UKAC Accreditation Schemes for Certification Bodies

UKAC Accreditation Schemes for Certification Bodies

UKAC offers a variety of accreditation schemes for certification bodies (CBs). These schemes are designed to ensure that CBs are competent to assess and certify organizations against relevant standards.

What is UKAC accreditation?

UKAC is the national accreditation body for the United Kingdom. It is recognized internationally as a leading accreditation body. UKAC accreditation is a voluntary process that CBs can choose to undergo to demonstrate their competence to assess and certify organizations against relevant standards.

What are the benefits of UKAC accreditation for Certification Bodies?

There are many benefits of UKAC accreditation for CBs, including:

• Increased customer confidence: Customers are more likely to do business with CBs that are accredited by UKAC, as it demonstrates that the CB has been independently assessed and found to be competent.
• Reduced risk: CBs that are accredited by UKAC can reduce their risk of legal claims and reputational damage, as they can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure their competence.
• Enhanced reputation: UKAC accreditation is a mark of quality and excellence, and it can help CBs to enhance their reputation as leading providers of certification services.
• Increased market access: UKAC accreditation is accepted in over 100 countries worldwide, and it can help CBs to expand their operations into new markets.

What are the different types of UKAC accreditation schemes?

UKAC offers a wide range of accreditation schemes for CBs, covering a variety of management systems, products, processes, and personnel. Some of the most popular UKAC accreditation schemes include:

• Management system certification: This includes standards such as ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and ISO 45001 (health and safety management).
• Product certification: This includes standards such as IEC 60335-1 (safety of household and similar electrical appliances), EN 71 (safety of toys), and IATF 16949 (automotive quality management systems).
• Process certification: This includes standards such as ISO 3834 (welding), ISO 9001 (quality management), and ISO 14001 (environmental management).
• Personnel certification: This includes standards such as ISO 17024 (conformity assessment – general requirements for bodies operating certification of persons) and ISO/IEC 17025 (general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories).

How to get accredited by UKAC

To get accredited by UKAC, CBs must undergo a rigorous assessment process. This assessment includes a review of the CB’s documentation, systems, and procedures, as well as an on-site assessment. Once a CB has been accredited, they are subject to regular surveillance and reassessment to ensure that they continue to meet UKAC’s high standards.