7 Critical Criteria to Consider When Choosing Accreditation Consultancy Services
The accreditation process is a journey that requires technical competence, impartiality, and sustainable quality management together, with very little room for error. The accreditation consultancy service you choose during this process directly affects the success of accreditation.
Although there are many consultancy offers on the market, not every service delivers the same results during accreditation audits. Therefore, selecting the right consultant is a decision that is just as critical as the accreditation standard itself.
In this article, we discuss the 7 critical criteria to consider when choosing accreditation consultancy services.
1. Standard and Accreditation Experience
An accreditation consultancy firm should have practical audit experience in the following standards:
- ISO/IEC 17020
- ISO/IEC 17021-1
- ISO/IEC 17024
- ISO/IEC 17025
- ISO/IEC 17065
- ISO/IEC 17000 series standards
Consultants who only prepare documentation are not sufficient; only those who understand audit practices can manage the process effectively.
2. Organization-Specific Approach (Avoid Copy–Paste Systems)
One of the most common mistakes in accreditation consultancy is progressing with ready-made templates.
Every organization has different:
- Fields of activity
- Personnel structures
- Technical infrastructures
- Target markets
For this reason, consultancy services must be organization-specific. Instead of ready-made documents, systems suitable for real-life implementation should be established.
3. Audit-Oriented Working Capability
A good accreditation consultancy service does not only prepare the application file—it ensures success in audits.
The consultant must be able to clearly answer the following questions:
- What do auditors focus on the most?
- Which nonconformities occur most frequently?
- How can these risks be eliminated in advance?
Consultancy services that lack audit knowledge put the entire accreditation process at risk.
4. Scope Definition Competence
Accreditation obtained with an incorrect scope leads to:
- Unnecessary costs
- Prolonged audits
- Increased risk of major nonconformities
Therefore, accreditation consultancy services must:
- Perform accurate scope analysis
- Take commercial objectives into account
- Offer phased (step-by-step) scope strategies
Scope definition is one of the most critical elements of accreditation consultancy services.
5. Internal Audit and Nonconformity Management Support
In the accreditation process, not only the application but also the following must be managed professionally:
- Internal audits
- Corrective actions
- Post-audit closure processes
An effective accreditation consultancy service:
- Conducts mock (trial) audits
- Identifies nonconformities in advance
- Produces permanent solutions through root cause analysis
6. Sustainability and Surveillance Audits
Accreditation does not end once it is obtained. Surveillance audits, scope extensions, and standard updates are part of an ongoing process.
For this reason, consultancy services must:
- Include post-accreditation support
- Ensure system sustainability
- Continuously prepare the organization for audits
Consultancy services should not only “obtain certificates” but also keep the system alive.
7. References and a Transparent Working Model
A reliable accreditation consultancy firm:
- Transparently shares previous projects
- Provides clear information about process duration and costs
- Makes realistic commitments
Promises such as “we’ll finish in a week what normally takes months” are usually a sign of risk.
Sertifike’s Approach to Accreditation Consultancy
At Sertifike, we view accreditation consultancy services as a process that is:
- Audit-oriented
- Sustainable
- Organization-specific
- Focused on generating commercial value
Within our services, we provide:
- Standard and scope analysis
- Organization-specific documentation
- Internal audits and mock audits
- Audit preparation and nonconformity closure
- Post-accreditation sustainability support
Our goal is to ensure that our clients complete the accreditation process in a risk-free, predictable, and successful manner.
Choosing the right accreditation consultancy service transforms accreditation from a burden into a competitive advantage. Choosing the wrong consultant, on the other hand, can lead to loss of time, cost, and reputation.
Therefore, when selecting consultancy services, not only technical knowledge but also audit experience, strategic perspective, and sustainability approach must be carefully evaluated.
At Sertifike, we manage this process on your behalf with confidence and transparency.
