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Procedure for ISO 17021 Accreditation

Procedure for ISO 17021 Accreditation

The procedure for ISO 17021 accreditation is a structured process designed to ensure that certification bodies operate with competence, impartiality, and consistency while auditing and certifying management systems. The standard, ISO/IEC 17021, defines the requirements for organizations providing audit and certification services for standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

The process begins with the submission of a formal application to an accreditation body such as World Yoga Accreditation Body (WYAB). The applicant must demonstrate a clear understanding of ISO 17021 requirements and define the scope of certification services they intend to offer. This includes identifying sectors, industries, and types of management systems they plan to certify.

Once the application is submitted, it is reviewed by the accreditation body. Additional information or clarification may be requested to ensure completeness. After acceptance, the applicant is required to pay the applicable application fee along with assessment-related charges. Certification bodies must also be prepared to pay annual accreditation fees and per-certificate issuance charges as part of ongoing compliance.

A critical requirement in the accreditation process is full compliance with ISO 17021. The applicant must establish a documented management system that includes policies and procedures related to impartiality, auditor competence, audit planning, certification decision-making, and handling of complaints and appeals. This documentation forms the foundation of the certification body’s operations.

Applicants must also provide proof of legal status, such as company registration documents or links to official government records. This ensures that the organization is a legitimate legal entity capable of entering into agreements and delivering certification services. Existing certification bodies are further required to submit records such as internal audit reports, management review minutes, and details of impartiality committee members.

Following this, the accreditation body provides key governing documents, including agreements, codes of conduct, and rules regarding the use of certification marks. The applicant must review and accept these documents, as they define the operational and ethical framework of accreditation.

The next step involves submitting detailed information about personnel, including auditor qualifications, experience, and competence records. Competence is a central requirement of ISO 17021, and certification bodies must demonstrate that their staff are capable of performing audits effectively within the defined scope.

A Stage 1 documentation review is then conducted by the accreditation body. This review evaluates the applicant’s quality manual, procedures, and overall system documentation. Any non-conformities identified during this stage must be addressed through corrective actions. Only after satisfactory closure of these issues can the process move forward.

Once the documentation meets the required standards, the applicant may be granted provisional accreditation status. At this stage, the certification body is allowed to begin limited certification activities. The applicant must conduct a number of audits and submit complete documentation, including audit reports and certification decisions, for review.

An important part of the process is the witness assessment, where the accreditation body observes the certification body conducting an audit, either on-site or remotely. This step ensures that the procedures documented are effectively implemented in practice. Based on the results, the accreditation body decides whether to grant intermediate or full accreditation.

After achieving full accreditation, the certification body can independently conduct audits and issue certificates. However, all issued certificates must be registered with the accreditation body to ensure transparency and traceability. Ongoing surveillance is conducted based on risk factors such as audit volume, geographical scope, and past performance.

In conclusion, ISO 17021 accreditation is a comprehensive process that evaluates both the documentation and operational capabilities of a certification body. It ensures credibility, enhances trust, and enables global recognition, making it essential for organizations aiming to provide reliable certification services.

• Certifiers (or Accreditation Bodies) should work in cognisance of ISO 17021.

• The license interaction assesses the documentation and the exercises of the candidate and uses a scoring convention to show up at a certification choice. Site visits and additionally video call-based evaluations by WYAB will be required.

• Candidates are expected to pay (i) an application charge and (ii) a yearly expense for each certificate they issue to their clients. Yearly, charges paid should rise to or surpass the yearly organization expense characterized to keep away from extra charges.

• All certificates should be enrolled at https://worldyoga.us/

Definite Method

1. Make a proper application for license. Candidates are supposed to be acquainted with this endlessly guide Skill Necessities.

2. The application structure will be looked into, and additional data might be mentioned. Once the application is acknowledged, a receipt for application organization charge and examiner reconnaissance day rate will be given.

