How accreditation works
IAC follows a structured, four-year accreditation cycle aligned with ISO/IEC 17011. The process is designed to ensure thorough evaluation while maintaining clear separation between assessment and decision functions.
The Accreditation Cycle
The full cycle spans four years, beginning with the initial assessment and continuing through annual surveillance visits. At the end of year four, a full reassessment determines renewal.
The applicant contacts IAC to confirm program fit, discuss scope boundaries, and receive guidance on documentation requirements. IAC assigns a case coordinator who serves as the primary contact throughout the process.
The applicant submits a complete application package including scope definition, management system documentation, personnel records, equipment lists, and supporting evidence. The application fee is due at submission.
IAC verifies that the application is complete, the scope is clearly defined, and the applicant meets basic eligibility criteria. Incomplete applications are returned with a detailed gap analysis. Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
The assessment team reviews the applicant's management system documentation, procedures, and policies against the applicable standard requirements. A Stage 1 report identifies any areas requiring attention before the on-site visit. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.
Qualified assessors visit the applicant's facility to evaluate implementation of the management system, observe technical operations, interview personnel, and verify competence. The assessment concludes with a closing meeting summarizing findings. Duration: 2–5 days depending on scope.
If non-conformities are identified, the applicant submits corrective actions with root cause analysis and evidence of implementation. The assessment team verifies the adequacy of each corrective action. Timeline: 30–90 days.
The Accreditation Committee — entirely independent of the assessment team — reviews the complete assessment record, findings, and corrective action evidence. The committee grants, defers, or denies accreditation. No committee member may have participated in the assessment.
Upon a favorable decision, the applicant is granted accreditation with a defined scope. The accredited body is published in the Public Directory with status, scope details, effective dates, and a downloadable scope certificate.
IAC conducts annual surveillance visits to verify continued conformity, review changes in operations, and assess ongoing competence. Surveillance covers a sample of the full scope and may include witness assessments of testing or inspection activities.
A full reassessment is conducted before the end of the four-year cycle. The scope, duration, and depth are comparable to the initial assessment. Successful reassessment results in renewal for another four-year cycle.
Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Applicant / CAB | Provides documentation, evidence, and access to facilities and personnel. Implements corrective actions when required. |
| Lead Assessor | Plans and conducts the assessment, leads the assessment team, prepares the assessment report with findings and recommendations. |
| Technical Assessor | Evaluates specific technical areas within the scope of accreditation. May include specialists for particular disciplines. |
| Case Coordinator | Primary IAC contact for the applicant. Manages scheduling, communications, and administrative workflow. |
| Accreditation Committee | Reviews assessment findings independently and makes the accreditation decision. No involvement in assessment activities. |
Impartiality Safeguards
The separation of assessment and decision functions is a core structural requirement. Additional safeguards include:
- Conflict of interest screening before every assessment assignment.
- Rotation of lead assessors across surveillance cycles.
- Prohibition on assessors providing consultancy to bodies they assess.
- Impartiality Committee oversight of all structural safeguards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the initial accreditation process take?
From complete application submission to accreditation decision, the typical timeline is 12–20 weeks. This depends on scope complexity, document completeness, scheduling availability, and the time needed for corrective actions if non-conformities are identified.
Can I apply for accreditation in multiple programs simultaneously?
Yes. An organization that operates both a testing laboratory and a calibration laboratory, for example, can apply for accreditation under both programs. The assessments may be combined where practical, and separate scope certificates will be issued.
What happens if non-conformities are found during assessment?
Non-conformities are classified as major or minor. Minor non-conformities require corrective action within 30 days. Major non-conformities must be resolved before accreditation can be granted and may require a follow-up visit. The Accreditation Committee considers the adequacy of corrective actions as part of its decision.
Can accreditation be suspended or withdrawn?
Yes. IAC may suspend accreditation if a body fails to maintain conformity, does not participate in required surveillance, or is found to have misrepresented its accredited status. Withdrawal occurs after sustained non-conformity or failure to address suspension conditions within defined timelines.
How do I expand my scope of accreditation after initial grant?
Scope extensions can be requested at any time. IAC evaluates the additional scope through a targeted assessment that may be conducted during a scheduled surveillance visit or as a separate activity. A scope extension fee applies.