Frequently asked questions

More information about accreditation can be found on the 'What is accreditation?' page.

The different sub-areas are described on the 'Disciplines' page.

You can use the search facility (on the home page or on the top right hand of every page) to find out which organisations are accredited for a specific activity. Type the activity (p.e. "sampling") and search in scopes.

You can search the list of accredited bodies for an organisation. You can also use the search function (filter by accredited bodies).

A certifying body assesses managementsystem or the products or services of a supplier. In the event of a positive outcome the supplier receives a statement of conformity in the form of a certificate or report. An accreditation body assesses the expertise, impartiality and independence of certifying bodies and of other confomity assessment bodies.

Product certification is about assessing a product, service or process. Management system certification is about assessing an organisation's management system. In the latter case there is therefore no statement about whether the products, services and processes of an organisation meet the specified requirements.

If an organisation no longer meets the accreditation requirements temporarily the accreditation is suspended on the request of the organisation (voluntarily) or by the RvA (imposed). In that case the organisation may no longer use the accreditation mark and may not make any other reference to the accredited status. Further information can be found in document BR002.

If an organisation no longer meets the accreditation requirements and cannot solve the problem within the specified timeframe, the accreditation is withdrawn by the RvA (imposed). The organisation can also ask the RvA to withdraw the accreditation (voluntarily). When the accreditation is withdrawn, the organisation may no longer use the accreditation mark and may not make any other reference to the accredited status. Further information can be found in document BR002.

You can select the required discipline via the Disciplines page. The explanatory notes will make reference to the associated standard.

An accreditation application is submitted using the application form.

The Application forms page contains a schematic overview to help you quickly find the forms you need to apply for an accreditation.

Different types of audit can be used to establish whether an accreditation can be granted. Further information about this can be found in document BR002.

The Accreditation process page provides a schematic overview of all of the steps in the accreditation process.

Further information about Category A and Category B non-conformities can be found in document BR004.

The way in which you have to deliver your corrective measures is described in document BR004.

You need to submit an application form for an accreditation application for the same standard.

An accreditation application for a new standard is handled in the same way as an application for a new accreditation.

The Accreditation process page describes the steps in an extenstion assessment.

ISO standards can be ordered from the NEN website.

A complaint can be submitted via our feedback page.

The RvA recognises two types of complaints: complaints about the work of the RvA and reports about the work of bodies accredited by the RvA. As a rule, reports are only handled after a complaint has first been submitted to the relevant body. In that way an body is given the opportunity of resolving any problems itself. Further information can be found in document BR008 (complaints) or BR002 (reports).

Send us a message (contact@rva.nl).