ANAB Management Systems Certification Body Accreditation – How to Apply
ANAB assesses and accredits certification bodies (CBs) that demonstrate competence to audit and certify organizations in accordance with ANAB accreditation requirements, including ISO/IEC 17021-1 and other program requirements for management system standards the CB intends to seek accreditation for.
Accreditation by ANAB, a recognized and respected accreditation body, 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 via the form below with any questions about the process or request a quote if you would like to receive an estimate on the cost of ANAB accreditation for ISO/IEC 17021-1 management systems programs.
Requirements for CBs
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 an optional method to familiarize yourself with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1 and IAF Mandatory Documents. Many new CBs have found the training an efficient and valuable way to become more familiar with the requirements.
A CB new to ANAB must start the application process at step 1 (below) addressing basic ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements. Throughout the application process (step 1 through step 4); formal application for accreditation must include standards/programs for certification, to formulate the scope of accreditation. ANAB offers various management systems standards/programs to seek accreditation to, including standards that may include a prerequisite for other standards. Please visit each standard/program specific webpage to determine if the standard/program of interest is standalone (e.g., ISO/IEC 27001) or if it must include accreditation for another standard (e.g., AS9100 requires accreditation for ISO 9001).
When a CB is 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.
Along with completing the applications, including supporting conformity evidence for various requirements, all applicants must complete the ISO/IEC 17021-1 Requirement Matrix.
All information requested by ANAB, including the application forms and supporting conformity evidence, shall be submitted in English.
Initial Accreditation Process
An overview of the initial accreditation process is illustrated below:
Once management systems accreditation is achieved for a particular standard or program, the accreditation cycle is typically five years. Maintaining accreditation each year includes at a minimum, an annual office and witness assessment/s with a complete reassessment required at the end of the accreditation cycle. 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 accreditation cycle is typically aligned for all standards and the accreditation period for the added standards may be less than five years.
Application Process
The ANAB management systems accreditation application process has multiple steps:
Step 1. Base Requirements
To be able to apply for accreditation, a CB must first provide ANAB conformity evidence to support some of the ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements (e.g., legal entity, certification mark, organization structure). The CB is required to provide an initial application fee via wire transfer, ACH (electronic transfer), credit card, or check. Payment details can be found in EQM.
After the CB submits information, ANAB reviews it and if found acceptable, the CB is provided further access in EQM to continue the application process. If the CB’s information is not acceptable, the CB may be given additional opportunities to re-submit the information.
The CB is not considered an applicant until a standard or program application is submitted (step 4).
Step 2. Access to Purchase Applications
After ANAB approves the CB’s base information provided in Step 1, ANAB notifies the CB and gives access to purchase ANAB application/s. The CB will select the standard/programs they wish to apply to, for which the CB must provide payment via wire transfer, ACH (electronic transfer), credit card, or check. Payment details can be found in EQM.
Links to applications in .pdf format are available, free of charge, to allow potential applicants to understand specific requirements for each accreditation prior to purchasing.
Step 3. Access to Applications
After ANAB receives payment for the application/s, ANAB notifies the CB and gives access in EQM to download the application/s purchased.
Step 4. Application Information
The CB will have access in EQM to upload the completed application forms and supporting conformity evidence 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 application fees associated with this stage. Once the application is submitted, the CB achieves the applicant status.
After the CB submits the application information to ANAB, staff reviews the CB’s information and provides the application with supporting evidence to a technical reviewer. if the information is found acceptable, ANAB will work with the CB to schedule initial assessments. If the CB’s information is not acceptable, the CB may be given additional opportunities to re-submit the information. To learn more about the accreditation process, please review MA 5000.
ANAB reserves the right to stop the application process at any time if ANAB feels the accreditation objectives cannot be met.
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.
Optional Preliminary Visit
Before or during application for accreditation, a preliminary visit may be requested by the CB or recommended by ANAB. ANAB and the CB will determine the agenda for the visit. Contact ANAB using the form below for the cost and to arrange an optional informational visit.