Accreditation – the formal recognition by an independent body, generally known as an accreditation body, that a certification body operates according to international standards.

Accreditation gives recognition of a conformity assessment body’s competence to perform specific services. Whereas certification gives recognition to a company’s compliance with requirements such as ISO9000 or ISO14000.

Certification – the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements.

Certification Bodies, are accredited after they successfully undergo a process of assessment by an Accreditation body like SANAS, to ensure they meet international standards that among other things assess the bodies impartiality and competence.

Certification is undertaken by Certification Bodies and is a process by which an independent third party certifies that a product, system or person, conforms to specific requirements.

Remember: Not only certification bodies are accredited.