Accreditation of Product, Process & Service Certification Bodies

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Accreditation Process

Accreditation of Product, Process & Service Certification Scheme

The accreditation process for certification bodies operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065:2012 is designed to evaluate competence, impartiality, consistency, and operational effectiveness in conducting product, process, and service certification activities. The accreditation process ensures that certification bodies operate in conformity with international accreditation principles and applicable accreditation criteria.

1. Enquiry & Initial Discussion

The certification body submits an enquiry regarding accreditation requirements. During this stage, MBAS provides guidance to help the applicant understand the accreditation process, applicable standards, and overall readiness requirements.

During this Stage

  • Accreditation scope discussed
  • Applicable standards and schemes identified
  • Eligibility requirements explained
  • Documentation requirements communicated
  • Accreditation process guidance provided

Objective:
To help the applicant certification body understand accreditation requirements and readiness expectations.
Enquiry & Initial Discussion
Application Submission

2. Application Submission

The applicant certification body submits the formal accreditation application together with the required documents for review by MBAS.

Application Documents

  • Accreditation application form
  • Legal identity and registration documents
  • Quality manual and management system documents
  • Certification procedures and operational controls
  • Impartiality and confidentiality arrangements
  • Competence matrix of personnel
  • Certification scheme documents
  • List of certification activities and accreditation scope

Purpose:
To establish the formal accreditation application and provide the necessary documentation for evaluation.

3. Application Review & Contract Agreement

MBAS conducts an independent review of the submitted application to ensure that all accreditation requirements have been addressed before proceeding with the assessment process.

Application Review Activities

  • Verify application completeness
  • Confirm requested accreditation scope
  • Review accreditation feasibility
  • Identify competence requirements for the assessment team
  • Assess impartiality and conflict of interest

Following Acceptance

  • Quotation issued
  • Accreditation agreement finalized
  • Assessment programme planned

Outcome:
Application accepted for accreditation assessment.
Application Review & Contract Agreement
Document Review / Adequacy Assessment

4. Document Review / Adequacy Assessment

MBAS performs a comprehensive technical review of the certification body's documented management system to determine its adequacy and compliance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065 before proceeding to the onsite assessment stage.

Documentation Reviewed

  • Management system manual
  • Certification procedures
  • Application and certification process
  • Decision-making arrangements
  • Impartiality committee structure
  • Personnel competence criteria
  • Complaint, appeal, and dispute procedures
  • Certification mark/logo control process
  • Record control and confidentiality arrangements

Objective:
To evaluate the adequacy and compliance of the certification body's documented management system with ISO/IEC 17065 requirements prior to the onsite assessment.

5. Office Assessment (Head Office Assessment)

MBAS assessors conduct an office assessment to verify that the certification body's documented management system has been effectively implemented and is operating in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065.

Assessment Activities

  • Review of management system implementation
  • Personnel competence verification
  • Certification file review
  • Decision-making impartiality review
  • Contract review process verification
  • Risk and impartiality assessment
  • Complaint and appeal handling verification
  • Certification records sampling

Purpose:
To verify the effective implementation of the management system and demonstrate the certification body's operational competence.
Office Assessment
Witness Assessment

6. Witness Assessment

MBAS conducts witness assessments to evaluate the certification body's actual certification activities in real operating conditions. This assessment verifies the consistent application of certification procedures, technical competence, and impartial decision-making.

Witness Assessment Activities

  • Product evaluation activities
  • Inspection activities
  • Certification audit and review process
  • Decision-making methodology
  • Sampling and evaluation methods
  • Technical personnel competence

Objective:
To assess real-time operational effectiveness, technical competence, and the consistent implementation of certification activities.

7. Nonconformity & Corrective Action Process

Where assessment findings are identified, MBAS issues nonconformities and requires the certification body to implement appropriate corrective actions. The effectiveness of these actions is verified before the accreditation process proceeds.

Corrective Action Process

  • Nonconformities issued
  • Objective evidence communicated
  • Corrective action plan requested
  • Root cause analysis reviewed
  • Effectiveness verification performed

Status of Findings

  • Closed
  • Further evidence required
  • Follow-up assessment required

Purpose:
To ensure the effective resolution of identified deficiencies before accreditation is recommended.
Nonconformity & Corrective Action Process
Independent Technical Review

8. Independent Technical Review

Following completion of the assessment, MBAS conducts an independent technical review to ensure that the assessment process has been completed in accordance with accreditation requirements and that the evidence supports the assessment recommendations.

Technical Review Activities

  • Verify assessment completeness
  • Review assessor recommendations
  • Confirm objective evidence adequacy
  • Evaluate closure of nonconformities
  • Verify scope recommendation

Principle:
Independent and impartial technical review to ensure consistency, objectivity, and confidence in the accreditation decision-making process.

9. Accreditation Decision

Following the successful completion of the assessment and independent technical review, the accreditation committee or authorized decision-making authority evaluates the assessment findings and recommendations before making the final accreditation decision.

Possible Accreditation Decisions

  • Accreditation Granted
  • Accreditation Deferred
  • Accreditation Suspended
  • Accreditation Withdrawn
  • Scope Extension Approved
  • Scope Reduction Applied

Key Principle:
Accreditation decisions are made independently and remain separate from the assessment personnel to ensure impartiality, objectivity, and confidence in the accreditation process.
Accreditation Decision
Accreditation Certificate Issuance

10. Accreditation Certificate Issuance

Upon successful completion of the accreditation process, MBAS formally grants accreditation and issues the relevant accreditation documents to the certification body.

MBAS Issues

  • Accreditation Certificate
  • Scope of Accreditation
  • Accreditation Mark Usage Rules
  • Conditions of Accreditation
The accredited certification body is listed in the accreditation directory, where applicable.

Deliverable:
Formal accreditation recognition.

11. Surveillance Assessment

Periodic surveillance assessments are conducted by MBAS to confirm that accredited certification bodies continue to comply with accreditation requirements and maintain their technical competence.

Surveillance Activities

  • Office assessments
  • Witness assessments
  • Certification file sampling
  • Personnel competence review
  • Complaint review
  • Impartiality verification

Objective:
To maintain confidence in the ongoing competence, consistency, and conformity of accredited certification bodies.
Surveillance Assessment
Re-Accreditation Renewal

12. Re-Accreditation / Renewal

Prior to the expiry of the accreditation cycle, MBAS performs a comprehensive reassessment to verify continued compliance with accreditation requirements.

Reassessment Activities

  • Full reassessment
  • Witness activities
  • Competence verification
  • System effectiveness review

Outcome:
Renewal, suspension, reduction, or withdrawal of accreditation, based on the reassessment results.

Accreditation Governance Framework

Structured processes for scope extension, accreditation status changes, and dispute resolution ensure transparency, consistency, and impartiality in all MBAS activities.

Extension of Scope

Accredited certification bodies may apply for:

  • Additional certification schemes
  • Additional technical sectors
  • Expanded certification activities

Scope extension is evaluated through document review, office assessment, and witness assessment where applicable.

Suspension, Withdrawal & Reduction

Accreditation may be:
  • Suspended: Temporary loss of accreditation status due to non-compliance.
  • Withdrawn: Termination of accreditation due to major failure or non-fulfilment.
  • Reduced: Limitation of approved accreditation scope.

Appeals, Complaints & Disputes

MBAS maintains a transparent process for:

  • Appeals against accreditation decisions
  • Complaints against accredited bodies
  • Complaints regarding accreditation activities
  • Dispute resolution

All matters are handled with confidentiality, impartiality, and objectivity.