TS ISO/IEC 17011

TS ISO/IEC 17011 defines the confidence framework for accreditation bodies that accredit conformity assessment bodies. It focuses on the competence, consistent operation, and impartiality of those bodies, helping ensure that accreditation decisions are technically sound and comparable.

A framework for managerial and technical competence

In general technical terms, accreditation is a formal recognition that a conformity assessment body is competent to perform specific activities. In fields such as testing, calibration, inspection, certification, and related services, the role of the accreditation body is not only to review organisational structure, but also to oversee personnel competence, decision-making processes, impartiality management, and the consistency of work. This standard addresses the core requirements for how such bodies should operate.

Conformity assessment areas covered

• Testing and calibration activities
• Inspection bodies
• Certification of management systems, persons, products, processes and services
• Proficiency testing provision
• Production of reference materials
• Validation and verification

For that reason, the standard is used to understand how accreditation bodies should function as organisations that manage the technical credibility of the conformity assessment system, rather than simply issuing documents. The distinction between terms, roles and decisions is especially important where different disciplines must be assessed under the same underlying principles.