This is chapter 4 of the Accreditation: Where standards, conformity and quality meet orientation module. A transcript of the video follows below.

Transcript

Chapter 4: How does the accreditation process work?

Accreditation is a cyclical process achieved through several steps:

• Application
• Documentation review
• Assessment
• Resolution of findings
• Independent review of accreditation report, and
• Approval

To apply:

• Your product, service or system must fall within the scope of an existing accreditation program,
• You must be a member of the world trade Organization,
• Your industry sector is of high economic importance to Canada, and
• You must submit your application form, required documentation and fees.

Before an assessment can begin, the customer must:

• Have a quality management system in place
• Complete a self-assessment against the appropriate set of standards, and
• Approve the membership of the assessment team

And the assessor must:

• Review documentation submitted by the customer
• Prepare an assessment plan, and
• Liaise with other members of the assessment team

The assessment includes:

• Opening and closing meetings
• Interviews with representatives from the organization (including management and technical staff)
• Review of records
• Tours of the facility, and
• Presentation of findings (including nonconformities, observations and commendations)

Once the assessment is complete, the customer will receive a findings report which outlines non-conformities (in other words, areas that do not conform to the requirements of the standard). Through submission of action plans and supporting evidence, the customer must resolve the findings within specified timeframes. An independent review of the report follows, to ensure that the recommended accreditation decision is justified.

SCC's Vice-President, Accreditation Services, has the delegated authority to render final accreditation decisions. Any challenges to these decisions must be made through a written appeal.

Following the accreditation decision, the customer receives a scope of accreditation, this is the official detailed statement of activities for which the organization is accredited, and which certifies that the organization is competent to offer the service defined by the scope.