Certification is the process by which individual facilities and organizations undergo assessment by a third-party auditor. If the facility meets the requirements set out in the standard or code, it can earn a certificate attesting to its compliance.

Third party assessment occurs when a facility is voluntarily audited against a standard or code by an independent, external body that is neither a direct purchaser nor a consultant. Performance deemed to be in compliance with the standard is acknowledged by the granting a certificate. This certificate can be displayed and its contents communicated to relevant parties such as buyers or brands.