The accreditation process, as well as the rights and obligations of the Accreditation Body of Montenegro (ATCG) and conformity assessment bodies in the procedure of granting and maintaining accreditation, are governed by document PA.01 – Accreditation Rules, available in the section “Documents / Accreditation Criteria and Rules”.

The accreditation process is carried out through the following phases:

• Submission of application for accreditation
• Application review
• Preparation for assessment
• Assessment
• Decision on accreditation
• Assessments within the accreditation cycle

In this way, the accreditation process is implemented in a consistent, transparent and comprehensive manner, in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of ATCG.

Phase 1 – Submission of Application for Accreditation

Depending on the accreditation field (scheme), the applicant submits to ATCG a completed Application for Accreditation, accompanied by the documentation specified in the relevant application form.

Application forms relevant to specific accreditation schemes are available in the section “Documents / Forms”.

Phase 2 – Application Review

ATCG reviews the submitted Application and accompanying documents in order to determine its completeness. If the Application is incomplete, the applicant is requested to provide the necessary additional information and documentation.

The review also assesses ATCG’s ability to carry out the accreditation process in the relevant field, in accordance with its established policies and procedures, including the availability of the necessary competence and resources. At the same time, consideration is given to the possibility of conducting the initial assessment and making an accreditation decision in a timely manner.

If the Application cannot be accepted (for example, if the applied scope falls outside ATCG’s field of activity or if competent personnel for conducting the assessment cannot be ensured), the applicant is informed accordingly, with an explanation of the reasons and, where appropriate, a proposal for an alternative solution (e.g. referral to another national accreditation body).

If all prerequisites for the proper conduct of the accreditation process are fulfilled, an Accreditation Agreement is concluded with the applicant, defining the mutual rights and obligations. The form ZPQ.00.07 – Accreditation Agreement is available in the section “Documents / Forms”.

Phase 3 – Preparation for Assessment

In this phase, ATCG plans and schedules the assessment activities, appoints the assessment team and conducts a preliminary visit, if requested by the applicant.

The assessment team consists of a lead assessor and an appropriate number of technical assessors and/or technical experts, ensuring that the team as a whole possesses the necessary competence to assess the scope of accreditation sought. The composition of the team (number of members and structure) is determined in accordance with the scope of accreditation and the complexity of the conformity assessment activities for which accreditation is requested.

Phase 4 – Assessment

The assessment is conducted by the appointed assessment team through a review of documentation and on-site assessment at the location(s) of the applicant where key activities within the scope of accreditation sought are performed.

For the purpose of the on-site assessment, an Assessment Plan is prepared and the applicant is informed thereof in a timely manner.

The on-site assessment consists of an opening meeting, the assessment and a closing meeting.

During the opening meeting, the applicant is informed about the assessment, including its objective, criteria, scope and course.

During the assessment, the applicant shall provide the assessment team with access to relevant documentation, premises where conformity assessment activities are performed, and personnel involved in the activities covered by the assessment.

At the closing meeting, the assessment team presents the assessment findings to the applicant, including any identified nonconformities and/or comments. The applicant is informed of the subsequent procedure, the deadlines for their resolution, and the next steps leading to the accreditation decision.

Any identified nonconformities should be eliminated within the period of three months, in accordance with the procedure prescribed in PA.01 – Accreditation Rules and PR.01 – Assessment of Conformity Assessment Bodies, available in the section “Documents”.

The assessment team verifies and confirms the adequacy of the corrective actions taken to address the identified nonconformities and formulates a recommendation regarding the accreditation decision.

Phase 5 – Accreditation Decision

The accreditation decision is taken by the Accreditation Committee and verified by the Director of ATCG.

The Committee reviews the accreditation case file submitted for decision-making, verifies its completeness and assesses whether the information provided is clear, sufficient and adequate for making an objective evidence-based accreditation decision. Where the available information is considered insufficient, the Committee may request additional clarification from the assessment team or the applicant, which may, where necessary, include the conduct of a supplementary assessment (at the expense of ATCG).

Note: More information on the composition and functioning of the Accreditation Committee is available in the section “About the Accreditation Body of Montenegro / Organisational Structure”.

In the event of a negative decision on the granting of accreditation, the applicant the applicant may lodge an appeal (see section “About the Accreditation Body of Montenegro / Complaints and Appeals”).

Following a positive accreditation decision, ATCG issues a Certificate of Accreditation with the corresponding scope of accreditation. Information on the accredited conformity assessment body is entered into the relevant register, which is publicly available on ATCG’s website under the section “Register of Accredited Bodies”.

The accredited conformity assessment body is granted the right to use the Accreditation Symbol, the use of which is governed by PA.02 – Rules for the Use of the Logo, Accreditation Symbol and Reference to Accreditation, available in the section “Documents / Accreditation Criteria and Rules”.

Phase 6 – Assessments within the Accreditation Cycle

The accreditation cycle lasts four years, after which accreditation may be renewed.

Throughout the accreditation cycle, ATCG monitors whether the accredited conformity assessment body continues to comply with the applicable accreditation criteria through various activities (on-site assessments, document reviews, etc.). For this purpose, an Assessment Programme is established, defining the surveillance activities to be carried out by ATCG during the accreditation cycle.

For the purpose of renewing accreditation, a reassessment is conducted.

During the accreditation cycle, changes to the granted scope of accreditation may occur, including extension, reduction, suspension or withdrawal of the scope, either partially or in full. Withdrawal of the scope in full results in withdrawal of accreditation.