Chapter 05 · Standards & assuranceConformity Assessment, Certification & Assurance
Verification statement
Definition
A verification statement is a formal statement issued after verification that describes the subject matter, criteria, conclusion and any relevant limitations.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Verification statement” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Verification statement should be read as a conformity-assessment term. Its meaning depends on the criteria, assessor competence, scope and decision that relies on the assessment.
In practice, users should state the standard, boundary, method and evidence behind the term. That keeps verification statement useful without overstating assurance or performance.
Why it matters
Verification statement matters because certification and assurance language affects trust. Clear use helps readers understand who assessed what, against which criteria, with what independence and with what limits.
Common misconception
A common error is to treat Verification statement as a guarantee by itself. The stronger approach is to state the applicable standard, scope, assessor role and limits of the conclusion.
Review questions
What criteria or boundary gives the term meaning? Who assessed or evidenced it? What limitation should be stated so a reader does not treat the term as broader than it is?
How it is used
Standard setters, scheme owners, certification bodies, auditors and organisations seeking assurance use “Verification statement” in standards, certification, conformity assessment, audits, controls and assurance engagements.
In each case, the user should state the named standard or scheme, version, scope, criteria, assurance level and competent decision-maker; otherwise, the same term may be applied to materially different situations. In this context, it refers to a formal statement issued after verification that describes the subject matter, criteria, conclusion and any relevant limitations.