scope:

The scope of this work is to define the application of a conformity assessment methodology, based on the existing published ISO/IEC standards and guides, to the process assessment of process quality characteristics and organizational process maturity, performed according to the requirements of the ISO/IEC 33001-33099 series of process assessment standards, and supporting the use of other international standards including ISO/IEC 29110 and ISO/IEC 30105, in order to support an environment which encourages worldwide recognition of conformity assessment results. Conformity assessment, also known as compliance assessment, is any activity to determine, directly or indirectly, that a process, product, or service meets relevant standards and fulfils relevant requirements. The subject of conformity assessment activities may include testing, inspection or certification. Conformity assessment in this International Standard can be performed by various types of bodies that meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020:2012, Conformity assessment - Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection. The term =inspection' as used in ISO/IEC 17020 is synonymous with the term =process assessment' as defined in ISO/IEC 33001 and used throughout the ISO/IEC 33001-33099 series of standards. Whilst a process assessment may be performed solely according to the ISO/IEC 33002 requirements for performing an assessment, performing a process assessment in the context of conformity assessment according to a conformity assessment scheme brings with it additional requirements and involves a functional approach consisting of a number of stages: selection - determination - review and attestation, plus surveillance when there is a need to provide continuing assurance of conformity.