Get certified

A label is a sign of recognition created by a public body, professional organization, association or private consortium. It is characterized by a protected trademark, a logo and a name. It embodies claims about the origin, virtues, properties or manufacturing conditions of a product or service, in accordance with specifications drawn up by the entity creating the label, which do not take the form of a standard within the meaning of AFNOR standards. Unlike certification, which is issued by an independent body accredited by the public authorities, corresponds to a regulated procedure and must comply with articles L. 433-1 et seq. of the French Consumer Code.

Assessment consists in evaluating the maturity of a company wishing to follow an improvement process, i.e. its ability to achieve its objectives. The auditor-evaluator adopts a dialogue posture, with open-ended questions. The sign of recognition often includes levels: beginner, exemplary, etc. In the case of certification, on the other hand, the auditor verifies compliance only with the requirements of a very precise set of standards. He sticks to the specifications, pointing out any deviations (major or minor).

Claim verification involves analyzing the accuracy, reliability, sincerity and robustness of the calculation methodology, process or data collection that led to the claims made by an entity. To lend credibility to its promise, the company requests verification by an independent third-party organization. For example, to certify that a product has been re-used. If the aim is to validate the robustness of a calculation method, such as a carbon footprint, the auditor checks the quality of the input and output data (notably their format), but not the result as such.

The aim is to validate the methodology used to draw up an improvement scenario, with the aim of making it credible that the objective will be achieved with the resources deployed. This translates into a documented program to ensure that a method, process or system consistently delivers a result corresponding to predefined acceptance criteria. Validation focuses on a process, verifying that it achieves the predefined performance and quality objectives.

Certification is based on a set of criteria or a standard. The audit is carried out on site, to see how things are really done, to consult documents, and so on. Customers know exactly how they are being assessed, thanks to a standardized process that leads to the awarding of a mark of recognition intended to act as a differentiating criterion on the market. For their part, whether financial or non-financial, rating agencies assign a unilateral rating that sanctions a company’s behavior and performance, enabling it to be ranked and compared, using their own methods, with the sole aim of giving a signal to investors.

Any certification body may apply for accreditation, but is not obliged to do so. However, it adds value and reinforces the entity’s credibility in the eyes of its customers and prospects. It’s a guarantee that it deploys ethical and serious professional practices. To obtain accreditation, the certification body itself is audited on its good auditing practices and the implementation of certification processes, on the basis of various standards such as ISO 17029 (for validation or verification services), ISO 17065 (for service certification) or NF X50-091 (for company qualification). You could say that the accreditation body ( COFRAC in France) is the certifier’s certifier, a sort of police force.