> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/icr-program/validation-and-verification/accreditation.md).
# Accreditation
Accountability
> *Accreditation is a process of evaluating conformity assessment bodies against established standards to guarantee their impartiality and competence in carrying out specific activities, such as certifications, inspections, tests, validation, and verifications.*
Conformity assessment is a demonstration that a product, service, system, organization, or individual is meeting the stated requirements or claims. This process can encompass activities such as testing, validation, inspection, verification, and certification. The demonstration of compliance with standards and other criteria is increasingly important for consumer confidence, particularly in the case of environmental claims. Accreditation bodies exist in many countries to oversee conformity assessment bodies and ensure they are subject to authoritative review. By utilizing international standards, government entities, consumers, and procurers can have confidence in the validity of validation and verification statements provided by accredited validation and verification bodies.
All validation and verification bodies (VVBs) providing validation and verification for projects under the ICR Program hold ISO 14065 accreditation issued by an accreditation body that is a member of the [International Accreditation Forum (IAF)](https://iaf.nu) or [Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (GACI)](https://www.global-aci.org). The IAF is a global network of accreditation bodies and organizations involved in conformity assessment activities. Its primary objectives are:
1. To expand and maintain the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) between Accreditation Body Members, reducing risk for businesses and customers and ensuring that an accredited certificate or validation/verification statement can be trusted globally.
2. To harmonize accreditation practices around the world.
3. To promote accreditation as an effective tool for providing confidence in goods and services, which is essential for the facilitation of global trade.
The accreditation and competence framework for VVBs under the ICR Program is based on [ISO 14065](https://www.iso.org/standard/74257.html), [ISO 14066](https://www.iso.org/standard/82544.html) and [ISO 17029](https://www.iso.org/standard/29352.html). Validation and verification are conducted in accordance with [ISO 14064-3](https://www.iso.org/standard/66455.html) and the [ICR Validation and Verification Specifications](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/icr-program/validation-and-verification/criteria).
### Eligibility of validation and verification bodies
A VVB is eligible to provide validation and verification services under the ICR Program where it is an [approved VVB](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/icr-program/validation-and-verification/approved-validation-and-verification-bodies-vvbs), meaning it:
1. is approved by ICR;
2. holds valid ISO 14065 accreditation issued by an accreditation body that is a member of IAF or GACI, covering the applicable validation or verification activity and sectoral scope; and
3. has an active VVB agreement with ICR.
The VVB shall hold accreditation and ICR approval for all sectoral scopes relevant to the project, unless ICR has accepted another arrangement consistent with the VVB's accreditation and applicable ICR requirements.
The VVB shall designate and disclose to ICR the ISO 14065 accreditation under which each ICR engagement is conducted. This makes the responsible accreditation arrangement clear on every engagement, including where a VVB holds more than one accreditation.
Assessment of conformity with ISO 14065, ISO 14064-3, ISO 14066, ISO 17029 and accreditation requirements remains the responsibility of the accreditation body. ICR approval and oversight of VVBs relate to performance under the ICR Program and do not constitute accreditation assessment.
See [ICR Definitions v3.3](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/icr-program/fundamentals/definitions) (approved VVB) and [ICR Validation and Verification Specifications v3.0](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/icr-program/validation-and-verification/criteria), section 5.1.1. VVBs seeking ICR approval can [apply here](https://documentation.carbonregistry.com/documentation/icr-program/validation-and-verification/approved-validation-and-verification-bodies-vvbs/application-for-vvbs).
## Accreditation process
