Overview
ISO/IEC 17020 sets out the requirements for the operation of the various types of bodies performing inspection, addressed here as a second, independent treatment within the 2026 conformity-assessment context. The standard exists to ensure that inspection bodies work competently, consistently, and impartially, giving assurance that their inspection findings are trustworthy and acceptable to clients, authorities, and the wider market. It applies to inspection bodies classified as type A, B, or C, distinguished by their level of independence, and it is used across a broad range of sectors such as industrial plant, pressure equipment, electrical installations, vehicles, construction works, and statutory inspection schemes. A defining feature of the standard is its treatment of impartiality and independence: the body must be structured and governed to protect objectivity, must analyse and control threats stemming from ownership, commercial pressures, or conflicting activities, and must satisfy the independence criteria appropriate to its type. Competence requirements concern the selection, training, authorization, and ongoing monitoring of inspectors and technical staff, the use of validated inspection methods, and the proper control of equipment and any outsourced work. The standard also defines structural, resource, process, and management-system requirements, including inspection procedures, the handling and identification of items, records, the issuance of inspection reports and certificates, complaints and appeals, and a management system that may follow prescribed clauses or be based on ISO 9001. Belonging to the ISO/IEC 17000 series, ISO/IEC 17020 uses shared conformity-assessment vocabulary and operates alongside ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17065, and related standards. Accreditation bodies working under ISO/IEC 17011, commonly signatories to the ILAC arrangement, accredit inspection bodies to ISO/IEC 17020. The main benefits include dependable and internationally recognized inspection outcomes, reduced duplication of effort, strengthened regulatory and customer confidence, and better safety and quality. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 demonstrates that an inspection body is competent, impartial, and consistently operated.
Included: 121 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.