The value of accredited certification
Survey Report
Published May 2012
In 2010/11, the IAF carried out a global survey to capture market feedback on the value of certification. The survey aimed to gain intelligence on the drivers for seeking certification, the selection criteria when choosing a body to provide certification services, the appropriateness of the process, and the positive outcomes of certification.
About IAF
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is the global association of Accreditation Bodies, Certification Body Associations and other organisations involved in conformity assessment activities in a variety of fields including management systems, products, services and personnel.
The main objectives of IAF are:
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to develop appropriate harmonisation of conformity assessment best practice. to maintain and develop a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) between its Accreditation Body Members to ensure recognition of accredited certification between signatories. to act as a global forum to bring together accreditation bodies and stakeholder groups to facilitate global trade. to promote accredited conformity assessment by working with, and influencing, key international organisations and industry groups.
Purpose
In order to inform policy, IAF aims to consult widely with both stakeholders and users of accredited services in order to provide the best standard of conformity assessment to provide businesses throughout the supply chain with a value added outcome. To support this aim, a global survey was launched to collect and analyse feedback from users of certification to ascertain the drivers for seeking certification, the importance of accreditation and the IAF MLA in the choice of certification provider, and to identify the extent of internal or external value.
Methodology
A short online survey consisting of twenty questions was selected as the most effective tool. Databuild, an independent