Accreditation
Accreditation Process
A transparent sequence from application and scope review through decision, publication and ongoing oversight.
Assessment journey
Each stage has a defined purpose, evidence input and outcome.
- 01
Application
The organization describes its legal identity, activity, proposed route, locations and requested scope.
- 02
Administrative review
AF checks completeness, contact authority and whether the information is suitable for technical review.
- 03
Scope and route review
The activity is mapped to an assessment route and a workable draft scope.
- 04
Assessment planning
AF identifies competence needs, assessors, locations, sampling and relevant technical references.
- 05
Document review
Policies, procedures, methods, competence records and system evidence are examined.
- 06
Technical assessment
Assessors evaluate implementation through interviews, records, observation and witnessed activity where appropriate.
- 07
Findings and response
Any nonconformities are stated against criteria and the applicant supplies corrective evidence.
- 08
Independent review
A person not responsible for conducting the assessment reviews the evidence and recommendation.
- 09
Accreditation decision
The authorized decision function determines whether accreditation is granted and for what scope.
- 10
Public scope record
Where granted, the controlled directory record presents status, dates and the approved scope.
- 11
Ongoing oversight
Surveillance, change review and reassessment maintain confidence in continuing competence.
- 12
Suspension, reduction or withdrawal
Status and scope are changed when evidence, changes or continued conformity require it.
Understand the distinction
Follow the evidence, not just the stage number.
The published process separates assessment, independent review and decision.
Assessment establishes findings
Assessment examines implementation against the applicable criteria. A discussion, observation or sampled record needs a defined technical context; it is not merely a document-completeness exercise.
Assessment methodsReview and decision protect the conclusion
Independent review considers the evidence and recommendation. The authorized decision identifies whether Accreditation can be granted and its exact scope. Neither fees nor participation relationships purchase an outcome.
Decision safeguardsDecision integrity
Application does not guarantee accreditation.
Technical findings, corrective evidence, independent review and an authorized decision determine the outcome. Membership or Recognition status does not influence the decision.