A2LA recognizes the very close relationship between certification and testing yet understands that certification includes a variety of activities not covered in testing laboratory accreditation. Certification includes the examination of test reports for compliance with specified criteria - both domestic and international. As such, A2LA introduced an accreditation program for product certification bodies in December 2005. A certification body may apply for accreditation separately or, if they are also engaged in testing, measurement or sampling work, they may apply for accreditation for this work concurrent with their application for accreditation of their certification activities.

The general criteria for A2LA accreditation of product certification bodies are contained in ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems. Additional criteria may be needed depending on particular user needs (e.g. FCC).

A2LA accreditation attests that a product certification body has demonstrated:

• that it is competent to perform specific product certifications or specific types of product certifications;
• that its quality system is documented, is fully operational, and addresses and conforms to all elements of ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996;
• that it is operating in accordance with the required quality system; and
• that it conforms to any additional requirements established by A2LA.

Accreditation is based on A2LA's assessment of a product certification body's performance including procedures, staff competence and reporting. It is available to all certification bodies including in-house services.