Choosing a certification body
The following comments from ISO :
When choosing a certification body to carry out ISO 9001:2000 or ISO 14001:2004 certification, these are the aspects the organization needs to take into account.
The first point is that an organization can implement ISO 9001:2000 or ISO 14001:2004without seeking certification. The best reason for wanting to implement the standards is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of company operations. Certification of the management system is not an ISO 9001:2000 or ISO 14001:2004 requirement.
Deciding to have an independent audit of the system to confirm that it conforms to ISO 9001:2000 or ISO 14001:2004 is a decision to be taken on business grounds: for example
if it is a contractual or regulatory requirement
if it is a market requirement or to meet customer preferences
if it falls within the context of a risk management programme
or if the organization thinks it will motivate staff by setting a clear goal for the development of its management system.
Criteria to consider include:
evaluate several certification bodies
bear in mind that the cheapest might prove to be the most costly if its auditing is below standard, or if its certificate is not recognized by the organization's customers establish whether the certification body has auditors with experience in the organization's sector of activity establish whether the certification body implements, or is migrating to ISO/IEC 17021:2006, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems
Another point to clarify is whether or not the certification body has been accredited and, if so, by whom. Accreditation, in simple terms, means that a certification body has been officially approved as competent to carry out certification in specified business sectors by a national accreditation body.
In most countries, accreditation is a choice, not an obligation and the fact that a certification body is not accredited does not, by itself, mean that it is not a reputable organization.
For example, a certification body operating nationally in a highly specific sector might enjoy such a good reputation that it does not feel there is any advantage for it to go to the expense of being accredited. That said, many certification bodies choose to seek accreditation, even when it is not compulsory, in order to be able to demonstrate an independent confirmation of their competence.
The list of accreditation bodies with their contact information and links to their Web sites can be found on the Internet site of the International Accreditation Forum (www.iaf.nu), under "Members" > "Accreditation members". In general, accreditation bodies' Web sites contain an up-to-date list of certification bodies that they have accredited which can be used for selecting a certification body.
Summary of consideration factors
- The Certifying Body should not be the Consultant!
- Local Capability or Import?
- In-house or Subcontracted Auditors
- Should not only be recognized in your region but globally recognized (IAF)
- Prestige / Mileage (known by your customer)
- Geographic Strength
- Accreditation to Certify the Standard in Question
- Accreditation to Certify the specific Industry Scope in Question (3rd party vs 2nd party audit)
- Authorization of Auditors?
- Pricing?
- Track Record?
- Client Retention?
- Expansion Options?
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| ACCREDIATION BODY LIST |
How to differentiate and choose the following CBs ? Pls comment !
