Overview
ISO/IEC 17020 specifies the requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection, considered here in a 2026 context that reflects continued alignment with the wider conformity-assessment framework. Its purpose is to ensure that inspection bodies operate competently, consistently, and impartially, so that their inspection results are reliable and command confidence among clients, regulators, and other stakeholders. The standard applies to inspection bodies of type A, B, or C, which differ according to their degree of independence, and it covers inspection across many sectors, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, in-service equipment, and regulatory inspection regimes. Impartiality is a central requirement: the body must be organized and managed to safeguard objectivity, identify and manage threats arising from relationships, ownership, or other activities, and, according to its type, meet defined levels of independence. Competence requirements address the qualification, training, and monitoring of inspectors and technical personnel, the use of appropriate methods and procedures, and the control of equipment and any subcontracted activities. The standard further specifies structural, resource, process, and management-system requirements, including inspection methods and procedures, handling of inspection items and samples, records, inspection reports and certificates, complaints and appeals, and a management system that may be based either on a set of prescribed clauses or on ISO 9001. As part of the ISO/IEC 17000 series, ISO/IEC 17020 shares common conformity-assessment terminology and works alongside standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17065. Accreditation bodies operating under ISO/IEC 17011, typically within the ILAC arrangement, accredit inspection bodies against ISO/IEC 17020. The main benefits include reliable and internationally recognized inspection results, reduced duplication, enhanced regulatory and market confidence, and improved safety and quality outcomes. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 confirms that an inspection body is competent, impartial, and consistent in its operations.
Included: 60 ready-to-use, fully editable documents (manual, procedures, forms, records, checklists, guidance and training material).
License: single-organization license; delivered electronically as a ZIP archive.
From purchase to audit-ready
Buy & download instantly
Pay securely by card. Your ZIP download link appears immediately on the confirmation page and in your email.
Edit & brand as your own
Open the native Word & Excel files, add your logo and details, and adapt everything to your organisation.
Implement & get audit-ready
Roll out the manuals, procedures, forms and checklists to build a working, certification-ready system.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly do I receive?
A downloadable ZIP containing the full set of ready-to-use documents for this toolkit — manuals, procedures, forms, records, checklists, guidance and training material, all in editable Word and Excel format. The exact document count is shown at the top of this page.
Are the documents really editable?
Yes. Every file is native Microsoft Word or Excel — no locked PDFs. Add your logo, change wording, and tailor the content to your organisation. The toolkit is yours to keep and reuse.
Does this certify my organisation?
No. These are documentation toolkits aligned to the relevant standard to help you prepare. Certification itself is issued by an accredited certification body after their audit. Our toolkits give you a strong, audit-ready starting point.
How is it delivered?
Instantly and digitally. There's no physical shipment — you download the files right after payment and receive a backup link by email.
Do I get updates?
Yes. If we revise this toolkit, you're entitled to the updated version at no extra cost — just contact us with your order details.
What is your refund policy?
Because these are digital products delivered instantly, all sales are final once downloaded. If you have any issue with your files, contact us and we'll make it right. See our Refund Policy for full details.