So, What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is clearly distinct from certification. Accreditation represents a formal and authoritative recognition that an organisation is technically competent to perform specific activities most commonly in the areas of testing, calibration, inspection, and related technical services. This recognition is granted by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) through a rigorous, independent peer assessment‑ process.
Accreditation goes beyond simply verifying that documented systems are in place; it provides assurance that the organisation can consistently generate technically valid, accurate, and reliable results. This is achieved through an assessment framework that examines elements such as:
- technical procedures and methodologies
- staff qualifications and ongoing competency
- equipment calibration and maintenance
- measurement traceability
- quality control and assurance practices
- data integrity
- compliance with relevant international standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17020, or ISO 15189)
Because of this depth of scrutiny, NATA accreditation is recognised nationally and internationally as a mark of technical competence, not just administrative compliance.
So, What is Certification?
Certification is a formal confirmation that an organisation, product, process, or individual meets the requirements of a specific standard. These standards are usually management system -or product based ‑ for example:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- ISO 45001 (Health & Safety)
- Product certifications (e.g., electrical safety marks)
- Personnel certifications (e.g., competency certificates)
Certification audits are performed by a certification body, which checks whether your organisation’s processes follow the chosen standard.
What Does Certification Focus on?
Certification is primarily about how well you run your organisation, not the technical validity of specific results. It looks at:
- documented procedures and processes
- quality management
- consistency in how work is performed
- corrective action systems
- risk and improvement processes
Its purpose is to show that your overall system is structured, controlled, and compliant with an established management standard.
Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Accreditation | Certification |
| Primary Purpose | Demonstrates technical competence to perform specific tests, calibrations, inspections, or technical activities. | Demonstrates that an organisation’s management system, product, or individual meets a defined standard. |
| Focus | Technical capability, accuracy of results, staff competency, equipment, methods, and traceability. | Compliance with management system requirements (e.g., ISO 9001) or product standards. |
| Assessment Type | In-depth peer assessment by technical experts. | Audit performed by system or product auditors. |
| Scope of Recognition | Specific activities (e.g., a particular test or calibration). | Entire system, product line, or process. |
| Standards Commonly Used | ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17043. | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, product certifications, personnel certifications. |
| Assurance Provided | High level of confidence in the validity and reliability of technical results. | Confidence that processes meet defined management system requirements. |
| Assessor Expertise | Technical specialists with deep domain knowledge. | Management system or compliance auditors. |
| Outcome | Formal recognition of technical competence for defined activities. | Formal recognition of system or product conformity. |
| Who Grants It | Accreditation bodies (e.g., NATA). | Certification bodies (which themselves may be accredited). |
| International Recognition | Typically, via ILAC MRA or similar agreements. | Recognised based on the credibility and accreditation of the certification body. |
| Common Use Cases | Laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, calibration services. | Manufacturers, service organisations, and organisations seeking quality, environmental, or safety management recognition. |
Learn more by watching NATA’s Accreditation Versus Certification PowerPoint