To guide you along the way, the key steps in the accreditation process are outlined below.
You will be able to access documents and information you need at each step of your accreditation application.
Accreditation
Accreditation in 4 steps
Step 3: Initial assessment by Cofrac
The purpose of this review is firstly to check that the applicant has taken into account the accreditation requirements and that it is able to demonstrate this and secondly to determine how the assessment is to be carried out on site with regard to the accreditation regulations and the body's organisation.
This admissibility review may include a partial documentary assessment of the key aspects of the activity presented for accreditation, for example, validation of the conformity assessment methods or standards.
This review aims to avoid carrying out an on-site assessment that would inevitably lead to a negative decision because of missing accreditation requirements or findings that would prevent accreditation from being granted.
This is planned in agreement between the lead assessor and the candidate body, within the limits set by Cofrac.
The purpose of the on-site assessment is to enable the CAB to demonstrate its competence and the conformity of its operation to the accreditation requirements. Different techniques are deployed: review of documents and records, interviews with staff, witnessing of activities presented for accreditation, traceability audits of technical operations, etc.
At the end of the on-site assessment, the assessment team presents to the body its analysis of the organisational strengths and weaknesses, along with any findings identified against the accreditation requirements.
When findings are identified, the CAB is required to communicate to the assessment team its analysis of the situations and the action determined for processing non-conformities, under the conditions defined in the accreditation regulations. The body may also submit evidence of action.
An assessment report is submitted to Cofrac by the lead assessor within one month of the assessment's closure, and is also made available to the assessed body.
The decision concerning accreditation is made on the basis of an independent review by the assessment team. The decision-making principles are laid out in the accreditation regulations.
The body is notified of the decision by letter. The accreditation decision may be dependent on prior demonstration of findings being addressed. If accreditation is issued, the notification letter is accompanied by an accreditation certificate detailing its scope and validity period. The body is referenced in the list of accredited CABs on the Cofrac website from the following day.
