Comparing the accreditation and registration programs

Organizations that want to inspect and certify measuring devices must be authorized by Measurement Canada through the accreditation program or the registration program.

By comparing the programs, you can decide which one is best for your organization.

Program comparison
Accreditation program
Accreditation program details
Registration program
Registration program details
Overview
Inspections can be carried out in most trade sectors. Inspections can be carried out in limited trade sectors.
Applies to inspections carried out under both the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act and the Weights and Measures Act. Only applies to inspections carried out under the Weights and Measures Act.
Requires a larger investment of resources and money. Requires a smaller investment of resources and money.
Scope
Allows for the inspection of any device under the scope of the organization's accreditation, regardless of the trade sector in which the device is used. Only allows for the inspection of devices used in specific trade sectors and/or certain inspection types.
For example, an organization accredited to certify truck scales can service the pulp and paper industry, the petroleum industry or the grain industry. For example, an organization authorized to certify truck scales used in the downstream petroleum sector may not be authorized to certify identical truck scales used in other trade sectors.
Quality management system
The organization must implement and maintain a quality management system. The organization does not need to implement or maintain a quality management system.
Training and evaluating technicians
Applies to weights and measures inspections only.

At least one person employed by the organization must successfully complete theoretical training.

Organizations that inspect weighing and measuring devices may then train additional employees themselves, but employees must be tested theoretically and practically by Measurement Canada before becoming recognized.

All potential recognized technicians of organizations inspecting weighing and measuring devices must successfully complete theoretical training and be practically evaluated by Measurement Canada before becoming recognized.
Monitoring
A risk analysis is performed to determine the next surveillance audit date. A risk analysis is performed to determine the date of the next conformity assessment.
Product audits Follow-up inspections
An inspection interview with each recognized technician is carried out at least every three years. An inspection interview (referred to as a follow-up inspection carried out in the presence of a technician) with each recognized technician is conducted every year.
Fees
Applicable training fee for each partial or full day, per technician.
Audit fees apply for the accreditation audit prior to the organization being granted accreditation. An initial assessment fee applies prior to the organization being granted registration.
Audit fees apply each time a surveillance or expansion of scope audit is completed. Assessment fees apply each time a conformity assessment is completed.

All fees are increased annually according to the consumer price index determined by the Government of Canada.

Required equipment

Organizations seeking accreditation or registration must acquire the following equipment:

  • certified measuring and test equipment
  • inspection markings
  • seals for measuring devices