01
Objectivity
Decisions are based on evidence and applicable accreditation requirements.
Our Commitment
Impartiality & Independence
Protecting the integrity, objectivity, and credibility of every accreditation decision.At the American Accreditation Association (AAA), we are committed to independent, fair, and evidence-based accreditation, free from undue influence, conflicts of interest, or commercial, financial, or other pressures.
Why It Matters
Confidence Depends on Independent Judgment
Impartiality is fundamental to credible accreditation because stakeholders must be able to trust that assessments and decisions are made objectively, consistently, and on the basis of evidence.
Accreditation only has value when assessment and decision-making are objective, evidence-based, and free from inappropriate influence.
Impartiality helps ensure that accreditation decisions are based on applicable requirements and verified evidence rather than commercial interests, personal relationships, financial considerations, or other pressures.
02
Independence
Accreditation activities are protected from inappropriate influence or competing interests.
03
Confidence
Stakeholders can place greater trust in accreditation when decisions are made fairly and consistently.
Impartiality supports the credibility of accreditation.It helps ensure that organizations are evaluated against the same applicable requirements without favoritism, bias, or undue influence.
Our Safeguards
How AAA Safeguards Impartiality
AAA applies governance, oversight, and operational safeguards designed to protect accreditation activities from conflicts of interest, inappropriate influence, and other risks to impartiality.
Independent Oversight
Advisory CommitteeOversight of Impartiality
AAA's Advisory Committee has responsibility for supporting the impartiality of accreditation activities. The Committee provides an additional level of oversight by considering matters that may affect impartiality and helping ensure that accreditation activities remain objective and independent.
01
Conflict of Interest Management
Potential conflicts of interest are identified and managed to help prevent personal, professional, commercial, or other interests from compromising the objectivity of accreditation activities.
02
Separation of Assessment and Decision-Making
Accreditation decisions are subject to independent review and are appropriately separated from assessment activities, helping ensure that decisions are not made solely by those who conducted the assessment.
03
Evidence-Based Accreditation Decisions
Accreditation decisions are based on assessment evidence, applicable requirements, documented findings, and established decision-making processes.
04
Competent & Objective Personnel
Assessors, technical experts, and other personnel involved in accreditation activities are expected to have appropriate competence for their assigned roles and to perform those roles objectively and professionally.
Impartiality is protected through both governance and operational controls.These safeguards work together to support fair, consistent, and credible accreditation activities.
Confidentiality
Protecting Information Entrusted to AAA
Accreditation activities may require organizations to share operational, technical, commercial, and organizational information. AAA is committed to handling this information responsibly and protecting its confidentiality throughout the accreditation process.
01
Confidential Handling
Information obtained during accreditation activities is treated as confidential and handled with appropriate care.
02
Purpose-Limited Use
Information is used only for legitimate accreditation activities and related organizational responsibilities.
03
Controlled Access
Access to confidential information is limited to personnel, assessors, experts, and decision-makers who require it for their assigned roles.
04
Responsible Disclosure
Confidential information is not disclosed to third parties unless authorized, required by applicable obligations, or necessary within the accreditation process.
Where disclosure is required by law or other binding obligations,AAA will handle such disclosure in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Accountability
A Clear Process for Concerns and Appeals
AAA maintains defined processes for handling complaints and appeals to support fairness, transparency, and accountability in its accreditation activities.
01
Complaints
Complaints provide a formal way to raise concerns about AAA services, conduct, accreditation activities, or other matters that require review.
Complaints are reviewed through an established process designed to ensure concerns are considered objectively and addressed appropriately.
02
Appeals
Appeals provide a structured mechanism for organizations seeking formal reconsideration of an accreditation decision.
Appeal requests are reviewed in accordance with the applicable procedure and are handled in a manner intended to support fairness and independence.
Protecting impartiality in review. Complaints and appeals are handled in a manner intended to ensure that those involved in reviewing the matter are appropriately independent from the issue being considered.
View Complaints & Appeals ProcedureQuestions or Concerns?
We're Here to Help
If you have questions about AAA's impartiality, confidentiality, complaints, appeals, or accreditation processes, our team can provide guidance and direct you to the appropriate information or procedure.