Global Trust Accreditation Forum

About GTAF

Building confidence through independent, impartial and competent accreditation — with a clear commitment to integrity, transparency and international cooperation.

Who We Are

A trusted framework for credible accreditation

Global Trust Accreditation Forum (GTAF) provides independent accreditation services designed to strengthen confidence in conformity assessment, certification, inspection, testing, validation, verification and personnel certification activities.

GTAF's approach is founded on competence, impartiality, consistency and transparent processes. Through structured assessment and ongoing oversight, GTAF seeks to support reliable conformity assessment outcomes and greater confidence among organizations, regulators, industry and international stakeholders.

Our accreditation programmes are designed around defined requirements, qualified assessment resources, evidence-based evaluation and independent accreditation decisions.

At a Glance

Confidence through accreditation

GTAF brings together structured accreditation processes, technical competence and impartial decision-making to help build confidence in conformity assessment results.

50+Countries served
200+Qualified assessors
10+Accreditation programmes
100%Commitment to integrity
Vision, Mission & Values

What guides GTAF

Our purpose is expressed through a clear vision, a practical mission and values that guide how accreditation is delivered and decisions are made.

Vision

To build lasting global confidence through credible, transparent, competent and internationally respected accreditation.

Mission

To provide consistent and impartial accreditation services that strengthen trust in conformity assessment results and support confidence in organizations seeking recognition in domestic and international markets.

Values

  • Independence and impartiality
  • Technical competence and integrity
  • Transparency and consistency
  • Confidentiality and responsibility
  • Continual improvement
  • Respect for international best practice
Independence & Impartiality

Decisions built on objectivity

Credible accreditation depends on decisions that are objective, evidence-based and protected from undue influence.

GTAF's impartiality framework is intended to identify and manage risks that could affect objective assessment or accreditation decisions. Responsibilities, controls and review mechanisms are structured to support independence throughout the accreditation process.

Impartial Decisions

Accreditation decisions are based on objective evidence and defined requirements.

Conflict Controls

Potential conflicts of interest are identified, evaluated and managed through appropriate controls.

Confidentiality

Information obtained during accreditation activities is handled responsibly and with appropriate confidentiality.

Transparent Processes

Defined requirements and documented processes support consistency and stakeholder confidence.

International Cooperation

Working toward global confidence

International cooperation helps accreditation systems communicate confidence across borders and sectors.

GTAF maintains an international orientation by aligning its programmes and technical framework with recognized accreditation principles and by supporting cooperation, knowledge exchange and consistent approaches to conformity assessment.

Where appropriate, international relationships and technical cooperation can help promote mutual understanding, strengthen assessor competence and encourage harmonized assessment practices.

Global Perspective

Internationally oriented programmes designed to support confidence across markets.

Cooperation

Encouraging professional collaboration and exchange across the conformity assessment community.

Knowledge Exchange

Supporting continual learning, technical development and sharing of good practices.

Continual Improvement

Using feedback, assessment experience and technical learning to improve accreditation services.

Governance Structure

Clear responsibilities. Strong oversight.

GTAF's governance framework is designed to provide accountability, oversight and appropriate separation of responsibilities across accreditation activities.

Governance framework

Effective governance supports the integrity of accreditation by establishing defined authority, accountability and oversight. Operational activities and accreditation decision functions should be managed with appropriate separation to protect impartiality.

Governing / Oversight BodyStrategic direction, accountability and oversight
Impartiality & Technical OversightReview of impartiality risks and technical governance
Executive ManagementOperational leadership and implementation
Assessment & Technical ResourcesAssessors and technical experts supporting evidence-based evaluation

Governance Principles

  • Defined authority and accountability
  • Protection of impartiality
  • Competent and responsible decision-making
  • Confidentiality and information security
  • Documented responsibilities and controls
  • Continual review and improvement
Executive Leadership

Leadership with purpose and accountability

GTAF's executive leadership is responsible for translating the organization's strategic direction into effective, competent and consistent accreditation operations.

Executive Leadership

Strategic Direction

Provides organizational leadership, establishes priorities and supports the effective implementation of GTAF's policies and objectives.

Accreditation Management

Operational Excellence

Coordinates accreditation programmes, resources and process controls to support consistent and timely service delivery.

Technical Leadership

Competence & Assessment

Supports technical consistency, assessor competence and evidence-based evaluation across applicable accreditation scopes.

Build confidence through accreditation.

Explore GTAF accreditation programmes or begin your application journey.