3. The candidate certificate body is expected to agree with the necessities of ISO 17021 most recent version.

4. Proof of legitimate substance status should be given the application structure. This can be a connection to an internet based public or state register.

5. For existing Certifiers, other data (like minutes of unprejudiced nature council gatherings, names of unprejudiced nature council individuals, and inward review reports), ought to be given.

6. WYAB will send key records to the candidate that the candidate, if fruitful would have to follow. These are:

• Agreement and Update of understanding
• Agreements
• Governing set of rules
• Global Affiliations
• Authority
• Utilization of imprints
• Phrasing of authentications

7. The candidate ought to send faculty subtleties CVs/Profiles of staff engaged with the appraisal also, accreditation process.

8. The following stage is to present the complete bundle of ISO 17021 documentation for WYAB to lead a phase one Record Survey. This will also require the candidate finishing a Succeed based self-survey structure.

9. There might be a remedial activity cycle to get the documentation to a good state.

10. When fulfilled that the report audit meets our rules the candidate will be prepared to be without a doubt temporary license status by WYAB.

11. The candidate will be expected to print, sign, and seal the Agreement and Update of Grasping, examine it and shipping off WYAB. WYAB will send last Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding to the candidate. An example contract and MOU can be provided upon demand.

12. WYAB should give a temporary license declaration when fulfilled that the report structure is sufficient. The candidate is recorded on WYAB.

13. WYAB will give a license reference with the goal that the candidate might enlist certificates details of registrants and issue endorsements.

14. The candidate leads the main evaluation and certificate movement. The candidate sends WYAB filtered or electronic records of the multitude of reports connected with that evaluation and affirmation. These should be as per the records that WYAB had before investigated. (This cycle might have been directed before in the event that the candidate has been exchanging for quite a while).

15. The candidate directs a further four evaluations and send us duplicates of the desk work.

16. WYAB will lead site observer of the candidate’s action when is conceivable. The candidate is expected to pay WYAB day-rate, travel, and convenience costs. Where potential we will involve nearby WYAB agents for this reason. Candidates ought to observe that the site witness is certainly not a surefire finish of progress. Should tasks not meet the strategies accommodated the stage 1 Record Survey, then, at that point, full certify status will be denied. Along these lines, candidates are prompted not to make extreme or misdirecting claims.

17. The candidate license status will then become INTERMEDIATE or FULL. Candidate is recorded on WYAB site with admonition if fundamental. Certifiers are arranged.

18. The certifier proceeds to survey and issue authentications however doesn’t have to send desk work.

19. The candidate should exhort WYAB by all the accreditations that the certificate body has led at the time they are given to clients. Confirmation expenses are paid online at through the WYAB website.

20. WYAB will screen the level of the confirmation body movement and lead authorization audits as per risk factors, like level and geological reach of confirmation movement, past non-congruities, and so on.

The ISO 17021 accreditation process is a structured and rigorous pathway designed to ensure that certification bodies operate with competence, consistency, and impartiality while auditing and certifying management systems. The standard, formally known as ISO/IEC 17021, sets internationally recognized requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.

Organizations seeking accreditation—especially through bodies like World Yoga Accreditation Body (WYAB)—must demonstrate compliance with strict procedural, legal, and operational criteria. Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step explanation of the ISO 17021 accreditation procedure, expanded into a detailed 3000-word guide.

1. Understanding ISO 17021 Accreditation

Before beginning the application process, certification bodies (CBs) must understand that ISO 17021 accreditation is not merely a documentation exercise—it is an evaluation of:

  • Organizational structure
  • Auditor competence
  • Impartiality mechanisms
  • Certification processes
  • Risk management practices

The accreditation ensures that certification bodies deliver credible, unbiased, and internationally accepted certifications.

2. Initial Application for Accreditation

The process begins with submitting a formal application to the accreditation body.

Key Requirements:

  • Applicants must thoroughly review ISO 17021 requirements.
  • They should also understand sector-specific competence needs.
  • A formal declaration of intent to operate as a certification body must be included.

