QAC — Quality Accreditation Commission QAC Quality Accreditation Commission

Accreditation

Use of the Accreditation Symbol

Official requirements governing the appropriate use of QAC accreditation symbols.

Policy

Accreditation symbol policy

This policy defines how accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs) may use QAC accreditation symbols.

Verification during assessment

QAC assessors examine samples of certificates and other documents during CAB assessments to verify conformity with these requirements.

  • Technical requirements for reproducing symbols
  • Requirements for correct symbol display
  • Accreditation references in written and promotional material
  • Required registration numbers and scope references accompanying QAC symbols
  • Uses expressly prohibited by the policy
  • Consequences of non-compliance with symbol requirements

Distinguishing QAC marks

Corporate identity and authorized accreditation symbols

QAC’s corporate logo identifies the commission. Accreditation symbols identify the applicable standard and may be used only within an accredited organization’s approved scope.

QAC corporate logo

Reserved for QAC use

Corporate logo

No other organization may use the QAC corporate logo for any purpose.

  • Presentations by QAC permanent or contracted staff
  • Official QAC stationery
  • Use by assessors acting on QAC’s behalf is not permitted
QAC general accreditation symbol

Authorized use by accredited CABs

Accreditation symbol

Use the program-specific symbol corresponding to your approved scope, accompanied by your assigned certificate or registration number.

  • Restricted to QAC-accredited CABs
  • The certificate or registration number must accompany the symbol
  • A reference to the approved scope is required
  • Separate symbols for each accreditation standard

Symbols

Symbols specific to each accreditation program

Each QAC accreditation program has a distinct symbol identifying its applicable standard. Display the matching symbol only for activities within the approved accreditation scope.

QAC ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation symbol — Management System Certification Bodies

ISO/IEC 17021-1

Management System Certification Bodies

QAC ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation symbol — Product Certification Bodies

ISO/IEC 17065

Product Certification Bodies

QAC ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation symbol — Testing and Calibration Laboratories

ISO/IEC 17025

Testing and Calibration Laboratories

QAC ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation symbol — Inspection Bodies

ISO/IEC 17020

Inspection Bodies

QAC ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation symbol — Personnel Certification Bodies

ISO/IEC 17024

Personnel Certification Bodies

Mandatory

Conditions for displaying accreditation symbols

Certificate / registration number

Each display of a QAC accreditation symbol must include the CAB’s assigned certificate or registration number.

QAC Certificate No. QAC-YY-Client shortname-series

Accredited by QAC (Cert. #QAC-26-MGS-009)

Referencing the approved scope

Each symbol display and written reference to QAC accreditation must identify the CAB’s specific approved scope.

  • “For detailed scope, see www.example.com/scope”
  • “Accredited for ISO 170XX certifications”
  • “Scope of accreditation available upon request”
  • Provide the complete scope on the same page or document

Wording

Accreditation references in written material

When describing accreditation in writing without using the symbol, follow these examples:

Correct

  • “ABC Laboratory is accredited by the Quality Accreditation Commission (QAC) for testing services as detailed in our scope of accreditation.”
  • “This organization is QAC-accredited (Certificate No. AMSCB-0001-23-001) for ISO 9001:2015 certification services.”
  • “Accredited by QAC in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for the tests listed in our scope document.”

Incorrect

  • “We are fully accredited” — fails to identify QAC or the accredited scope
  • “QAC certified company” — incorrectly presents QAC as a certification body
  • “Internationally accredited” — does not identify QAC and is insufficiently specific

Reproduction

Reproducing the accreditation symbol

Approved formats and image quality

  • Use only QAC-supplied high-resolution EPS, SVG or PDF files
  • Digital images must have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI
  • Preserve the original aspect ratio; do not stretch or distort the artwork
  • Printed symbols must be at least 25 mm wide

Colour, contrast and positioning

  • Retain the official QAC colors without alteration
  • Maintain a clear area of at least 10 mm around the symbol
  • Single-color materials may use a monochrome version
  • Use a clear background that provides adequate contrast

Not permitted

Prohibited uses

The following uses are prohibited in all circumstances.

Use on products or packaging

Do not place the accreditation symbol on products or packaging, or use it in a manner suggesting that QAC accredits or approves the product itself.

Use outside the scope of accreditation

Use of the symbol is restricted to activities, standards and services included in the approved accreditation scope.

Modification of the symbol

The symbol’s design, colors, proportions and individual elements must remain unchanged.

Misleading placement or context

Do not position or present the symbol in a way that misrepresents the nature, extent or scope of accreditation.

Use without a certificate number

The accompanying certificate or registration number must not be omitted when displaying the accreditation symbol.

Use without a scope reference

Every use of the symbol or accreditation claim must include a reference to the approved scope.

Use after suspension or withdrawal

Accreditation symbols and claims must not be used after suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.

Transfer to other organizations

Subsidiaries, parent companies and other organizations must not use your symbols unless they are separately accredited.

Combination with other marks

Written approval is required before incorporating the QAC symbol into a composite logo or combining it with other marks.

Consequences of non-compliance

QAC applies sanctions according to the nature and severity of symbol misuse.

Questions? Contact us
  1. 1

    Written warning and corrective action request

    For a minor or first violation, QAC issues a written warning and requires the CAB to remedy the misuse within a stated period.

  2. 2

    Formal nonconformity

    Significant or repeated misuse results in a formal nonconformity, requiring documented root-cause analysis and corrective action.

  3. 3

    Suspension of accreditation

    Serious misuse, or misuse left unresolved, may result in suspension of all or part of the accredited scope.

  4. 4

    Withdrawal and legal action

    Persistent or deliberate misuse may lead to withdrawal of accreditation, a public notice and legal action to protect QAC’s marks.