The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has launched an online survey in order to capture information from the users of certification services that can help IAF members better understand the value and drivers for certification. As a member of IAF, IAS is committed to supporting this important initiative.

The survey is intended to provide IAF and its members with information that will enable us to further develop the principles and best practices that support conformity assessment and deliver the confidence needed for greater market acceptance.

To ensure that the survey reaches a wide representation of businesses and users of certification, we are encouraging your participation. The survey is short and should take no longer than five minutes to complete.

The survey is accessed by visiting the link below:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/298138/iaf-certification-survey-usa

"User feedback is critical for the continued development of healthy conformity assessment programs" observed Patrick McCullen, IAS Vice President and Chief Technical Officer. "This is tremendous opportunity for users of certification to provide their input directly to IAF and its members. We believe that this initiative will provide valuable information for the accreditation and conformity assessment community. Thank you in advance for your participation."

The survey closes in October 2011, and the responses will be reported at the IAF General Assembly that will take place in November 2011.


About IAF
IAF is a global association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies. IAF membership includes accreditation bodies from nations in all parts of the world, industry representatives and accredited certification/registration bodies, in an international organization which seeks to encourage development of a single system of mutual recognition of conformity assessment activities.

IAF's objectives include facilitating trade and commerce, in accordance with World Trade Organization policies, by establishing a Multilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MLA) based on the equivalence of accreditation programs operated by accreditation body members, verified through peer review among those accreditation body members. IAF promotes the international acceptance of accreditations granted by its MLA signatory accreditation body members, based on the equivalence of their accreditation programs. For more information about IAF and role in supporting conformity assessment, please visit the IAF website at http://www.iaf.nu.

IAS is proud to be a member and active supporter of The International Accreditation Forum (IAF). IAS is a signatory to the IAF MLA for Product Certification. For information on IAS's Product Certification Agency Accreditation Program, please visit our website at www.iasonline.org, or contact Ronald Coiner, Program Manager at rcoiner@iasonline.org.