IMAAB Accreditation Process

The process of becoming accredited by the International Management Accreditation Assessment Board (IMAAB) is designed to be clear, fair, and rooted in competence. Accreditation is voluntary and available globally to organizations and individuals operating in the field of management systems.

Step 1: Pre-Application

Before you formally apply, we conduct a pre-application review to assess whether your organization is eligible.
You will be asked to complete a Pre-Application Form and submit basic information.
Our Secretariat will evaluate your submission and advise whether you can proceed.

Step 2: Application

If you pass the pre-application review, you will be invited to formally apply by:

• Reviewing the Accreditation Manual

• Accepting the Accreditation Terms & Deed

• Uploading full documentation relevant to your application

• Paying the application fee

Your application is reviewed by IMAAB for completeness and alignment with the accreditation scope.
Incomplete applications will be returned for revision.

Step 3: Assessment

The assessment stage consists of two parts:

1. Systems Assessment – A review of your documentation and management system.

2. Compliance Assessment – Office assessment and, where relevant, observation of audits or real activities.

You may be required to participate in a clarification interview.
Findings, strengths, and any nonconformities are documented in an official assessment report.

Step 4: Decision & Certificate

The Accreditation Review Board evaluates the assessment report and makes a final decision.
If approved, you receive a Certificate of Accreditation, scope annexes, and your entry in the IMAAB Public Registry.

If not approved, reasons will be communicated and you may appeal or reapply.

Step 5: Surveillance

Accreditation is valid for 3 years, during which IMAAB will monitor compliance and performance. This includes:

• Scheduled or unscheduled surveillance visits

• Review of activities and sampling of documentation

• Clarification interviews or witnessing

If major issues arise, IMAAB may request corrective actions, reduce the scope, or suspend/withdraw accreditation.

Accreditation LOGO

Certified organizations are entitled to use the IMAAB Accreditation LOGO as shown below: 

Use of the LOGO is governed by the Accreditation Logo Usage Policy. 

Important Notes

Accreditation is based on demonstrated competence and ethical conduct.
Certification and auditing activities can be dynamic — if your situation changes significantly, IMAAB expects timely updates and transparency.

Your responsibility is to maintain your systems and keep your scope aligned.
If scope changes are required, these will be reviewed formally.

Ready to get accredited based on real-world competence?