How to become accredited

Applicant to download the Accreditation Scheme Manual and the Application Pack.

Applicant makes sure that they comply with the relevant requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and other accreditation requirements specified by USAB in the Accreditation Scheme Manual, that they have essential resources to undertake activities throughout the scope requested, and that all fees will be paid to USAB whether or not accreditation is granted.

Upon receipt of the Application Forms and requisite fees, USAB reviews the application documents against the relevant accreditation criteria and provides a report to the applicant. The next stage of assessment will not progress until the documented systems meet requirements.

Applicant CAB makes all necessary arrangements for conducting the office and witness assessment, including access to all areas, records, and personnel.

USAB selects an assessment team who undertake an on-site assessment at the applicant's offices and other locations as appropriate. At completion, the team writes a report of their findings along with recommendations to the Accreditation Approval Committee (AAC).

The AAC reviews the report and makes a decision regarding accreditation.

If accreditation is approved, a Certificate of Accreditation is issued to the applicant upon signing the Accreditation Agreement.

If accreditation is not approved, the applicant is advised of the reasons for the decision. A further application may be considered at a later date.

Once an applicant is accredited, consistent visits are made to assess the Accredited Organization's ongoing compliance with the accreditation criteria.

A complete reassessment takes place every three years.