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Why Accredited Certification Matters: A Straightforward Guide

Why Accredited Certification Matters: A Straightforward Guide

07 April 2025
If you're exploring certification for your business, there's a key distinction to understand: not all certifications are created equal. While many companies can offer to certify you, only a few are backed by recognised accreditation bodies like UKAS or ANAB (USA). These organisations that ensure your chosen certification body follows internationally recognised, rigorous, and fair processes.



What is accreditation?

Your organisation can't get accredited directly. Instead, accreditation bodies, like UKAS, evaluate and authorise certification bodies (like NQA) to perform audits and issue certifications. 

Why does it matter?

If you're seeking certification to meet regulatory requirements or settle the minds of stakeholders, accredited certification holds more weight. It’s recognised globally, offers assurance of quality, and proves that your business aligns with the best practices within your industry.

Who is UKAS?

UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the UK's only government-recognised accreditation body. They ensure that certification bodies like NQA operate with impartiality and technical integrity.

Both assess not just how audits are performed, but whether the certification body operates independently, with proven competence.



How accreditation enhances certification

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) writes the standard, however they don’t issue certificates. That’s where third-party certifiers like NQA come in. However, without regulation, how do you know those certifiers are credible? That’s where UKAS, ANAB, and other accreditation bodies step in, ensuring that companies who provide you with the certificates are meeting a strict criteria, like ISO 17021.

Bottom line: Certification from an accredited body is more credible, more trusted, and more useful.

The benefits of accredited certification

  • It proves the competence, impartiality, and integrity of your chosen certification body

  • It's globally recognised, whether your clients are in the UK, US, Europe, or beyond

  • In many cases, it’s a regulatory requirement

  • It opens up new opportunities with Government and private sector clients

  • It demonstrates your commitment to quality and continual improvement



How to choose the right certification body

When selecting a CB, it's important to keep these things in mind:

1. Are they accredited? - Choose a body accredited by UKAS or an internationally recognised equivalent. This guarantees that your certification is credible and accepted globally.

2. Are they competent? - Your certification body should:

  • Employ auditors with deep knowledge of your industry

  • Be certified to ISO 17021-1:2015

  • Demonstrate competence in the specific standards you need (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, etc.)

3. Have they got the right experience? - How long have they been operating? Do they have clients in your industry? Can they provide case studies or references?

4. Are they a good cultural fit? - A good certification partner is so much more than just an auditor - they’re a long-term ally. They should align with your values and support continual improvement with the same desire to see your business grow as you do!

5. Have they got good support services beyond the audit? -  Do they offer:

6. What are the associated costs? - Certification is a long-term investment. You'll want to know what’s included in the quoted cost and the timeline and frequency of any audits.



Why choose NQA?

NQA is accredited by UKAS, ANAB, and other major accreditation bodies worldwide. We’ve issued over 60,000 certifications in 100+ countries, and our assessors are known for their integrity, vast technical knowledge, and years of industry experience. We offer certification across a wide range of standards, including:

See our full range of standards here.

We also provide:

  • Ongoing support throughout your entire journey

  • A wide range of training courses to keep your skills base up-to-date

  • A straightforward quote process with a friendly team ready to talk through your needs.



Final thought

Getting certified is a big step - but getting accredited certification is a smarter one. It builds trust, opens doors, and proves your business takes quality seriously. Choose a certification body that’s accredited, experienced, and aligned with your goals.