Inspection Bodies
IAC accredits inspection bodies that demonstrate competence to perform conformity assessments under ISO/IEC 17020:2012. Accreditation covers defined inspection activities, methods, and sectors—providing independent assurance that inspection results are reliable, impartial, and consistent.
Body type classification
ISO/IEC 17020 classifies inspection bodies into three types based on their organizational independence. IAC accredits all three types with appropriate impartiality requirements.
| Type | Independence level | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type A | Third-party | Independent of the parties involved. No organizational, financial, or contractual relationship that could compromise impartiality. | Government inspection agencies, independent inspection firms |
| Type B | Second-party | Separate and identifiable part of an organization that provides inspection of the parent organization's activities. | In-house QC department inspecting company products |
| Type C | First-party / other | Inspection body involved in design, manufacture, supply, or maintenance of items inspected, with defined impartiality controls. | Manufacturer performing pre-delivery inspections |
Inspection categories
Accreditation scopes define specific inspection activities, methods, and applicable regulatory or voluntary schemes.
| Category | Examples | Typical schemes / standards |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial equipment | Pressure vessels, lifting equipment, piping systems | ASME, PED 2014/68/EU, API 510/570 |
| Electrical installations | Wiring, switchgear, lightning protection | IEC 60364, NEC, local electrical codes |
| Building & construction | Structural steel, welding, fire protection systems | EN 1090, AWS D1.1, NFPA |
| Environmental & occupational | Emissions monitoring, workplace hazard assessments | ISO 14001, ISO 45001, EPA methods |
| Transportation & vehicles | Vehicle roadworthiness, marine hull surveys | UNECE regulations, IACS rules |
| Food safety & agriculture | Farm inspections, processing plant hygiene, organic certification support | Codex Alimentarius, GFSI schemes |
| Energy & utilities | Pipeline integrity, solar panel inspections, wind turbine assessments | API 1160, IEC 61215, DNVGL |
Core requirements
Inspection bodies must meet all requirements of ISO/IEC 17020:2012, with emphasis on independence, competence, and consistent processes:
- Administrative requirements — Legal entity, liability insurance, organizational structure (Clause 5)
- Independence & impartiality — Type-specific independence requirements, COI management, structural safeguards (Clause 4)
- Resources — Qualified inspectors, adequate equipment, suitable facilities (Clause 6)
- Process requirements — Inspection methods, handling items, records, reporting (Clause 7)
- Management system — Option A (ISO 9001-based) or Option B (documented system per Clause 8)
- Subcontracting — Permitted only with prior client agreement; subcontractors must meet equivalent competence requirements
Key metrics
- Cycle: 4-year accreditation period
- Surveillance: Annual assessments (on-site + witness)
- Witness inspections: Required per scope category
- Assessment team: 1 Lead + 1–2 Technical Assessors
- Decision timeline: ≤ 30 days after assessment report
Required documentation
| Document | Description | ISO Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Quality / management manual | Policies, organizational chart, scope statement, management system option (A or B) | Clause 8 |
| Inspection procedures | Step-by-step procedures and checklists for each inspection activity in scope | Clause 7.1 |
| Personnel records | Inspector qualifications, certifications, competency assessments, authorization matrix | Clause 6.1 |
| Independence declaration | Type classification justification, COI risk assessment, structural safeguards | Clause 4 |
| Equipment list | Inspection equipment inventory with calibration/verification status | Clause 6.2 |
| Sample inspection reports | Completed reports demonstrating compliance with reporting requirements | Clause 7.4 |
| Subcontracting agreements | Policies and contractual arrangements for subcontracted inspections (if applicable) | Clause 6.3 |
| Internal audit reports | Most recent audit cycle with findings and corrective actions | Clause 8.6 |
| Complaints register | Log of complaints received, actions taken, and outcomes | Clause 7.5 |
| Insurance certificate | Professional liability or indemnity insurance covering accredited activities | Clause 5.2 |
Inspector competence requirements
Inspectors performing accredited activities must demonstrate competence through a combination of education, training, and experience:
- Relevant technical qualification (degree, diploma, or trade certification)
- Minimum 3 years of practical experience in the inspection discipline
- Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements
- Documented initial training and annual continued professional development (CPD)
- Witnessed performance evaluation by a qualified senior inspector
- Visual acuity certification where applicable (e.g., NDT, weld inspection)
Assessor qualifications
Technical assessors for inspection body programs must hold:
- Degree in engineering or relevant technical field
- Minimum 5 years of inspection body or regulatory experience
- Completed IAC Lead Assessor training (40 hours)
- Current knowledge of ISO/IEC 17020:2012
- Sector-specific expertise matching the applicant's scope
Assessment process
1. Document review
The assessment team reviews the management manual, procedures, personnel records, and independence documentation. A report is issued within 4 weeks identifying gaps or information requests.
2. Office assessment
1–2 day assessment of the headquarters covering management system implementation, records, personnel files, equipment control, and subcontracting management.
3. Witness assessment
Assessors observe inspectors performing live inspections at field locations. Witness assessments verify practical competence, adherence to procedures, and reporting quality.
4. Accreditation decision
The Accreditation Committee reviews the full case file. Decisions are independent from the assessment team and are made within 30 days of corrective action closure.
Fees and timelines
- Application fee: USD 2,500 (non-refundable)
- Document review: USD 2,500–4,000
- Office assessment: USD 1,800/day × assessor days
- Witness assessment: USD 1,800/day + travel costs
- Annual surveillance: USD 2,000–3,500
- Scope extension: USD 1,200 per additional category
Typical timeline: 14–20 weeks from complete application to accreditation decision.
Get a quote
Fees depend on the number of inspection categories, locations, and inspectors requiring witness assessment.
Full fee schedule → Request a quote →Frequently asked questions
Does IAC certify products or systems?
No. IAC accredits the inspection body's competence to perform defined inspection activities. Product or system certification is a separate conformity assessment activity performed by certification bodies (under ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO/IEC 17021).
What is the difference between Type A, B, and C?
Type A bodies are fully independent third parties. Type B bodies are identifiable parts of a larger organization that inspects only that organization's products or processes. Type C bodies may be involved in the design, manufacture, or supply of items they inspect but must have documented safeguards ensuring impartiality.
Can regulatory inspection scopes be accredited?
Yes. IAC can accredit inspection bodies performing mandatory regulatory inspections, provided the regulatory authority accepts accreditation as a demonstration of competence. The accreditation scope references the applicable regulation or scheme.
How are witness assessments scheduled?
Witness assessments are coordinated with the inspection body's planned inspection schedule. IAC aims to observe a representative sample of accredited activities, covering different inspectors, locations, and scope categories within the accreditation cycle.
Can we subcontract inspection work?
Yes, under strict conditions. The client must be informed and consent to subcontracting. Subcontractors must meet equivalent competence requirements, and the inspection body retains full responsibility for the inspection results and reports.
Is professional liability insurance mandatory?
Yes. All accredited inspection bodies must maintain professional liability or indemnity insurance appropriate to the risks of their accredited activities. Proof of coverage is verified during each assessment cycle.