Explanation of the Requirements

At IYAS Accreditation, we acknowledge the pivotal role of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) in ensuring adherence to specified requirements and methodologies within defined conformity assessment schemes. This document serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the criteria necessary for self-assessment of a scheme, as required for accreditation applications or extensions through IYAS.

Introduction

Conformity assessment bodies conduct evaluations to determine whether products, services, systems, or processes meet specific standards or specifications. According to the terminology outlined in EN ISO/IEC 17000, conformity assessment schemes (hereinafter referred to as ‘schemes’) encompass specified requirements, specifications, and methods of assessment. These schemes form the foundation for systematic evaluations carried out by CABs.

The policy rules of IYAS, as outlined in the IYAS-R002 document, stipulate that CABs must demonstrate compliance with accreditation requirements before IYAS initiates any formal assessment process. To facilitate this, CABs are required to conduct a self-assessment and submit the results alongside their application for accreditation. This applies both to new accreditations and to extensions of existing accreditations. For applications involving specific schemes, self-assessments must include detailed evaluations related to the scheme in question.

Criteria for Self-Assessment

The self-assessment process ensures that CABs critically evaluate their conformity assessment activities against the accreditation requirements. Key criteria for a thorough self-assessment of a scheme include:

• Conformity with Specified Requirements: The CAB must demonstrate adherence to the technical and operational specifications outlined within the scheme.
• Competence of Personnel: The qualifications, expertise, and ongoing training of staff involved in assessments are evaluated to ensure they meet the highest standards of competence.
• Impartiality and Independence: CABs must establish mechanisms to prevent undue influence and ensure impartial decision-making in their conformity assessments.
• Management System Effectiveness: The CAB's quality management system should support consistent, reliable, and efficient operations aligned with accreditation requirements.
• Risk Management: The CAB should identify and mitigate risks associated with their conformity assessment processes to enhance reliability and reduce errors.

Assessment Process for Accreditation Applications

Upon receiving an application for accreditation, IYAS undertakes a detailed evaluation of the submitted self-assessment and accompanying documentation. The assessment process includes:

• Document Review: IYAS assessors review the self-assessment results, management system documentation, and any scheme-specific details provided by the CAB.
• On-Site Assessments: Where applicable, IYAS conducts on-site evaluations to verify the accuracy of the submitted information and to assess operational practices.
• Scheme Validation: For applications involving specific schemes, IYAS ensures that the scheme is robust, comprehensive, and aligned with accreditation standards.

IYAS Policy and Guidance

IYAS provides clear and transparent guidelines to CABs to streamline the accreditation process and ensure clarity regarding the requirements. These include:

• IYAS-R002: A detailed policy document outlining the requirements, procedures, and expectations for CABs seeking accreditation.
• Self-Assessment Templates: Standardized templates to assist CABs in conducting structured and thorough self-assessments.
• Technical Support: Access to expert guidance from IYAS assessors to address any challenges or uncertainties in meeting accreditation requirements.

The Role of Self-Assessment in Accreditation

Self-assessment plays a critical role in preparing CABs for accreditation by:

• Identifying Gaps: Highlighting areas that require improvement to achieve full compliance with accreditation standards.
• Enhancing Readiness: Ensuring that CABs are well-prepared for formal assessments by addressing potential non-conformities in advance.
• Building Confidence: Demonstrating a commitment to quality and adherence to internationally recognized standards to stakeholders, regulators, and clients.

Partnering with IYAS for Excellence

IYAS Accreditation is committed to supporting CABs in achieving and maintaining the highest standards of quality and competence. By offering a structured and transparent accreditation process, IYAS enables organizations to enhance their operational credibility and expand their market reach. Partner with IYAS to ensure the integrity of your conformity assessment activities and achieve excellence in accreditation.