Akreditointi

Akreditointi is a formal recognition by an independent accreditation body that a person, organization, or system is competent to carry out specific tasks according to defined standards and procedures. It certifies the competence of the entity performing conformity assessment, not the product or service itself. Accreditation provides evidence of credibility and helps ensure consistency, reliability, and internationally accepted results in areas such as testing, calibration, inspection, certification bodies, and educational programs.

An accreditation body evaluates the technical competence of laboratories, inspection agencies, certification bodies, educational institutions, and other conformity assessment bodies. The evaluation typically includes review of documentation, on-site assessment, assessment of staff qualifications and equipment, and verification through proficiency testing or inter-laboratory comparisons. The body then grants an accreditation scope that lists the activities and standards for which the organization is deemed competent. Accreditation is usually subject to surveillance audits and periodic renewal.

Most accreditation bodies operate under international standards, notably ISO/IEC 17011 for accreditation bodies, and ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and calibration laboratories, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection bodies, and related standards for other conformity assessment bodies. International recognition is facilitated by organizations such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). In Europe, mutual recognition arrangements under the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) help enable cross-border acceptance of accredited results.

Accreditation can be voluntary in many sectors but may also be required by law, regulation, or contractual obligations. It supports quality assurance, market trust, and international trade by signaling competence and adherence to established standards.