# Accreditation Body: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009 define accreditation body, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/accreditation-body/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Wood (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 7 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Accreditation body is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “An approved, third-party organization that is independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits and subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency related to carrying out specific tasks.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wood (IBC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 2009), Foundations (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Accreditation Body** — IBC 2009, Wood:

> An approved, third-party organization that is independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits and subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency related to carrying out specific tasks.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Accreditation Body: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/accreditation-body/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009 define accreditation body, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Accreditation Body** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

> An approved, third-party organization that is independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits and subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency related to carrying out specific tasks.

## Where accreditation body is used in the code

The term appears in 7 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| [Building Planning](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/building-planning.md) | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| [Foundations](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/foundations.md) | IRC 2009 | 2 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| [Floors](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| [Roof-ceiling Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/roof-ceiling-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |
| [Wall Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about accreditation body, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> Sawn lumber used for load-supporting purposes, including end-jointed or edge-glued lumber, machine stress-rated or machine-evaluated lumber, shall be identified by the grade mark of a lumber grading or inspection agency that has been approved by an accreditation body that complies with DOC PS 20 or equivalent.

— [IBC 2009 §2303.1.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md)

> Lumber and plywood required to be pressure-preservative-treated in accordance with Section R318.1 shall bear the quality markofan approvedinspection agency that maintains continuing supervision, testing and inspection over the quality of the product and that has been approved by an accreditation body that complies with the requirements of the American Lumber Standard Committee treated wood program.

— [IRC 2009 §R317.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/building-planning.md)

> All load-bearing lumber shall be identified by the grade mark of a lumber grading or inspection agency which has been approved by an accreditation body that complies with DOC PS 20.

— [IRC 2009 §R404.2.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/foundations.md)


## The terms accreditation body is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what accreditation body covers:

- **[Approved](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/approved.md)** — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.

## Accreditation Body: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Wood | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Foundations (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Approved | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Approved: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/approved.md)
- [Wood Structural Panel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/wood-structural-panel.md)
- [Treated Wood: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/treated-wood.md)
- [Shear Wall: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/shear-wall.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of accreditation body?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “An approved, third-party organization that is independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits and subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency related to carrying out specific tasks.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on accreditation body?

In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Wood in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What is the definition of an accreditation body?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Wood: “An approved, third-party organization that is independent of the grading and inspection agencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits and subsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the competency and performance of a grading or inspection agency related to carrying out specific tasks.” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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