Frequently Asked Questions About PACI

Accreditation is a formal process through which the competence and capability of an organization to perform specified conformity assessment activities are evaluated against defined requirements and a specified scope.

Organizations performing, or intending to perform, applicable conformity assessment activities may be eligible to apply, subject to the eligibility conditions, requirements and scope of the relevant PACI accreditation programme.

Depending on the applicable PACI schemes and scopes, organizations may include certification bodies, inspection bodies, laboratories and other entities performing defined conformity assessment activities.

An accreditation scope defines the specific activities for which an organization has been assessed. Depending on the scheme, it may identify standards, products, services, methods, sectors, technical areas or other defined parameters.

No. Accreditation applies to the defined scope for which the organization has been assessed. Activities outside the approved scope should not be represented as being covered by that accreditation.

The accreditation process may involve application, eligibility review, document evaluation, assessment activities, technical evaluation, treatment of findings and an accreditation decision. Continuing oversight or reassessment may apply according to the relevant PACI procedure and scheme.

There is no single processing period that applies to every application. Timing can depend on the organization, requested scope, completeness of documentation, assessment requirements, availability of evaluators and the resolution of any findings.

A defined or limited scope may be possible where the applicable PACI scheme permits it. The final scope is determined through the applicable application, assessment and decision process.

Scope expansion may be possible subject to the applicable PACI requirements. Additional documentation, technical review or assessment may be required before an expanded scope is granted.

A scope can potentially be reduced where the applicable rules allow it. Any reduction should be reflected in the organization’s official accreditation or status record.

After an accreditation decision, the organization remains subject to the applicable conditions, scope limitations and ongoing oversight requirements. Continued status depends on maintaining conformity with the relevant requirements.

No. Accreditation is not a guarantee that every activity or result produced by an organization is free from error. It relates to evaluated competence and specified activities within the defined scope and applicable requirements.

Not necessarily. Accreditation and regulatory approval are distinct concepts. Whether accreditation satisfies a regulatory requirement depends on the laws, regulations, contractual requirements or other applicable rules involved.