Certification Bodies

A certification body acts as the independent third party that handling the certification process. It provides:

• Assessments (audits): These conclude with formal reports detailing the outcome of the assessment and any gaps between the organisation’s current operations and the standard requirements.
• Certification: As a proof of successful completion of the assessment(s); the certification body issues for example the formal ISO certification. 

Importance of Accreditation:
ISO and other standards themself do not certify or issue certificates; they provides valuable guidance. Certification bodies ensure competence and impartiality and are accredited themselves.