ISO certification registration process

Here’s a clear, practical overview of the ISO certification registration process, whether you're going for ISO 9001, ISO 27001, or another standard.

✅ ISO Certification Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
🔹 1. Choose the Right ISO Standard
Decide which ISO standard fits your business needs:

ISO 9001 – Quality Management

ISO 27001 – Information Security

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety

ISO 22000 – Food Safety, etc.

🔹 2. Select the Scope of Certification
Define what parts of your business will be covered:

Entire company or specific departments

Specific locations, services, or processes

🔹 3. Understand the Standard
Study the ISO standard’s requirements:

Buy the official standard at iso.org

Use checklists or hire a consultant

🔹 4. Gap Analysis (Optional but Recommended)
Assess your current processes against ISO requirements:

Identify missing controls or documentation

Plan what needs to be fixed or added

🔹 5. Implement the Management System
Create and implement policies, procedures, and controls:

Define responsibilities

Train staff

Document your processes

Maintain records

🔹 6. Conduct an Internal Audit
Check your system internally to ensure it’s working:

Use an audit checklist

Identify and correct nonconformities

🔹 7. Conduct a Management Review
Top management reviews the system's performance and approves readiness for certification.

🔹 8. Select an Accredited Certification Body
Choose a recognized certification body (CB) to conduct the audit:

Must be accredited (e.g., by IAF, NABCB, UKAS)

Examples: BSI, TÜV, SGS, DNV, Intertek

🔹 9. Certification Audit (External Audit)
🔸 Stage 1 – Documentation Review:
CB checks if your documentation meets ISO requirements

🔸 Stage 2 – On-Site Audit:
CB verifies implementation through employee interviews, record checks, and process observation

🔹 10. Address Any Non-Conformities
If the auditor finds issues:

Implement corrective actions

Submit evidence of fixes to the CB

🔹 11. Receive ISO Certificate
If successful:

You receive the certificate (valid for 3 years)

The CB conducts surveillance audits annually

🔹 12. Maintain and Improve
Keep records up to date

Conduct regular internal audits and reviews

Prepare for recertification every 3 years

🧾 Documents Commonly Required:
Quality or ISMS manual

Policies (e.g., quality, information security)

Process/procedure documents

Internal audit reports

Risk assessments

Training and competency records

📌 Notes:
Registration usually takes 3–6 months depending on readiness

Certification cost depends on size, complexity, and chosen CB

You don’t register directly with ISO.org – registration is through a certification body