Akredit

Akredit (accreditation) is the formal recognition by an independent accreditation body that a person, organization, or program is competent to carry out specific tasks and to provide results or services that meet agreed standards. It is a type of conformity assessment, focusing on the competence and impartiality of the performing entity rather than the product or service itself.

The scope of akredit varies by sector. It is commonly applied to laboratories and testing facilities, calibration and inspection bodies, certification bodies that audit management systems, and certain educational or training programs. The accreditation process assesses technical competence, quality management systems, facilities and equipment, personnel qualifications, and traceability of measurements or results. It typically includes on-site assessments, review of documentation, proficiency testing or inter-laboratory comparisons, and periodic surveillance audits. A formal accreditation certificate is issued, often listing the specific activities and the range of services covered (the scope).

Accreditation is used to assure quality and credibility, and it is frequently required for public procurement, licensing, regulatory compliance, or international trade. Many countries participate in international mutual recognition arrangements (such as ILAC and IAF), which facilitate acceptance of accredited conformity assessment results across borders.

Akredit is distinct from certification or licensing. Certification generally relates to a management system or product compliance, while licensing grants legal permission to operate. Accreditation mainly confirms the competence and impartiality of the body performing assessments, not the ultimate performance of the product or service itself.