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Posted on 29 Nov,2025

Difference Between Certification and Accreditation – A Clear Guide for Customers

In the conformity assessment ecosystem, the terms certification and accreditation are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. For laboratories, industries, and government bodies, it is important to understand the difference to ensure the right level of confidence and compliance.
As an Accreditation Body, explaining this distinction helps customers make informed decisions.

What is Certification?

Certification is the process where a Certification Body (CB) evaluates and confirms that a product, service, entity, or management system meets the requirements of a specific standard.

Key Points About Certification

·         It verifies conformity to a standard.

·         It applies to systems (ISO 9001), products, services, and personnel.

·         Certification Bodies conduct audits and issue certificates.

·         Certification Bodies themselves must be evaluated for competence by an Accreditation Body.

Examples of Certification

·         ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification

·         ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety certification

·         Organic product certification

·         Personnel competency certifications

·         Information security certification (ISO 27001)

Certification is about compliance, not technical competence.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a formal recognition granted by an Accreditation Body (AB) that an organization is technically competent to carry out specific tasks.

Key Points About Accreditation

·         It verifies technical competence + conformity.

·         It applies to testing, calibration, medical labs, inspection bodies, certification bodies, Reference Material Producer and Proficiency Testing Provider.

·         It involves technical assessments, witnessing, measurement traceability checks, and quality system evaluation.

·         Accreditation Bodies operate in conformance to ISO/IEC 17011.

Examples of Accreditation

·         Testing & Calibration Labs → ISO/IEC 17025

·         Medical Laboratories → ISO 15189

·         Inspection Bodies → ISO/IEC 17020

·         Proficiency Testing Providers → ISO/IEC 17043

·         Certification Bodies → ISO/IEC 17021 / ISO 17065 / ISO 17024

·         Reference Material Producer → ISO 17034

Accreditation proves competence, not just compliance.

Certification vs Accreditation – Key Differences

Why Accreditation Is Higher Than Certification

Accreditation provides:
✔ Assurance of technical competency
✔ International acceptance (if the AB is ILAC/APAC MRA)
✔ Confidence in test results, inspection decisions, and certification outcomes
✔ Stronger credibility in regulatory and high-risk sectors

Certification checks if the system is implemented.
Accreditation checks if the organization is technically capable of doing the job correctly.

Simple Explanation for Customers

·         Certification = You follow the rules of a standard.

·         Accreditation = You are competent AND qualified to perform specific technical tasks.

Why This Difference Matters for an Accreditation Body

As an Accreditation Body, it is important to communicate that:

·         Your approval ensures competence, not just compliance.

·         Accredited labs/certification bodies have greater trust and credibility.

·         Accreditation reduces risk, errors, and uncertainty for customers.

·         Accreditation supports international trade and avoids retesting barriers.