It is for bodies that certify people, such as auditors and implementers, not for the people certified. PECB is accredited against it.

• A gap assessment compares current practice with the requirements.
• Certification schemes are defined and examinations are checked for fairness and reliability.
• Impartiality risks are identified and managed.
• An internal audit and a management review are completed.
• An accreditation body assesses the applicant and grants a defined scope of accreditation.

The number of schemes, methods or sites in scope drives most of the cost. Assessor days are charged by the accreditation body.

Time depends on the scope and on how much of the system already exists. Surveillance assessments follow once accreditation is granted.

ISO/IEC 17024 is used for accreditation, not certification. Accreditation is granted by an accreditation body that works to ISO/IEC 17011.