The comparison
Two lanes, one honest table.
| Dimension | Independent (ASC) | GLOBAC-recognized route |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment criteria | The same international standards (ISO/IEC 17020 to 17065), applied under ISO/IEC 17011 discipline | The same international standards |
| Peer evaluation membership | No. ASC is not a GLOBAC signatory and says so plainly | Yes, through GLOBAC MLA peer evaluation |
| Explicit tender requirements for GLOBAC MLA | Not accepted | Accepted |
| Tenders and buyers that specify no accreditation body | Varies; confirm in writing | Accepted |
| Private B2B supply chains, internal programs, training, proprietary schemes | Accepted where the buyer accepts it | Accepted |
| Typical initial timeline | A few months from a complete application | Commonly 12 to 18 months |
| Investment | Comparable to the recognized route; see the estimator | Comparable; often higher with longer cycles |
How to check any accreditation body, including us
- Does it publish its procedures, fees, and suspension rules before you pay? ASC does.
- Is its register public, current, and honest about negative statuses? ASC's is.
- Does it disclose its recognition status without being asked? ASC does, on every page.
- Does it separate accreditation from certification? ASC performs no certification.
FAQ
The questions people actually ask.
Is non-IAF accreditation legitimate?
Accreditation is voluntary in most jurisdictions, and operating outside the IAF/ILAC (now GLOBAC) arrangements is lawful. Legitimacy depends on how the accreditation body actually operates: real assessments, published procedures, impartiality safeguards, and a verifiable register. That is exactly what buyers should check, for ASC and for anyone else.
When do I need GLOBAC-recognized accreditation instead?
When a tender, regulator, or scheme explicitly requires accreditation by a GLOBAC MLA signatory or a named national body, only that accreditation will do. Examples include parts of public procurement in India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the UK, several US federal programs, and GFSI-benchmarked food safety schemes.
What does independent accreditation cost compared with the recognized route?
ASC's fees are comparable to the recognized route; the difference ASC sells is time and access, not a discount. Beware of certificates sold for tens of dollars: at that price no real assessment has taken place.
Decided independent is the right lane?
Estimate your investment, then book a meeting.