Achieving ISO/IEC 17020:2026 accreditation requires more than technical expertise. Inspection bodies must establish a documented management system that demonstrates competence, impartiality, consistency, and compliance with accreditation requirements.

One of the biggest challenges during implementation is developing the required documentation. Creating procedures, forms, manuals, and records from scratch can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

When selecting an ISO 17020:2026 documentation package, consider the following:

✔ Coverage of all applicable ISO/IEC 17020 requirements

✔ Editable and customizable templates

✔ Internal audit checklists and audit support tools

✔ Risk and impartiality assessment formats

✔ Document and record control procedures

A comprehensive package should typically include:

• Quality Manual

• Mandatory Procedures

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

• Inspection Forms and Records

• Internal Audit Checklists

• Management Review Templates

• Risk & Impartiality Assessment Documents

• Document Control and Record Control Procedures

The right documentation package can help inspection bodies reduce implementation time, improve audit readiness, and achieve accreditation more efficiently.

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To prepare for an ISO 17020 audit, inspection bodies should understand the standard’s technical and management requirements, conduct a gap analysis, and ensure robust documentation. Training staff, completing internal audits, addressing nonconformities, and staying organized on audit day are key steps to achieving ISO 17020 accreditation.

ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation is a globally recognized standard that establishes the competence of inspection bodies. It ensures that organizations conducting inspections operate with integrity, impartiality, and technical proficiency. This accreditation applies to various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, environmental assessment, and regulatory compliance. The scope of ISO 17020 accreditation includes a broad range of inspection services aimed at ensuring safety, quality, and conformity across industries.

ISO 17020 Accreditation

ISO 17020 Inspection Bodies Accreditation