Apply for Accreditation
Application Requirements
Any potential applicant organization has to be in conformance with ISO 65 and demonstrate that it can operate as a professional certification body.
There are two options if your company wishes to carry out certification work:
- Become an accredited certification body yourself or
- Work as an affiliate of one of the accredited certification bodies.
The second option allows you to gain more experience with the certification procedures and enables you to apply for accreditation at a later stage.
- List of Accredited Certification Bodies
- FAQ: Who can apply for accreditation?
- FAQ: What are the different types of assessment that ASI conducts?
Costs of Accreditation
ASI-INF-20-106 (MSC Fee Schedule) (Version 1.2 - 31-01-2012, 444.01 kB)- ASI-INF-20-108 (Cost Estimates for FSC Forest Management and Chain of Custody Accreditation) (Version 2011 - 22-12-2010, 29.19 kB)
- ASI-INF-20-107 (Cost Estimates for FSC Chain of Custody Accreditation) (Version 2011 - 22-12-2010, 28.91 kB)
Accreditation Process
The initial accreditation process usually takes about 12-24 months, depending on the readiness of the applicant.
Step 1: Download or order the application pack
ASI recommends a careful review of the certification scheme documents before proceeding.
Step 2: Submit the completed application form
Please include all requested supporting information at the time of your application. The scope of accreditation must be clearly indicated on the application form. A fee may be raised for the Accreditation Application Pack depending on the scheme you are applying for.
Step 3: Be approved as an applicant for accreditation
ASI will review the application to verify its completeness. If approved, the applicant certification body will be invited to enter into a contractual accreditation agreement with ASI with applicant status.
Step 4: Document review
ASI will review the procedures and other documents submitted by the applicant including its Quality Management System.
Step 5: Initial assessments
In an office assessment, ASI evaluates the competence and capability of the applicant and verifies its compliance with Accreditation Requirements and the relevant Certification Standards. The applicant also needs to demonstrate that its auditors are qualified and show expertise to correctly implement the accreditation and certification requirements. This is confirmed at the applicant’s first audit.
Step 6: Granting accreditation
Based on the outcome of documents reviewed and initial assessments accreditation is granted initially for 3-5 years depending on the certification scheme following due process.
