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American National Standards
(ANS) Process

Become an ANSI-Accredited
Standards Developer

Only standards developers that are accredited by ANSI are eligible to sponsor documents for approval as American National Standards (ANS). But designation as an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer (ASD) is open to any organization that successful completes the ASD application process, demonstrating that their procedures for voluntary consensus standards development adhere to ANSI's requirements and oversight.

Whether you're a traditional standards developer, trade or labor association, industry group or consortium, academic institution, government agency, consumer group – or any other type of legal entity working on standards in the United States – you can apply for ANSI accreditation to be eligible to develop and sponsor American National Standards.

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Ready to get accredited or learn more about the process?

Below are the steps in ANSI's accreditation of standards developers divided into two phases – getting accredited and staying accredited. Getting accredited is a one-time application/review process, while staying accredited includes ongoing maintenance requirements overseen by ANSI.

Click on Step 1 to start at the beginning, or if you're already engaged in the process or just want to learn more, click on an individual step for further details including relevant requirements, policies, and guidance for each step or phase.

While numbered here chronologically, some steps can be undertaken concurrently, and the order they're undertaken may vary based on an ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer’s own procedures.

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Already Accredited?

Access to steps to submit documents for approval as American National Standards

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Looking For A Quick Review?

Access a print-friendly summary of the American National Standards process steps

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Questions About The Process?

Questions about the American National Standards process or how to get started?