What is ISO/IEC 17020?
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 specifies requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities.
Inspection involves the examination of a product design, product, process, or installation and determination of its conformity with specific requirements, or on the basis of professional judgement, general requirements.
In the UK, accreditation body (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess and accredit inspection bodies against ISO/IEC 17020.
Types of Inspection Bodies
Type A - Third Party
Inspection body independent of the parties involved. Provides inspection services to any client without any connection to design, manufacture, supply, installation, purchase, or maintenance of inspected items.
Highest Independence Level
Type B - In-House
Inspection body that forms a separate and identifiable part of an organisation engaged in design, manufacture, supply, installation, use, or maintenance of items it inspects. Serves only parent organisation.
Internal Independence
Type C - Related Party
Inspection body involved in design, manufacture, supply, installation, use, or maintenance of items it inspects, but can provide inspection services to other parties as well as parent organisation.
Managed Independence
Key Requirements of ISO/IEC 17020
✓ Impartiality & Independence
Demonstrate freedom from commercial, financial, and other pressures that could compromise impartiality in inspection activities.
✓ Personnel Competence
Ensure all personnel have the education, training, technical knowledge, skills, and experience required for their inspection functions.
✓ Equipment & Facilities
Maintain suitable equipment, calibrated and maintained to ensure accuracy and reliability of inspection results.
✓ Inspection Methods
Use documented inspection methods and procedures, including sampling, handling, and transport of inspection items.
✓ Records & Reports
Maintain comprehensive records and issue clear inspection reports that accurately reflect the inspection performed and results obtained.
✓ Quality Management
Implement a management system covering document control, complaints handling, internal audits, and continual improvement.
Inspection Sectors We Support
ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation applies across diverse inspection activities. We have experience supporting organisations in all major sectors.
Construction
Building inspection, structural surveys, materials testing
Engineering
Pressure equipment, lifting gear, mechanical systems
Electrical
Electrical installations, equipment verification, PAT testing
Automotive
Vehicle inspection, MOT services, fleet compliance
Oil & Gas
Pipeline inspection, storage tanks, offshore installations
Food & Agriculture
Food safety inspection, agricultural produce grading
Fire Safety
Fire risk assessment, extinguisher inspection, alarm testing
Environmental
Emissions testing, environmental compliance, waste inspection
Benefits of Accreditation
✓ Market Recognition
accreditation is recognised globally through ILAC mutual recognition arrangements, opening international market opportunities.
✓ Regulatory Acceptance
Many UK regulations require or recognise accredited inspection, including PUWER, LOLER, pressure systems, and building regulations.
✓ Customer Confidence
Demonstrate your competence and impartiality to clients through independent third-party verification of your inspection capabilities.
✓ Competitive Advantage
Win contracts where accreditation is specified or preferred, including government tenders and major corporate clients.
✓ Reduced Risk
Systematic quality management reduces errors, complaints, and liability exposure while improving consistency of inspection outcomes.
✓ Continuous Improvement
Regular accreditation body assessments drive ongoing improvement in your inspection processes, personnel competence, and service quality.
The Accreditation Process
Gap Analysis & Planning
We assess your current operations against ISO/IEC 17020 requirements, identify gaps, and develop a tailored implementation plan with clear milestones.
Management System Development
Develop or enhance your quality manual, procedures, work instructions, and forms to meet ISO/IEC 17020 requirements for your inspection activities.
Personnel Competence
Establish competence criteria, training programmes, and authorisation processes for your inspection personnel to demonstrate their qualifications.
Implementation & Internal Audit
Implement the management system, conduct internal audits to verify effectiveness, and address any non-conformities before accreditation body assessment.
the national accreditation body Assessment Support
We support you through the accreditation body application, document review, and on-site assessment process to achieve successful accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between inspection and testing?
Inspection involves examination and professional judgement to determine conformity, while testing (covered by ISO/IEC 17025) involves technical operations to determine characteristics. Some organisations may need both accreditations.
How long does accreditation take?
The timeline varies depending on your starting point and scope. Typically, implementation takes 6-12 months, followed by 3-6 months for the accreditation body assessment process. We help you plan realistic timelines.
Which type (A, B, or C) should we pursue?
This depends on your organisational structure and client requirements. Type A offers highest independence but requires no connection to inspected items. We help you determine the appropriate type.
Can we add new inspection scopes after accreditation?
Yes, you can apply to extend your accreditation scope to cover additional inspection activities. accreditation body will assess your competence in the new areas before granting the extension.
How Much Does ISO/IEC 17020 Cost?
The cost of ISO/IEC 17020 certification varies based on several factors. Some auditors and certifiers adopt charging models based on the project's complexity, company size, and sometimes even the company's turnover.
At Certigence, our pricing is straightforward, calculated by multiplying an agreed day rate by the number of days work. This is based on the work to be done, mitigated by any the company has done already or will be doing internally. This ensures clarity and transparency, giving you a clear understanding of the commitment before the project commences.
We provide a free telephone or Zoom enquiry with one of our auditors to find out enough about your organisation to be able to make a formal proposal without charge or obligation. This allows you to research costs for free before making any commitments!
How Can Certigence Help?
Certigence's extensive auditor network spans the entire UK and has been operating ISO systems expertise combined with industry know-how for over 25 years. This dual proficiency enables them to comprehend your unique needs and translate them into certifier-accepted procedures that genuinely suit your organisation's operations.
Our services encompass full or partial ISO system development and implementation, including GAP analysis and customised internal training to support system functionality. We craft organisation-specific reports tailored to your activities.
Beyond initial implementation, we conduct internal audits, facilitate management review meetings, and offer ongoing maintenance for short, medium, or long terms. Our presence during certification stages, if desired, ensures assessors avoid unnecessary complexity. Furthermore, we offer pre- and post-certification review services to address certifier-raised concerns, reinforcing your ISO system's effectiveness.
Process Overview
Initiation and Assessment Discussion
We engage in a free, no-obligation discussion to understand your existing systems and operations, allowing us to generate a formal proposal.
Work Commencement and Collaborative Development
Upon acceptance, collaborative work commences to create and install systems, involving you and your team to ensure alignment with your needs, your understanding and acceptance of the results and compliance with ISO standards.
Initial Assessment (Stage 1): Ensuring Systems Meet Standard
The certifier reviews that systems cover all relevant parameters correctly. You may choose to have our auditor present during the initial assessment to assist with any questions the certifier may have.
Final Evaluation (Stage 2): Achieving Certification
The auditor ensures internal audit, management review, and training aspects are covered. The certifier conducts the conclusive Stage 2 assessment, verifying operational systems' alignment with Standard requirements. Upon successful completion, you attain Certification.
Why Should You Use a Certigence Auditor?
At Certigence, we match your requirements with suitable auditors based on their industry expertise, proximity, and compatibility. In the event of a auditor's unavailability, a substitute can step in promptly, avoiding project disruptions and re-hiring expenses. Our auditors have often previously worked with certifiers, learning that side of the procedure - facilitating a seamless Certification process.
This commitment reflects in our track record - a 100% first-time certification success rate spanning over 25 years.
Ready to Speak? What Happens Next?
After contacting Certigence, you'll receive an email or a call from the Director or a auditor. Discussions about needs, timelines, reasons, and costs occur. A auditor will directly engage with you to understand your requirements and system alignment. A formal proposal is then presented for your consideration. Charges apply only from that point if you proceed with the proposal.
Achieve Inspection Body Accreditation
Partner with our accreditation specialists to achieve accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 and demonstrate your inspection body's competence and impartiality.