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ANAB vs. UKAS: Similarities and Differences Between These Two Leading Accreditation Bodies

September 12, 2024 | ISO 27001, ISO 42001

For organizations pursuing compliance against frameworks like ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and ISO 42001, selecting the right certification body is a crucial decision that can impact both the certification process and the integrity of your cybersecurity program overall.

In order to ensure the credibility of your compliance program and promote trust with customers and stakeholders, it’s important for organizations to work with a firm like BARR Certifications that is accredited by a recognized accreditation body to perform these rigorous audits.

Among the leading accreditation bodies, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) are highly regarded for their roles in upholding international standards. Both organizations are members of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and aim to ensure that the certification bodies they accredit meet rigorous criteria for quality, reliability, and independence. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key similarities and differences between ANAB and UKAS, and answer the question of whether U.K.-based organizations can work with ANAB-accredited auditors like BARR.

ANAB and UKAS: Key Similarities

While ANAB and UKAS have a few key differences, there are many similarities between the two accreditation bodies. Both ANAB and UKAS are members of the IAF, a global organization that oversees accreditation bodies worldwide to ensure they conform to consistent, high-quality standards. Membership in the IAF signifies that both ANAB and UKAS operate under a unified framework of quality and reliability, ensuring that accreditation from either body can be considered valid and trustworthy.

In addition, ANAB and UKAS both comply with the ISO/IEC 17011 standard. This standard ensures that both accreditation bodies operate under rigorous criteria for quality management, independence, and competence. What’s more, both organizations conduct regular evaluations and surveillance to verify their ongoing compliance with this standard. By following these strict guidelines, ANAB and UKAS ensure that the certifications issued by their accredited bodies are reliable and globally recognized. 

ANAB and UKAS are also similar in terms of their core values. Both organizations require that their accredited certification bodies avoid conflicts of interest and operate with a strong sense of impartiality. This means that certifications are awarded purely based on merit and adherence to the established standards. 

An unwavering commitment to impartiality and transparency is crucial for maintaining the credibility of ISO 27001 and similar certifications. By working with an ANAB- or UKAS-accredited firm, organizations can trust that their certifications reflect a genuine adherence to international standards, reinforcing their security postures and bolstering confidence in their compliance programs. 

ANAB vs. UKAS: What’s the Difference?

Even with all of these similarities, the most prominent difference between ANAB and UKAS is that ANAB primarily serves organizations in the United States, while UKAS focuses on the United Kingdom. By focusing on a specific region, each body can develop and maintain a deep understanding of local regulatory requirements and industry practices. 

This also allows each accreditation body to tailor their services to fit the markets they serve. For instance, ANAB provides a wide range of accreditations relevant to U.S. organizations in specialized fields like environmental sciences and food safety. However, this doesn’t mean that organizations outside the U.S. cannot work with ANAB-accredited auditors—quite the opposite, in fact.

Can UK-Based Organizations Work with ANAB-Accredited Auditors?

Absolutely! Because ANAB’s accreditation is recognized internationally and adheres to the same rigorous standards as other leading accreditation bodies—like UKAS—organizations in the U.K. and around the world can achieve ISO 27001 certification with ANAB-accredited auditors. As long as the certification body is accredited by ANAB, its certifications are valid globally, including in the U.K.

This flexibility allows U.K.-based organizations to choose certification bodies based on their specific needs, without being restricted solely to UKAS-accredited firms. For fast-growing cloud service providers, it makes sense to prioritize working with an auditing firm like BARR Certifications that specializes in working with SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS organizations. 

Why else do organizations choose BARR for their ISO certifications?

  • BARR specialists have deep experience in conducting certification audits and gap assessments against standards like ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and ISO 42001.
  • BARR serves as a trusted advisor to organizations in some of the most regulated industries, including technology, financial services, healthcare, and government.
  • 40% of BARR’s reports are delivered early.
  • BARR offers competitive, fixed rates to accommodate growing enterprises.
  • We put you and your business first, providing unparalleled communication and accessibility at all times.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn about our streamlined approach to ISO 27001 engagements.

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