Terms and Conditions

These terms describe use of the Accreditation Body of North America (ACBNA) website and general accreditation responsibilities. A signed accreditation agreement defines the contractual terms for services; submitting an online inquiry or application is not represented as signing that agreement.

Use the website lawfully and do not interfere with its operation, attempt unauthorized access, submit misleading information, or misuse its content. ACBNA logos and accreditation symbols must not be reproduced or used as an endorsement without appropriate authorization.

Website information provides general guidance. Confirm the current requirements applicable to your program with ACBNA before relying on information for an accreditation decision.

Conformity assessment bodies must meet the applicable standard, including ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17024, or ISO/IEC 17065, together with applicable program requirements. Changes and transition arrangements should be confirmed with ACBNA.

The accreditation cycle is 4 years with annual surveillance and reassessment for continued accreditation.

Provide complete, accurate, current information and notify ACBNA of significant changes to legal status, ownership, management, personnel, premises, resources, or scope. Maintain appropriate arrangements for liabilities arising from your operations.

Cooperate with document review, assessments, witnessing, and verification of relevant outsourced activities. Arrange appropriate access to records, premises, personnel, and client activities while respecting confidentiality obligations.

Maintain a documented process for complaints and appeals concerning accredited activities, with records of investigation, decisions, and corrective actions. ACBNA may review relevant records during assessment.

Adverse accreditation decisions may be challenged through ACBNA’s published Complaints and Appeals procedure.

Use accreditation symbols only for authorized activities, locations, and scope. Do not imply that ACBNA certifies or approves a product or that non-accredited activities are accredited. Reproduce accreditation certificates completely and without misleading alteration.

Follow the Usage Rules for Accreditation Symbols; correct unauthorized or misleading claims promptly.

ACBNA’s accreditation activities are intended to be impartial and based on objective evidence. Confidential assessment information is protected, subject to applicable legal obligations and authorized disclosure. Public information about accreditation status and scope is separate from confidential records.

Any international recognition or mutual-recognition arrangement must be confirmed for the relevant program.

Failure to maintain conformity, unresolved findings, or a voluntary request may lead to a review of accreditation status. Decisions, corrective actions, and appeal rights follow the applicable agreement and procedure.

Where accreditation is suspended, withdrawn, or reduced, stop affected accreditation claims and symbol use, inform relevant clients, and comply with ACBNA’s instructions regarding certificates and reports.

Contract duration, termination, liability, dispute resolution, governing law, amendments, and other binding provisions must be specified in the agreement issued by ACBNA. Review the issued agreement for the provisions applicable to your engagement.

Contact ACBNA to request the current agreement and clarify any conditions before entering a contractual commitment.