What Is the Difference Between ISO Accreditation and ISO Approval?
Introduction
In the rapidly evolving quality and compliance world, there is one question that continually arises among Nigerian entrepreneurs — what is the difference between ISO accreditation and ISO approval, exactly?
If you’ve ever searched for ISO certification in Nigeria, you’ve probably come across both terms used interchangeably. Some consultants talk about being ISO accredited, while others claim their clients are ISO approved. But these phrases don’t mean the same thing — and mixing them up can cost your business credibility.
Let’s break it down simply, with everyday examples, and show you how both work together to create trust, quality, and worldwide recognition.
Understanding ISO Accreditation and ISO Approval
Before jumping into differences, let’s understand how the ISO ecosystem functions.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) itself doesn’t provide certificates. Rather, it develops international standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), or ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
These standards are applied, audited, and certified by certification bodies — companies authorized to issue ISO certificates. But who monitors them? That’s where accreditation steps in.
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What Is ISO Accreditation?
ISO Accreditation refers to a certification authority being officially accredited by an accreditation authority for conducting ISO certification audits.
More simply put, accreditation is a stamp of confidence that the certifier itself meets rigorous international standards of competence, integrity, and consistency.
Example:
Consider the Nigerian National Accreditation Service (NiNAS) — Nigeria’s national accreditation agency. When NiNAS accredits a certification firm, it indicates that the firm’s audits and certificates are internationally accepted and reliable.
Internationally, some other popularly recognized accreditation agencies are:
So, if a company is accredited by NiNAS or any of these international organizations, it implies that certification process has been comprehensively audited and confirmed.
Accreditation confirms the credibility of the certifier.
What Is ISO Approval (or ISO Certification)?
On the contrary, ISO Approval (also referred to as ISO Certification) indicates that a firm’s management system — for instance, its quality procedures, safety policy, or environmental practices — has been evaluated and determined to be conforming to the specifications of a given ISO standard.
This approval is issued by an accredited certification body following a successful audit.
Example:
Suppose “BrightEdge Foods Ltd” is a small agro-processing firm in Lagos.
They contacted a company for ISO 22000 certification (Food Safety Management System). On a set of gap assessments, reviews of documentation, and internal audits, they were granted ISO approval affirming that their food safety practices meet worldwide standards.
So, in this case:
- Company is an accredited certifier.
- BrightEdge Foods Ltd is the ISO approved company.
- Approval ensures the company’s compliance.
The Key Difference Between ISO Accreditation and ISO Approval
Here is a basic side-by-side comparison:
Aspect | ISO Accreditation | ISO Approval (Certification) |
Applies to | Certification bodies | Companies and organizations |
Issued by | National or international accreditation institutions | Accredited certification institutions |
Proves | Competence of the certifier | Compliance of the company |
Example | accredited by NiNAS | BrightEdge Foods approved to ISO 22000 |
Purpose | Guarantees credibility of certification process | Reflects business compliance and quality |
In a nutshell — accreditation establishes trust in the certifier, whereas approval establishes trust in your business.
Why Accreditation Matters When Getting ISO Certified
When your company becomes certified by an accredited certifying body, you receive a certificate that is globally recognized. This is very important for export contracts, government tenders, and overseas alliances.
Here’s what goes wrong when you don’t verify accreditation:
- Certain “certifiers” provide ISO certificates without any known accreditation.
- These certificates can be useless for international trade or tender submissions.
- You risk wasting money on a certificate with no professional or legal force.
Real-Life Case:
In 2024, one Abuja-based logistics firm made a bid for a tender from the federal government that demanded ISO 9001 certification. Tragically, the certificate they presented was signed by an unaccredited certifier. They were disqualified — despite spending millions of naira attempting to meet the requirement.
When they approached the accredited audit process helped them earn a valid ISO 9001 certificate recognized by both NiNAS and UKAS-accredited institutions.
This highlights why checking accreditation before certification is not just a formality — it’s a smart business decision.
How ISO Approval Strengthens Your Brand
Once your organization achieves ISO approval, it tells clients and stakeholders that you’re serious about quality, safety, and consistency.
Here’s why it benefits Nigerian SMEs:
- Customer Confidence: Customers trust ISO-certified businesses more since certification shows organized systems.
- Operational Efficiency: Adopting ISO standards results in less waste, fewer mistakes, and smoother workflows.
- Access to Bigger Opportunities: Many corporate customers and government institutions in Nigeria hire only ISO-certified suppliers.
- Better Reputation: ISO-approved companies excel in tender bids and marketing proposals both locally and internationally.
Misconceptions Regarding Accreditation and Approval
Most entrepreneurs get these two mixed up since the terms “approved,” “certified,” and “accredited” are often used interchangeably in marketing.
Here’s what to watch out for:
- If a consultant says, “We are ISO approved,” ask: “Who accredited you?”
- If a certifier says, “We provide ISO accreditation,” verify it with NiNAS or other recognized authorities.
- Always look for accreditation marks (like UKAS, ANAB, or NiNAS) on your certificate.
Only accredited certification bodies can deliver valid ISO certificates.
Selecting the Right ISO Partner in Nigeria
Choosing a reputable partner is as important as obtaining the certification.
Choose a company that:
- Is accredited by a recognized agency (NiNAS, UKAS, ANAB).
- Provides comprehensive support — from documentation to internal audits.
- Understands SME challenges such as cost and staff training.
- Offers transparent, step-by-step guidance.
Example:
At Maxicert, our experts streamline the ISO certification process for Nigerian companies.
From small Port Harcourt startups to large Lagos construction firms, Maxicert delivers internationally recognized certification with complete end-to-end support.
How Accreditation and Approval Collaborate
You can’t have one without the other.
- Accreditation guarantees that the process of certification is credible and unbiased.
- Approval guarantees that your business complies with global best practices.
When both collaborate, your company earns a certificate trusted not just in Nigeria but globally.
Conclusion
The difference between ISO accreditation and ISO approval goes beyond terminology — it’s about credibility and global trust. An accredited certifier ensures that your ISO approval is legitimate, verifiable, and internationally accepted.
If you’re a business owner in Nigeria looking for a trustworthy certification partner, Maxicert is here to help. We combine local expertise with international accreditation standards to deliver genuine, audit-backed ISO certification.
Start today with ISO Certification in Nigeria and build a business that meets global standards.
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FAQ
Can a company get ISO accredited?
No. Certification bodies alone are accredited (such as Maxicert). Companies become approved or certified to ISO standards.
What if my ISO certificate has been issued by an unaccredited body?
It could be rejected by government authorities, banks, or foreign clients. Always check the accreditation mark on your certificate.
Does being ISO accredited mean my company is automatically certified?
No. Accreditation applies to the certifier, not your company. You still need to go through an audit to achieve ISO approval.
How long does it take to receive ISO approval in Nigeria?
It can take between 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your preparedness, documentation, and number of staff.