ABCBThe originally named Association of Certification Bodies was founded in 1984 in response to a UK Government proposal that certification bodies should associate together to provide a collective input to the National Accreditation Council. In 1992 the Association adopted its current title and was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1996. It is recognised by Government, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, UKAS, and a wide range of organisations as the lead UK trade association for third party certification bodies either accredited by UKAS or actively seeking UKAS accreditation. It also represents the interests of third party certification bodies accredited by signatories of the:

Multilateral Recognition Arrangements, MLAs. ABCB is represented within Europe and internationally through its membership of the European Federation of Associations of Certification Bodies, EFAC, an organisation which was founded by ABCB in 2002.