Guidance on terms and Conditions

These terms describe use of the Quality Accreditation Commission (QAC) website and general accreditation responsibilities. A signed accreditation agreement defines the contractual terms for services. Submitting an online inquiry or application is not represented as signing that agreement.

Apply the website lawfully and do not interfere with its operation, attempt unauthorized access, submit misleading information, or misuse its content. QAC logos and accreditation symbols must not be reproduced or used as an endorsement without appropriate authorization.

Website information provides general guidance. Verify the current requirements applicable to your program with QAC before relying on information for an accreditation decision.

Conformity assessment bodies must meet the applicable standard, including ISO/IEC 17021-1, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17024, or ISO/IEC 17065, together with applicable program requirements. Changes and transition arrangements should be confirmed with QAC.

Accreditation follows a four-year cycle, with annual surveillance and reassessment required for continued accreditation.

Provide complete, accurate, current information and notify QAC of significant changes to legal status, ownership, management, personnel, premises, resources, or scope. Maintain appropriate arrangements for liabilities arising from your operations.

Cooperate with document review, assessments, witnessing, and verification of relevant outsourced activities. Arrange appropriate access to records, premises, personnel, and client activities while respecting confidentiality obligations.

Keep a documented process for complaints and appeals concerning accredited activities, with records of investigation, decisions, and corrective actions. QAC may review relevant records during assessment.

QAC’s published Complaints and Appeals procedure provides the route for challenging adverse accreditation decisions.

Apply accreditation symbols only for authorized activities, locations, and scope. Do not imply that QAC certifies or approves a product or that non-accredited activities are accredited. Reproduce accreditation certificates completely and without misleading alteration.

Follow the Usage Rules for Accreditation Symbols. Correct unauthorized or misleading claims promptly.

QAC’s accreditation activities are intended to be impartial and based on objective evidence. Confidential assessment information is protected, subject to applicable legal obligations and authorized disclosure. Public information about accreditation status and scope is separate from confidential records.

Confirm the applicability of international recognition or mutual-recognition arrangements to the relevant program.

Failure to maintain conformity, unresolved findings, or a voluntary request can lead to a review of accreditation status. Decisions, corrective actions, and appeal rights follow the applicable agreement and procedure.

Where accreditation is suspended, withdrawn, or reduced, stop affected accreditation claims and symbol use, inform relevant clients, and comply with QAC’s instructions regarding certificates and reports.

Contract duration, termination, liability, dispute resolution, governing law, amendments, and other binding provisions must be specified in the agreement issued by QAC. Examine the issued agreement for the provisions applicable to your engagement.

Consult QAC to request the current agreement and clarify any conditions before entering a contractual commitment.