Let me explain the difference between certification and accreditation in a more human way.
Imagine you have a company that produces organic food products. You want to show your customers that your products meet certain standards and are safe to consume. So, you decide to get your company certified.
Certification is like getting a stamp of approval from a third-party organization. They come in and audit your systems and processes to ensure that you are following certain standards and regulations. In this case, they would look at things like how you grow your food, how you handle and process it, and how you label your products. If they find that you meet all the requirements, they will give you a certification.
Now, let’s talk about accreditation. Accreditation is a bit different. It is also a third-party recognition, but it is more focused on the competence and impartiality of the organization itself, rather than the products or systems they offer.
Going back to our organic food company example, let’s say you want to start testing your products in-house to ensure they are free from harmful chemicals. To do this, you need to have the proper equipment and trained staff. So, you decide to get your laboratory accredited.
Accreditation involves an independent evaluation of your laboratory’s technical competence and impartiality. They will look at things like the qualifications and training of your staff, the calibration and maintenance of your equipment, and the accuracy of your test results. If they find that your laboratory meets all the requirements, they will give you an accreditation.
Certification is about confirming that an organization’s systems or products meet certain standards, while accreditation is about recognizing an organization’s competence and impartiality to perform specific technical activities, such as certification, testing, and inspection.
I hope this explanation helps clarify the difference between certification and accreditation in a more human way!