ANAB Accreditation & Approval
Overview
ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is an internationally recognized accreditation body that provides accreditation services for certification bodies, inspection bodies, validation and verification bodies, laboratories, and other conformity assessment organizations. ANAB accreditation demonstrates that accredited organizations operate with competence, impartiality, consistency, and integrity in accordance with internationally accepted standards and accreditation requirements.
ANAB accreditation enhances confidence in conformity assessment activities and supports global recognition of accredited services.
Purpose of ANAB Accreditation & Approval
The purpose of ANAB Accreditation & Approval is to:
- Demonstrate technical competence
- Promote impartiality and integrity
- Ensure consistency in conformity assessment activities
- Enhance confidence in accredited services
- Verify compliance with international standards
- Strengthen stakeholder trust and credibility
- Support reliable certification, inspection, testing, and verification activities
- Encourage continual improvement and operational excellence
Scope of ANAB Accreditation
ANAB accreditation may be applicable to:
- Management System Certification Bodies
- Product Certification Bodies
- Personnel Certification Bodies
- Inspection Bodies
- Validation & Verification Bodies
- Testing Laboratories
- Calibration Laboratories
- Greenhouse Gas Verification Bodies
- Training and Certificate Issuing Organizations
- Other Conformity Assessment Activities
The accreditation scope is defined according to the specific standards, technical disciplines, and activities evaluated by ANAB.
Accreditation Standards
ANAB assessments are conducted against internationally recognized standards, including:
- ISO/IEC 17021 Series
- ISO/IEC 17065
- ISO/IEC 17024
- ISO/IEC 17020
- ISO/IEC 17025
- ISO/IEC 17029
- ISO 14065
- ISO 15189
- Other applicable accreditation and conformity assessment requirements
Accreditation & Approval Process
1. Application Review
The organization submits information regarding its services, management systems, technical activities, and operational controls.
2. Documentation Assessment
Policies, procedures, records, competence management systems, and supporting documentation are reviewed.
3. Office and Witness Assessments
ANAB assessors evaluate technical competence, operational effectiveness, management systems, and conformity assessment activities.
4. Evaluation of Findings
Assessment findings are reviewed and any identified nonconformities are addressed.
5. Accreditation Decision
Following successful completion of the evaluation process, accreditation may be granted within the approved scope.
6. Surveillance Activities
Periodic assessments are conducted to verify ongoing compliance and continued competence.
7. Reassessment
Organizations undergo reassessment at defined intervals to maintain accreditation status.
Benefits of ANAB Accreditation
- Independent recognition of competence
- Enhanced credibility and stakeholder confidence
- International acceptance through global accreditation arrangements
- Improved consistency and reliability of services
- Demonstrated compliance with recognized standards
- Strengthened quality and operational controls
- Increased market confidence and recognition
- Ongoing oversight and continual improvement
Industries Served
ANAB-accredited activities support a wide range of sectors, including:
- Manufacturing
- Textile and Apparel
- Food and Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Environmental Services
- Energy and Utilities
- Construction
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Public and Private Sector Organizations
Maintaining Accreditation
Accredited organizations are required to maintain compliance with applicable accreditation requirements and successfully complete ongoing surveillance and reassessment activities. Regular evaluations help ensure continued competence, impartiality, consistency, and reliability of accredited services.