impartial and consistent in the way it audits and certifies other organisations. ISAO accredits certification bodies through ISAO-BAR, the Bureau of Accredited Registrars, and also accredits training organisations. It administers an auditor registration scheme as well; auditor registration is not yet open.
How the register works
ISAO accredits certification bodies. Each accredited body certifies client organisations against management system standards such as ISO 9001.
Every certificate recorded with ISAO, whether a certificate of accreditation or a certificate of registration, has one public verification record. The printed certificate points to that record, and the record shows the current status. Anyone can check a certificate at any time.
What accreditation covers
Accreditation is granted for a defined scope: the standards a body may certify against, the IAF sector codes it is competent in, and the countries in which it operates. The scope is published in the body's schedule of accreditation. A certificate issued outside that scope is not covered by ISAO accreditation.
How accreditation is maintained
Accreditation runs for a four-year cycle and is subject to surveillance at least once a year. ISAO can suspend or withdraw accreditation when a body no longer meets the requirements. Suspensions and withdrawals are shown on the register: the record of each certificate shows its current status and the status of the issuing body's accreditation.
Next steps
How to apply
Certification bodies and training organisations apply by email. Check who can apply and the fees first.
Write to info@isao.org.uk and tell us:
- the name and address of your organisation, and a contact name and telephone number
- whether you are a certification body or a training organisation
- the standards and schemes, IAF sectors and countries you want your accreditation to cover
We acknowledge your application and confirm the fees. The steps that follow are set out in how accreditation works.