1.1This guide provides guidance to organizations that need to utilize persons to perform assessments/audits (assessing bodies) of other organizations (assessed bodies) for purposes of recognition, accreditation or other type of approval to perform a function.

1.2An assessing body should consider the contents of this guide and apply it according to its unique situation. The elements of this guide should be applicable to the selection, assignment, and monitoring of assessors, auditors, and technical experts whether they are contract or permanent staff members.

1.3The text of this standard refers to notes and footnotes that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.

1.4This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.