Applying for ASCB accreditation follows a defined sequence of stages, from your initial application through to the accreditation decision and beyond. This guide walks through each one, so you know what to prepare and what to expect before you start.
Before you apply
Before applying, your certification body should be able to demonstrate a functioning management system aligned to the relevant ISO/IEC standard for your scope of activity. See the Standards Library to confirm which standard applies to the certification, inspection, testing or validation activity you intend to offer. A functioning system means one that is actually operating, not just documented: personnel assigned, records being kept, and decisions being made under it.
Readiness checklist
These are the things most applicants need in place before an application moves smoothly through Stage 1. None of this replaces the assessment itself; it's what makes the assessment go efficiently rather than stall on missing basics.
A functioning management system, not just a documented one
Policies and procedures that are actually being followed, with evidence that decisions are being made under them rather than existing only on paper.
Personnel assigned to the roles the standard requires
Named individuals in the competence, impartiality and technical roles your scope calls for, with their competence evidenced rather than asserted.
Records that demonstrate the system in operation
A track record of certification, inspection, testing or validation decisions made under the system, long enough for an assessor to sample meaningfully.
A clear, accurate scope statement
A precise description of the standard, any scheme-specific requirements, and the geographic and sectoral scope you're seeking, since this is what your application and your eventual accreditation certificate will state.
Awareness of any scheme-specific requirements
Some schemes carry requirements beyond the base ISO/IEC standard; check ASCB documented requirements for your scope before applying so nothing is missed at Stage 1.
Step 1: submit your application
Your application sets out the scope of accreditation you're seeking: which standard, which scheme-specific requirements if applicable, and the geographic and sectoral scope you intend to operate within. It's typically submitted by whoever holds overall responsibility for your management system, supported by the documentation that demonstrates the system described in the readiness checklist above. ASCB reviews the application to confirm it is complete and that the scope requested is one ASCB accredits against, before scheduling moves forward. Typical timelines vary with scope and readiness; ASCB will confirm the expected timeline for your specific application once it is received.
Step 2: Stage 1 assessment (document review)
Stage 1 reviews your management system documentation against the requirements of the relevant standard, confirming your body has the documented processes in place to support Stage 2. This is a readiness check: it identifies gaps in documentation or system design before an on-site or remote operational assessment is scheduled, so issues are caught early rather than during Stage 2 itself.
If Stage 1 identifies gaps, you'll have the opportunity to address them before Stage 2 is scheduled. This is a normal part of the process for most applicants, not a sign of a failed application.
Step 3: Stage 2 assessment (operational assessment)
Stage 2 assesses your certification body's operations against the same standard: how your management system actually runs in practice, not just how it's documented. This includes your personnel competence, your certification or assessment process, and your impartiality safeguards. Stage 2 can be conducted on-site, remotely, or as a combination, depending on your scope.
The assessment is a professional dialogue between your body and ASCB's assessment team, not an adversarial process. ASCB assessors are practitioners in the relevant field.
The accreditation decision
Following Stage 2, an assessment record is prepared and reviewed independently of the assessment team, before a recommendation is forwarded to ASCB's accreditation decision function. The decision itself, made by someone who did not carry out the assessment or the review, results in accreditation being granted, granted with conditions, or not granted at this time. See Accreditation decisions process for how this pathway works.
If you receive nonconformities
Nonconformities identified during assessment are a normal and expected part of the process, not a sign the application has failed. A nonconformity is classified by severity, and you'll be given a defined timeframe to submit corrective action for ASCB to review. Only once outstanding nonconformities are resolved, or resolved to the extent required for the decision being made, does the process proceed to a decision.
After accreditation: what comes next
Accreditation is not a one-time event. It runs on a four-year cycle with routine surveillance assessments in between, and standing obligations that apply continuously regardless of where you are in the cycle. See Your ongoing obligations and the Re-accreditation guide for what continues to apply once you're accredited.
Questions new applicants ask
How long does the application process take? It depends on your scope and readiness; ASCB will confirm an expected timeline once your application is reviewed.
Can I apply for more than one standard at once? Yes, though each scope is assessed on its own merits; discuss combined applications with ASCB directly to confirm how the assessment would be structured.
What happens if you are not ready for Stage 2 after Stage 1? Address the gaps Stage 1 identified before Stage 2 is scheduled; there is no penalty for taking the time needed to be ready.
Do assessors have experience in your specific field? ASCB assessors are practitioners in the relevant field for the scope being assessed.
Is remote assessment available, or does Stage 2 have to be on-site? Stage 2 can be conducted on-site, remotely, or as a combination, depending on your scope; ASCB will confirm the appropriate approach once your application and scope are reviewed.
What if your scope changes after you have applied but before assessment? Tell ASCB as soon as the change is known, since it may affect the application, the assessment plan, or both. Applying with an inaccurate scope to save time typically costs more time later.