Institute of European Standards and Quality 
Conformity assessment
Conformity assessment examines whether specified requirements are met. Its subject may be a product, process, service, system, person or claim. The applicable activity depends on the object, the requirements and the purpose of the result.
Activity and responsible body
Testing, inspection, certification and other evaluation activities have different methods and responsibilities. The arrangements for an assignment identify which body performs each task and which body is responsible for the resulting document or decision.
Requirements and programme
The applicable reference must be identifiable. A programme sets out its object, criteria, evaluation process and result conditions. Where the work follows a statutory procedure, the applicable legal route and authorised roles require separate identification.
Process
The process begins with scope and capability review. Agreed evaluation activities are followed by the review and decision required by the programme. The steps, information obligations and treatment of findings are explained before the work is commissioned.
Result types
A report records work and findings. A certificate or other attestation has the meaning assigned by the relevant programme and issuing body. Results for management systems, products and people are not interchangeable.
Accreditation and authorisation
A claim of accredited work must identify the accredited legal entity and the activity covered by its scope. An authorisation held by a delivery partner is not automatically an authorisation of the Institute. The specific record must support the claim being made.
Impartiality and scope
The suitability of an assignment includes the ability to perform it impartially. Prior involvement, commercial relationships or other interests can affect that judgement. The response must address the relationship concerned and the requirements of the activity.
Select the appropriate route
Read the particular programme's object, criteria and result description before requesting an assessment. If the route is unclear, explain the intended use of the result rather than asking only for a certificate.