Accreditation Bodies
Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies. Specifies general requirements for the competence, consistent operation, and impartiality of accreditation bodies across all sectors.
ISO/IEC 17011 specifies requirements for accreditation bodies that assess and accredit conformity assessment bodies (laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies). It provides a framework for the consistent and impartial operation of accreditation, including participation in peer evaluation through multilateral recognition arrangements such as the IAF MLA and ILAC MRA.
Accreditation bodies sit at the top of the conformity assessment infrastructure, providing independent assessment of conformity assessment body competence. The standard governs how bodies like UKAS, DAkkS, ANAB, and NATA operate to maintain international recognition of their accreditation.
ACI-certified auditors develop understanding of accreditation body requirements and are equipped to evaluate accreditation system management.
Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO/IEC 17011.
Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.
Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.
Available Grades for ISO/IEC 17011
All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.
Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.
For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.
Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.
Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.
Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.
The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.
Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.