Stage 01
Application
- You send the accreditation application form to AAA
- You pay the application fees
- AAA issues a letter confirming your accreditation is in process
Apply · Four assessment stages
Apply for accreditation.
Although there may be certain differences from one application request to the other, the general process remains the same for all candidate bodies: application, document review, assessment, decision. Here is what each stage involves — and the form to start it.
- 4Process stages
- 2 yearsCertificate validity
- 58Countries served
- 200+Accredited organizations
Start here
Start your application
Tell us who is applying and what you want accredited. An advisor will confirm the correct program, send the right application form, and list the documents to prepare.
- Confirms which program and standard applies to you
- Reply within two business days
- You receive the correct application form and document checklist
Already know your program? Go straight to the application forms — or book a 30-minute consultation first.
Accreditation process
What are the steps to get accreditation?
Four stages, the same for every candidate body — from the application you send us to the independent decision that puts your organization on the register.
Stage 02
Document Review
- AAA reviews your application and the related documents
- AAA sends you a Document Review Compliance Report
- You revise your documents according to the review results (if needed)
Stage 03
Assessment
- AAA defines the assessment dates and assessment team
- AAA conducts the on-site assessment visit
- AAA sends an assessment report with a recommendation for accreditation
- You implement corrective actions (if needed)
- The accreditation committee reviews the file for decision
Stage 04
Decision
- The accreditation decision is taken
- AAA issues an accreditation certificate valid for 2 years
- Your organization is registered in the American Directory of Competent Personnel (ADCP)
Accreditation is a cycle, not a one-off visit.The certificate issued at Stage 04 is valid for 2 years, and your organization is registered in the American Directory of Competent Personnel (ADCP) so third parties can verify it.
Application forms
Application forms for accreditation
Choose the form that matches your accreditation program, complete it, and send it to AAA with your supporting documents and application fees.
Before you submit
What to have ready
Document review is Stage 02 for a reason: the completeness of what you send with the application form is the biggest single influence on how quickly you reach assessment.
Send with your application
- Legal registration documents for the applicant entity
- Your management system documentation for the applicable standard
- The scope you want accredited — tests, methods, technical sectors or schemes
- Competence records for the personnel performing the accredited activity
- A list of the sites and locations to be covered
- Records showing the activity has been performed and internally reviewed
Additional requirements may apply.Technical requirements vary by program and requested scope. The AAA accreditation team will confirm anything further that applies to your application.
After the decision
What accreditation gives your organization
A positive accreditation decision is the start of the relationship, not the end of it. Accreditation has to be maintained, and it has to be verifiable by the people who rely on it.
- An accreditation certificate valid for 2 years, with an approved scope
- Registration in the American Directory of Competent Personnel (ADCP)
- The right to use AAA accreditation symbols under the published requirements
- Independent recognition that supports market access and procurement
Maintaining accreditation
- Keep operating to the standardAccreditation confirms competence at a point in time; maintaining it means the management system keeps working between assessments.
- Tell AAA about significant changesChanges to your legal status, sites, personnel or the scope of the accredited activity have to be notified so the accreditation stays accurate.
- Reassessment before expiryAhead of the certificate’s two-year expiry, AAA reassesses the organization so accreditation continues without a gap.
FAQ
Questions about applying
Forms, fees, findings and what happens once the accreditation decision has been taken.
How do I apply for AAA accreditation?
Download the application form for your accreditation program, complete it with your organization's details and requested scope, and send it to AAA with the application fees. AAA then issues a letter confirming that your accreditation is in process.
Is the process the same for every program?
Although there may be certain differences from one application request to the other, the general process remains the same for all candidate bodies: application, document review, assessment, decision.
How long is the accreditation certificate valid?
The accreditation certificate issued at the decision stage is valid for 2 years, subject to continued compliance with AAA's accreditation requirements.
What happens if the assessment identifies findings?
You implement corrective actions and submit supporting evidence. The accreditation committee then reviews the complete file — assessment report, corrective actions and evidence — before the accreditation decision is taken.
What is the ADCP?
The American Directory of Competent Personnel. Once the accreditation decision is taken, your organization is registered in the ADCP, which is how third parties can verify that an accreditation is genuine and current.
Do I need a quote before I apply?
Not necessarily, but most organizations start there. A quote scopes the assessment and sets out the applicable fees, so you know what Stage 1 commits you to before you send the signed application form.
Can a newly established organization apply?
Yes, provided it has implemented its management system and can demonstrate operational capability, competent personnel and records showing the activity being accredited has actually been performed.
Which application form do I need?
Choose the form that matches your program: training providers, testing and calibration laboratories, medical laboratories, personnel certification bodies, system or product certification bodies, inspection bodies, or proficiency testing providers. If you are unsure, ask an advisor before you complete anything.
International Accreditation … Accepted Globally
Ready to send your application?
Download the form for your program, or start with a quote so you know exactly what Stage 1 commits your organization to.