ASCB works to ISO/IEC 17011, the standard for accreditation bodies, and its requirements shape how accreditation decisions are reached. Central among them is separation: a decision is taken by someone who did not carry out the assessment it rests on. Why that separation exists is covered on ASCB governance and structure. This page describes the process itself: how a decision moves from assessment to sign-off.
Assessment and recommendation
An assessor carries out the assessment against the requirements of the relevant standard and ASCB’s accreditation requirements. The findings are reported to the body in writing, with any nonconformities detailed and given time limits for resolution, and the body’s responses are reviewed before the process moves on. When the record is complete, the assessor prepares a recommendation on the accreditation decision for the scope assessed.
Review and sign-off
A reviewer who did not carry out the assessment then takes the decision. ISO/IEC 17011 requires the reviewer to receive the full record: the assessment report, the scope that was assessed, evidence of a satisfactory response to every nonconformity, and the assessor’s recommendation. It also requires the reviewer to be satisfied that the information is adequate before deciding. The reviewer reviews the record against the requirements for accreditation and signs off the decision. The body is notified in writing. Where accreditation is granted or extended, it takes effect on or after the date of the decision.
Decisions this applies to
This process applies to decisions on granting, maintaining, extending, reducing, suspending and withdrawing accreditation. ISO/IEC 17011 permits a simpler process in limited cases: routine maintenance of accreditation with no change of scope, and reductions, suspensions or withdrawals requested by the accredited body itself. ASCB uses that provision where it applies; every other decision follows the pathway above. Each stage is recorded as it happens, so any decision can be traced back through the recommendation and the review to the assessment evidence behind it.
Common questions
Who makes an accreditation decision?
A reviewer who did not carry out the assessment. ISO/IEC 17011 requires that separation.
What does the reviewer see?
The assessment report, the scope assessed, evidence of a satisfactory response to any nonconformities, and the assessor’s recommendation. Any submitted evidence is also available to the reviewer if required.
How long does a decision take?
It depends on what was assessed. A reassessment with an unchanged scope moves through review faster than an initial application or a scope extension.
What standard governs this?
ISO/IEC 17011, the standard that accreditation bodies work to.