Akreditatsioon

Akreditatsioon, or accreditation, is the formal recognition by an independent, competent authority that a person, organization, program, laboratory, or product meets defined standards and is competent to perform specific activities. It aims to provide public confidence that evaluation processes are fair, consistent, and based on evidence.

There are several types of accreditation. Institutional accreditation assesses the overall quality and capacity of an organization such as a university or hospital. Program accreditation evaluates particular degree programs. Specialized accreditation covers laboratories, clinics, or testing facilities. Product or service accreditation relates to conformity assessment and confirms that a product, service, or process meets established criteria.

The accreditation process typically involves a self-evaluation by the applicant, an on-site visit or audit by the accreditation body, a thorough review of documentation, and a formal decision by the accrediting panel. Many accreditations require ongoing surveillance or periodic re‑accreditation to maintain status, ensuring continued compliance and improvement.

Standards underpin accreditation and are often sector-specific, drawing on national or international frameworks. Accreditation bodies may operate under national law and are frequently part of international networks such as ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) or IAF (International Accreditation Forum). These networks support mutual recognition and global interoperability of assessments.

Benefits of accreditation include increased credibility, improved quality and consistency, and easier access to markets or funding. Limitations can include the cost of evaluation, scope limitations, and dependence on the credibility and thoroughness of the accrediting body.