Steps Towards Becoming an Accredited CAB

Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as laboratories, inspection bodies and certification
bodies, verify conformity to standards through their conformity assessment activities. A CAB
can demonstrate its credibility and ability to produce accurate, reliable results by becoming
accredited by JANAAC. Accreditation is based on international standards and guidelines with
the precise requirements being based on the area of work for which each organization is
pursuing accreditation. The CAB is required to acquire the standard that guides its operations
and implement a management system in accordance with the stated requirements.

JANAAC provides information about the requirements for accreditation through several
documents which are available on this website. This includes specific introductory information
for each programme:

• Inspection Body Accreditation
• Laboratory accreditation (for testing and medical laboratories)
• Certification Body Accreditation

Specific requirements which are relevant to both applicant and accredited CABs are indicated
in the following documents, which CABs are encouraged to read:

• General Criteria for CAB Accreditation
• Rights and Responsibilities of Accredited CABs

Additionally, CABs that perform measurement and testing can be guided by the publications:

• Measurement Uncertainty Requirements, and
• Measurement Traceability for CABs

The steps indicated below summarize the process by which a CAB can become accredited,
once it fulfils the requirements of the applicable standard:

1. The Application – The CAB submits the completed Application Form and Questionnaire,
documentation pertaining to the management system and operations of your organization and
application fee to JANAAC. The application form is available on the JANAAC website, or
may be requested from JANAAC along with the information package. JANAAC will conduct
an initial review, inform the CAB of the adequacy of the application documents and request
additional information/clarification as necessary

2. Document Review – JANAAC conducts a review of the applicant’s submitted documents
and provides a report, including nonconformities for which responses are needed prior to the
initial assessment;

3. The On-Site Initial Assessment – Before the initial assessment is conducted, JANAAC
provides an estimated cost for the assessment activities. JANAAC’s team of assessors visit the
CAB to evaluate its competence through the conformity of its equipment, methods and staff
to the requirements for accreditation;

4. Follow-up Verification Activities – If nonconformities are identified, corrective action(s)
are requested and assessors review the actions taken, including via follow-up visits if necessary,
to verify the effectiveness of the corrective action implemented by the CAB;

5. Accreditation Decision – The assessors produce a report on the assessment of the CAB
including a recommendation about whether or not to grant the accreditation. This is reviewed
by JANAAC’s Accreditation Evaluation Committee and the Accreditation Council, and a final
decision made whether or not to grant the accreditation;

6. Accreditation – Upon approval, a licence to use the relevant accreditation symbol(s) and to
claim accreditation by JANAAC is granted to the CAB for four years. The Licence Agreement
for Conformity Assessment Body Accreditation is signed by a representative of JANAAC and
the accredited CAB, and a notice of the accreditation is posted on JANAAC’s website. If
accreditation is not granted, the CAB is advised and has the right to appeal;

7. Interim Assessment and Re-Assessment – During the four-year accreditation cycle, three
annual surveillance visits are conducted. At the end of the cycle, in the fourth year, a reassessment visit is done, following which re-accreditation may be granted. These visits are
conducted to verify the maintenance of the CAB’s scope of accreditation.

We look forward to working with each applicant CAB towards earning the recognition of the
organization’s competence for the selected scope of conformity assessment activities through
accreditation

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