Important Considerations:

  • Applicants should prepare a scope of certification services (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
  • They must ensure readiness in terms of infrastructure, personnel, and processes.

3. Application Review and Fee Submission

Once submitted:

  • The accreditation body evaluates the application form.
  • Additional clarifications or documentation may be requested.
  • Upon acceptance, an invoice is issued, including:
    • Application fee
    • Assessment charges (e.g., auditor day rates)

Financial Model:

  • Certification bodies must pay:
    • One-time application fee
    • Annual accreditation fee
    • Per-certificate issuance fee

Failure to meet annual fee thresholds may result in additional charges.

4. Compliance with ISO 17021 Requirements

Applicants must fully comply with the latest version of ISO 17021.

Core Areas of Compliance:

  • Impartiality and independence
  • Competence of auditors
  • Audit methodology
  • Certification decision process
  • Handling complaints and appeals

The system should be documented in a Quality Manual and Procedures.

Proof of legal identity is mandatory.

Acceptable Evidence:

  • Company registration certificate
  • Government-issued incorporation documents
  • Public registry links

This ensures:

  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Legal traceability

6. Submission of Organizational and Governance Records

For existing certification bodies, additional documentation is required:

  • Minutes of impartiality committee meetings
  • Names and qualifications of committee members
  • Internal audit reports
  • Management review records

Importance:

This step ensures that governance structures are:

  • Active
  • Independent
  • Effective

7. Issuance of Key Accreditation Documents

The accreditation body provides essential governing documents, including:

  • Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Code of Conduct
  • Policies on use of certification marks
  • Rules for certificate wording

These documents define:

  • Legal obligations
  • Branding rules
  • Ethical practices

8. Personnel Competence Submission

Applicants must provide detailed information about their team.

Required Details:

  • CVs of auditors and decision-makers
  • Technical qualifications
  • Industry experience
  • Training records

Key Focus:

Competence must match the certification scope.

9. Stage 1 – Documentation Review

Procedure for ISO 17021 Accreditation 2

This is a critical phase where the accreditation body evaluates:

  • Quality manual
  • Procedures
  • Audit formats
  • Certification workflows

Applicants must also complete a self-assessment checklist.

Objective:

To verify that the system meets ISO 17021 requirements on paper.

10. Corrective Action Process

If gaps are identified:

  • The applicant must implement corrective actions.
  • Revised documents must be resubmitted.

Typical Non-Conformities:

  • Lack of impartiality safeguards
  • Incomplete audit procedures
  • Weak competence evaluation

11. Grant of Provisional Accreditation

Once documentation is satisfactory:

  • The applicant receives provisional (temporary) accreditation status.

Conditions:

  • Limited operational authority
  • Subject to further verification

12. Signing of Agreements

The certification body must:

  • Sign and seal the Agreement and MoU
  • Submit scanned copies to the accreditation body

This formalizes:

  • Legal relationship
  • Compliance commitment

13. Issuance of Provisional Accreditation Certificate

The accreditation body issues:

  • A provisional accreditation certificate
  • Listing on official directory

Outcome:

The certification body can begin limited certification activities.

14. Allocation of Accreditation Reference Number

A unique accreditation number is assigned.

Purpose:

  • Enables traceability
  • Required for certificate issuance
  • Used for registry entries

15. Conduct of Initial Certification Audits

The certification body must:

  • Perform actual audits
  • Issue certifications

Submission Requirement:

All audit documentation must be submitted to the accreditation body.

16. Submission of Multiple Audit Cases

Typically, the applicant must:

  • Conduct at least five certification audits
  • Submit complete records

Includes:

  • Audit plans
  • Reports
  • Non-conformity records
  • Certification decisions

17. Witness Assessment by Accreditation Body

The accreditation body conducts:

  • On-site witness audits OR
  • Remote assessments

Evaluation Focus:

  • Auditor performance
  • Client interaction
  • Compliance with procedures

Important Note:

This stage is not guaranteed to result in approval.

