Accreditation is a formal, independent, third-party evaluation of conformity assessment bodies and standards development organizations. An authoritative body like SCC conducts the evaluation and grants the accreditation.
Accreditation and conformity assessment play a vital role by ensuring that standards are applied correctly and consistently.
Conformity assessment bodies include:
- certification bodies
- inspection bodies
- testing and calibration laboratories
- verification/validation bodies
- proficiency testing providers
- reference material producers
Our role
As Canada’s national accreditation body, we create a foundation of trust: we “check the checkers” to confirm that the requirements of national and international standards are met. We provide oversight, ensuring the public can trust that decisions by conformity assessment bodies and standards development organizations are valid.
We are rigorous
Our services combine rigorous assessments with agile, personalized service to help you continuously improve. That way, standards can live up to their promise and contribute to health, safety, prosperity and a sustainable future for all. As a Government of Canada Crown corporation, we are held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
We have a unique perspective
SCC covers the full standardization spectrum, from overseeing standards development to accreditation and conformity assessment. Being part of this organization gives us a unique perspective to deliver exceptional value to our customers.
We offer a wide range of programs
We offer a wide range of accreditation programs and training across many conformity assessment areas:
- management systems certification
- testing and calibration laboratories
- medical testing laboratories
- good laboratory practices
- proficiency testing
- verification and validation
- reference materials producers
- products, processes and service certification
- certification of persons
- inspection
- standards development organizations
We are a one-stop shop for you
We offer accreditation to organizations that provide certification services. We do not provide certification services. You can find out if a certification body is accredited by us in our directory.
We are internationally recognized
We undergo peer evaluation by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). This validates that we perform our work competently. We are signatories to international arrangements that enhance the acceptance of products and services across borders. This creates a global infrastructure that supports trade regulatory approval processes and confidence in the marketplace.
We are financially self-sufficient
We operate on a cost-recovery basis. The fees we charge finance the costs of delivering our programs and services.
We offer impartial and confidential services
SCC and our employees understand the importance of impartiality and the consideration of any potential conflict of interests in carrying out our business activities. We are committed to providing accreditation services that are objective and impartial. To this end, our processes are designed to uphold confidentiality, effective consultation, non-discrimination and consensus.
SCC offers accreditation services to all applicant and accredited customers, regardless of the size, association membership or number of customers that SCC has already accredited in a given area. The accreditation services offered by SCC are consistently delivered as described within our publicly-accessible policies, business rules and procedures. SCC does not provide consultancy services and will not offer conformity assessment services that our customers perform.
How standards, accreditation and certification are connected
Standards
Standards provide guidelines, characteristics or requirements for products, processes or services.
Accreditation
Accreditation provides the oversight that underpins the quality, impartiality and competence of the certification process.
Conformity assessment
Certification is an audit of whether an organization, product or person conforms to the criteria laid out in a standard or a scheme.
A standard is an agreed way of doing something. It is a document that:
- provides guidelines, characteristics or requirements for products, processes or services
- establishes accepted practices, technical requirements and terminologies
- is developed by a group of stakeholders and approved by a recognized body
Standards can be:
• mandatory when they are enforced by laws or regulations
• voluntary when organizations choose to follow them to meet customer or industry demands
Accreditation ensures that standards are applied correctly and consistently. It offers the most efficient, transparent and widely accepted route to offer credible and trustworthy conformity assessment results. Accreditation:
- determines the technical competence and integrity of organizations offering conformity assessment services
- is an impartial and objective oversight process that is carried out by third parties, such as SCC
Certification is an audit of whether an organization, product or person conforms to the criteria laid out in a standard or a scheme.
Explore more
Steps to accreditation
Embark on accreditation or transfer to SCC with confidence. Our team supports your journey, providing personalized, customer-centric services for organizations of all sizes.
Get a quote
Begin your journey with a tailored quote. Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through the application and accreditation process, ensuring a seamless experience.
Find an accredited organization
Search our directory for accredited organizations that perform certification, testing, inspection and verification/validation. Accreditation means they are rigorously assessed based on internationally accepted criteria.