Certificates are representative of detailed knowledge about the way companies work. Certificates can therefore be used to create trust in the way things are done. Certification is not a commitment by management, but is based on an audit by external, independent service companies, including TÜV, DEKRA, DQS and Lloyd’s Register. For German academic study programs, for example, FIBAA, based in Bonn, and AQUAS, based in Cologne, are available to carry out the assessment procedures of the study programs, while certification is carried out by the respective National Accreditation Council.
The value of a certification is determined by the accreditation status of the certifiers. Therefore, make sure to use accredited service providers for your certifications so that your system certifications are recognized. Accreditations are regulated by law in Germany. They are based on an EU Regulation (No. 765/2008) and on the respective National Accreditation Body Act. In Germany, the sole accreditor for certification service providers is the German Accreditation Body DakkS, based in Braunschweig, which in turn is under the supervision of the Federal Government.