What is the difference between ISO certification and accreditation?

Yes, there is an important difference between ISO certification and accreditation. These are two terms frequently used in the fields of quality and management systems, but each has a different meaning and role:

1. ISO Certification:

Is a certification granted to an organization (company, institution, factory, etc.) to confirm that its management system conforms to the requirements of a specific international standard issued by ISO, such as:

ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)

ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System)

ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)

And others...

Who issues it?

It is issued by conformity assessment bodies (ABS Global).

These bodies are accredited.

Example:

A company obtains ISO 9001:2015 certification to demonstrate that it has an effective quality system that complies with international standards.

2. Accreditation:

This is the official recognition that a conformity assessment body (e.g., an ISO certification body) has the technical and impartial competence to conduct assessment and certification work.

Who grants accreditation?

National or international accreditation bodies, such as:

SASO in Saudi Arabia (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization)

EGAC in Egypt