Thank you for your interest in ANAB and accredited certification.
ANAB assesses and accredits certification bodies (CBs) that demonstrate competence to audit and certify organizations conforming to management systems standards. Accreditation by a recognized and respected body such as ANAB ensures the impartiality and competence of the CB and fosters confidence and acceptance of the CB's certifications by end users in the public and private sectors.
Contact ANAB at anab@anab.org with any questions about the process or select "Request a Quote" to start the process.
The first step in becoming an ANAB-accredited certification body is to become familiar with requirements and the accreditation process. Participating in ANAB training is one way to familiarize yourself with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1 and IAF Mandatory Documents.
For an estimate on the cost of ANAB accreditation please select "Request a Quote".
A CB new to ANAB must start the application process at step 1 (below) addressing basic ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements. Accreditation (or formal application for accreditation) to a base standard is a prerequisite for accreditation for subordinate standards. There may also be a time requirement. For example, a CB must be accredited for ISO 9001 for at least a year before the CB can be accredited to audit and issue certificates to aerospace standards.
When you're ready to apply, the application process must be completed online via ANAB's EQM database; first-time EQM users must register to create an account.
All applicants must conform with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015. The ISO/IEC 17021-1 Requirement Matrix must be completed by applicants.
All information requested by ANAB, including the application and supporting documents, shall be submitted in English.
The initial accreditation process is illustrated below:
The management systems accreditation period is typically five years. Maintaining accreditation includes at a minimum, an annual office assessment and annual witness assessment/s with a complete reassessment required every five years. Depending on the scope of accreditation, oversight may increase to cover additional industry sectors (e.g. Aerospace programs). If a CB becomes accredited for additional standards, the reaccreditation cycle may be aligned for all standards and the accreditation period for the added standards may be less than five years.
The ANAB application process has multiple steps:
Step 1 - Base Requirements Information
Step 2 - Access to Purchase ANAB Applications
Step 3 - Access to Download ANAB Applications
Step 4 - Application Submittal (Upload)
To be able to apply for accreditation, a CB must first provide ANAB evidence that it meets base requirements outlined in ISO/IEC 17021-1 and IAF mandatory documents (available from IAF). The CB is required to provide payment via wire transfer, ACH (electronic transfer), credit card, or check.
After the CB submits information to ANAB, a coordinator reviews the CB's information with ANAB management. If the information is found acceptable, the CB is provided further access in EQM to the application process. If the CB's information is not acceptable, the CB is given additional opportunities to re-submit the information.
ANAB reserves the right to stop the application process at any time if ANAB feels the CB will not be able to meet the base requirements for accreditation.
The CB shall not advertise or otherwise refer to its status as an applicant for ANAB accreditation while the application process is ongoing.
After ANAB approves the CB's base information, ANAB notifies the CB via email and gives the CB access to purchase ANAB applications, for which the CB must provide payment via wire transfer, ACH (electronic transfer), credit card, or check.
After ANAB receives payment for the application, ANAB notifies the CB via email and gives the CB access in EQM to download the specific application purchased.
The CB will have access in EQM to upload the completed application at any time after completing step 3. The application can be uploaded in stages and saved in EQM until the CB is ready to apply. There are no fees associated with this stage.
Any reference by the applicant to its status as an applicant for ANAB accreditation shall be in keeping with the terms and conditions outlined in ANAB's Accreditation Agreement.
Before or during application for accreditation, a preliminary visit may be requested by the CAB or recommended by ANAB. ANAB and the CAB will determine the agenda for the visit. Contact ANAB for the cost and to arrange an informational visit.
