A label is a sign of recognition created by a public body, a professional organization, an association, or a private consortium. It is characterized by a protected trademark, a logo, and a name. It embodies claims about the origin, virtues, properties, or manufacturing conditions of a product or service, according to specifications drawn up by the entity that created the label, which are not considered standards within the meaning of AFNOR standards. Unlike certification, which is issued by an independent body accredited by the public authorities, it corresponds to a regulated procedure and must comply with Articles L. 433-1 et seq. of the Consumer Code.

The assessment consists of evaluating the maturity of a company wishing to pursue an improvement process, i.e., its ability to achieve its objectives. The auditor-assessor adopts a dialogue-based approach, using open-ended questions. The recognition awarded often includes different levels: beginner, exemplary, etc. In contrast, in the context of certification, the auditor only verifies compliance with the requirements of a very specific set of standards. They stick to the specifications, pointing out any deviations (major or minor).

Verifying claims requires analyzing the accuracy, reliability, sincerity, and robustness of the calculation methodology, process, or data collection that led to the claims made by an entity. The entity requests verification in order to lend credibility to its promise, through an independent third party. For example, to certify that its product is indeed reused. If the challenge for the entity is to validate the robustness of a calculation method, such as a carbon footprint, the auditor verifies the quality of the input and output data (particularly their format), but not the result itself.

The aim is to validate the methodology used to develop an improvement scenario, with a view to ensuring that the objective can be credibly achieved with the resources deployed. This takes the form of a documented program designed to ensure that a method, process, or system consistently produces results that meet predefined acceptance criteria. Validation focuses on a process and verifies that it meets the predefined performance and quality objectives.

Certification is based on a set of criteria or a standard. The audit is carried out on site to see how things are actually done, consult documents, etc. The client therefore knows exactly how they are being assessed, thanks to a standardized process, resulting in the award of a mark of recognition that is supposed to act as a differentiating factor in the market. For their part, whether financial or extra-financial, rating agencies assign a unilateral rating that sanctions the company's behavior and performance, allowing for classification and comparability, using their own method, with the sole aim of sending a signal to investors.

Any certifying body may apply for accreditation, but is not required to do so. However, accreditation adds value and enhances the entity's credibility in the eyes of its customers and prospects. It guarantees that the entity employs ethical and professional practices. To obtain accreditation, the certification body itself is audited on its good practices in auditing and implementing certification processes, based on various standards such as ISO 17029 (for validation or verification services), ISO 17065 (for service certification) and NF X50-091 (for company qualification). The accreditation body (COFRAC in France) can be described as the certifier of certifiers, a kind of police force for police forces.