18. Accreditation Decision – Intermediate or Full

Based on performance:

  • Accreditation may be upgraded to:
    • Intermediate status, or
    • Full accreditation

Possible Outcomes:

  • Approval
  • Conditional approval
  • Rejection

19. Ongoing Certification Activities

Once accredited:

  • Certification bodies continue auditing clients
  • Certificates are issued independently

Reduced Oversight:

Routine submissions of audit files may not be required.

20. Mandatory Certificate Registration

All issued certificates must be registered on the official portal:

Purpose:

  • Transparency
  • Global verification
  • Fraud prevention

21. Fee Payment for Certifications

Certification bodies must:

  • Pay per-certificate fees
  • Ensure annual minimum fee compliance

Payments are typically made online.

22. Continuous Monitoring and Surveillance

The accreditation body monitors:

  • Volume of certifications
  • Geographic coverage
  • Risk factors
  • Past non-conformities

Methods:

  • Surveillance audits
  • Document reviews
  • Risk-based assessments

23. Risk-Based Accreditation Oversight

Higher-risk certification bodies receive:

  • More frequent audits
  • Greater scrutiny

Risk Factors Include:

  • Rapid expansion
  • Multiple sectors
  • International operations

24. Maintaining Accreditation

To maintain accreditation, certification bodies must:

  • Conduct regular internal audits
  • Hold management reviews
  • Maintain impartiality
  • Update competence records

Failure may result in:

  • Suspension
  • Withdrawal

25. Importance of Impartiality

A cornerstone of ISO 17021 is impartiality.

Requirements:

  • Independent decision-making
  • Conflict of interest controls
  • Active impartiality committee

26. Benefits of ISO 17021 Accreditation

Accreditation provides:

  • Global credibility
  • Market trust
  • Regulatory acceptance
  • Competitive advantage

It ensures that certification bodies operate at international best practice levels.

27. Common Challenges in Accreditation

Applicants often face:

  • Documentation gaps
  • Lack of auditor competence
  • Weak governance structures
  • Financial planning issues

Solution:

Proper preparation and expert guidance.

28. Best Practices for Success

Procedure for ISO 17021 Accreditation

To improve success rates:

  • Develop a strong quality management system
  • Train auditors thoroughly
  • Conduct internal audits before applying
  • Ensure complete documentation

29. Role of Accreditation Bodies

Accreditation bodies like World Yoga Accreditation Body (WYAB) ensure:

  • Standardization
  • Credibility
  • Global recognition

They act as third-party evaluators of certification bodies.

30. Conclusion

The procedure for ISO 17021 accreditation is comprehensive and multi-layered, designed to ensure that certification bodies operate with the highest standards of professionalism, competence, and impartiality.

From initial application to full accreditation, the journey involves:

  • Rigorous documentation review
  • Practical audit demonstrations
  • Continuous monitoring

Certification bodies that successfully complete this process gain not only accreditation but also global trust and recognition, enabling them to deliver valuable certification services across industries.

Table of Contents

Branches

WYAB Accreditation
WYAB Head Office

WYAB World Yoga Accreditation Board
WYAB House
C/O Mr.Garry 54, Glengarnock Avenue,
E-14 3BP Isle Of Dogs, London UK
Tel .: +44-8369083940
email: info@worldyoga.us
Website: https://worldyoga.us/

MUMBAI Head Office

World Yoga Accreditation Board (WYAB)
WYAB House
B-401, New Om Kaveri Chs. Ltd., Nagindas pada,
Next To Shiv Sena Office, Nallasopara (E)
Tel .: +91-7499991895
email: info@worldyoga.us
Website: https://worldyoga.us/

DELHI-NCR Regd. Office

World Yoga Accreditation Board (WYAB)
WYAB House
Asaoti, Dist Palwal
Faridabad Delhi NCR, Haryana
Tel .: +91-7979801035
Fax: +91-250 2341170
Website: https://worldyoga.us/

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