“We’re ready for accreditation. Now… which Accreditation Body should we choose?”

I hear this every month — from inspection bodies, product certification bodies, and management system certification bodies around the world.

“Choose wisely. This is not a checkbox. This is your credibility partner for the next 3 to 5 years.”

It sounds like a simple step. But the accreditation body you select can make or break your journey — and your global recognition.

First, Why It Even Matters

You can build the perfect Management Systems. Hire the best auditors. Train your team for 6 months straight.

But if your accreditation body is not:

• Internationally recognized
• Technically competent
• Or respected by your customers

…you may find your efforts falling flat.

Choosing the Wrong Accreditation Body Can Do:

• Delay your assessments for months with unclear communication
• Be rejected by buyers or regulators who don’t recognize their mark
• Drain your time with repeated requests, unclear findings, or lack of assessor availability
• And in some cases — they may never actually show up for the audit (Yes, I’ve seen it.)

What the Right Accreditation Body Does:

• Lends instant trust to your certificates
• Helps you grow into new global markets
• Brings you value, not just evaluation
• Guides you through assessor feedback that actually helps you improve
• Becomes a long-term ally, not a one-time control point

Golden Rule: Always Start with IAF/ILAC Recognition

If your Accreditation Body is not recognized by the
International Accreditation Forum (IAF) or the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
or is not a signatory to the MLA/MRA (Multilateral Recognition Arrangement) — you are taking a huge risk.

Clients abroad may look at your certificate and say:

“Sorry, that’s not from a recognized body.”

You don’t want to go through 6 months of hard work just to hear that.

Search the IAF directory. And double-check if their recognition covers the specific ISO standard you are applying under (17065, 17021-1, 17025 or 17020).

Other Key Factors to Evaluate

1. Technical Competence

Does the AB have qualified assessors in your specific field, not just generic auditors? If you are certifying electrical goods, you don’t want someone who specializes in food inspection reviewing your process.

2. Transparency & Communication

How quickly do they respond? Do they explain findings with clarity? Do they help you understand what’s required? (not really sharing what to do)

3. Cost & Payment Structure

Accreditation is an investment—but ensure pricing is transparent with no hidden fees mid-process.

Ask:

• Is the quotation inclusive of annual surveillance?
• Are travel costs included or separate?
• How are reassessments handled?

4. Timeline & Availability

Can they commit to a clear timeline for:

• Document review
• Management system and technical assessment
• Follow-up audits (if required)
• Issuing the accreditation certificate

Some Accreditation Bodies book 3–6 months in advance. If your go-to-market plan depends on getting accredited this quarter, plan accordingly.

5. Industry Reputation

Ask your peers in the TIC industry:

• “Who did you get accredited by?”
• “How was the experience?”

One conversation can save you six months of stress.

Practical Advice for Each Type of Body

For Product Certification Bodies (ISO/IEC 17065)

Choose an Accreditation Body with demonstrated understanding of scheme ownership, surveillance activities, and product compliance requirements, to ensure accurate and consistent interpretation of the standard.

For Management System Certification Bodies (ISO/IEC 17021-1)

Select assessors with solid expertise in audit program management, witness assessments, and evaluation of auditor competence across various management system standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

For Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020)

Work with an Accreditation Body that clearly understands the distinctions between Type A, B, and C inspection bodies, and is familiar with the operational and technical aspects of field inspections.

For Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025)

Ensure the Accreditation Body has assessors with specific expertise in testing and/or calibration, method validation, measurement traceability, and technical competence evaluation in your laboratory’s scope of work.

It is Not Just a Vendor. It is a Partner.

Your accreditation body will see your systems, staff, documentation, records — and ultimately decide whether your organization is competent.

It takes years to build trust, seconds to break it, and forever to repair it.

So take your time. Ask hard questions. Choose one that respects your mission — not just your compliance.

Have you worked with an Accreditation Body? Share your thoughts, experience, and lessons below.

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See you next time – Jasmin Dhakaan