Assessment of conformity with the standard EN 15038
Terminology
* Self-declaration
TSPs wishing to comply with the requirements of the standard can if they wish make a unilateral statement (e.g. on their website or letterheads) that they work in accordance with the standard. This is not verified by anyone and has to be taken on trust.
* Registration
This is a variant of self-declaration in which the unilateral statement is registered by a central body such as a standards institute or related service company. A fee is charged for this service and may entitle the TSP to use the registration body's signet or logo to draw attention to such registration. Like self-declaration, this does not entitle the TSP to claim that it is certified.
* Certification
Here the TSP submits to an audit by a third party in the form of an accredited certifying body, which verifies that the TSP has the relevant procedures in place and that it complies with the requirements of the standard. Certification is given for a limited period, and its continuation or renewal is subject to follow-up audits at specified intervals. As an objective procedure performed by a third party, certification is more expensive. It also involves more preparatory input on the part of the TSP.