These are independent authorities who accredit any organisation that issues certificates of qualification, attainment or compliance to their clients. They should be independent of such organisations and should police them to ensure that they perform each pre-certification assessment (audit) to the required Standard - ISO 17020. There are several such bodies but you should ensure that the Certification Body providing your certifications is reputable, independent and internationally recognised. For example; IQS Audits Ltd is accredited by ASCB, who operate world-wide; they audit IQS Audits regularly to ensure compliance.