What is the Difference Between Accreditation and Certification?

Accreditation and certification are both quality assurance processes, but they serve different purposes and are applied to different entities. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Entity: Accreditation is given to organizations, institutions, or companies, while certification is provided to individuals.
2. Purpose: Accreditation legitimizes an organization within an industry by ensuring its operations meet a set of predetermined standards. Certification, on the other hand, verifies that an individual has adequate credentials to practice in a certain field or that a product meets specific requirements.
3. Provider: Accreditation is typically performed by governmental agencies or groups of accrediting bodies approved by a federal body. Certification can be provided by various organizations, such as non-governmental agencies, industry boards, or associations.
4. Scope: Accreditation focuses on the organization's quality management system and technical capabilities. Certification, however, is used to verify that personnel have adequate credentials to practice certain professions or that products meet specific requirements.

In summary, accreditation is a process that evaluates and recognizes organizations, institutions, or companies, while certification is a process that verifies the competency and authority of individuals or products within a specific industry.

Comparative Table: Accreditation vs Certification

The main difference between accreditation and certification lies in their focus and the level of authority. Here is a table summarizing the differences:

Both processes are voluntary, but they contribute to maintaining the overall quality and reputation of an institution or individual. Accreditation ensures that an institution or program meets specific standards, while certification ensures that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job effectively.