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Accredited Certification Body | Approved Fachkundige Stelle

ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION AUTHORITY

All Certificates do not Hold the Same Bearing

Clients’, consumers’, legislators’ and business partners’ needs are growing in the globalised world. This growth is independent of industry. It pertains to quality, environmental protection, occupational safety, information security and all kinds of sectors, industries, or services, whether they be B2B or B2C. 

In order to facilitate a unified language in this highly complex global exchange of data and goods, it is important to build trust, facilitate improvements and build networks. This can be achieved through independent, neutral, and objective audits and the resulting certifications. 

 

The credibility of the certification process has the power to make or break the trust of the certification. This credibility is made up of attributes of independence, neutrality, objectivity and competence of the certifying body. 

 

In order for a certification body to become accredited, it needs to prove to the national accreditation authority that its certification operations are performed with professional competence, are in compliance with legal and standard requirements, and are on a level that is internationally comparable.

In the Republic of Germany, the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS) accredits and monitors all certification bodies. 

 

You can find an overview of all accredited authorities in the DAkkS database.

APPROVED FACHKUNDIGE STELLE

The Path to an AZAV Approval

The so-called approved Fachkundige Stellen (FKS) are approved and monitored by the DAkkS. 

The accreditation is based on standards, legal bases, as well as on the Accreditation and Admission Regulations for Work Promotion (AZAV) released by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. 

The approved FKS assesses the quality of quality management systems used by education providers, as well as quality procedures within the framework of the AZAV. After a successful AZAV certification, your education provider can offer and conduct professional certifications funded by public funds. 

 

You can find an overview of all approved FKS in the database of the Federal Employment Agency.

ADVANTAGES

Why Only Accredited Certifications are Recognised Nationally and Internationally

The supply of “Certifications”, “ISO Certifications” or “Certificates” is massive and often intransparent. Many service providers and consulting businesses, including renowned ones, offer certification services without possessing the appropriate accreditation. 

Requirements for certification bodies are very diverse and complex. This ensures that certificates are only issued if the standard and legal requirements have been fulfilled. 

 

Your business has a variety of advantages by receiving accredited certifications, amongst others:

 

  • Higher Acceptance of your Business, Products and Services

    • This eases market entry and often is the only way to make market entry possible, as many countries and industries require accredited certifications.

 

  • Globally Accepted and Recognised 

    • Save costs by obtaining internationally comparable and accepted accredited certificates, inspections, audits or calibrations. 

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  • Sharpen your Brand Compared to your Competition

    • Heightened trust in the quality and goodwill of your product or service, nationally and internationally, despite the limitless supply and competition.

 

Should you be unsure if an offered certification conforms to international requirements and therefore an accreditation, ask your provider. Every accredited certification body will readily and transparently answer your questions. Additionally, make sure to utilise the database of the corresponding national accreditation body, in this case the DAkkS, as well as the Federal Employment Agency’s resources.

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