Choosing a certification body
How to choose an ISO certification body
Start with the required standard, your activities and your sites. Check applicable accreditation where required, then compare the assessment process, full proposal and certificate verification arrangements. Obtain written answers before agreeing the contract.
Start with the requirement you need to meet
Keep the customer’s original request and identify the activities it should cover. “We need ISO” is not a complete enquiry. Specify the standard, requested edition, sites, team and target date.
Illustrative example: a business selling equipment and providing maintenance should clarify whether both activities belong in the requested scope. This example does not determine the correct scope for every organisation.
Check the issuer and relevant accreditation
ISO recommends evaluating several bodies and checking accreditation. ISO develops standards; external bodies issue certificates. See ISO’s official explanation.
Request the issuer’s legal name, accreditation document and scope annex. Compare them with the requirement you received. Where anything is unclear, seek confirmation from the accreditation body. Do not infer coverage from a logo or a group name.
Our certificate and accreditation verification guide explains the checks.
Compare proposals for the same configuration
Send the same business description to each body. A useful comparison sheet can include:
- Standard, edition, activities and sites included.
- Initial assessment and surveillance offered.
- Travel and other expenses included or separate.
- Additional assessments and recertification.
- Proposed schedule, payment terms and contact person.
See the InterConformity pricing guide in EUR. Compare the total and included services as well as the first quoted amount.
Questions to send before agreeing the contract
- Which legal entity will issue the certificate?
- Which document confirms accreditation for the requested scope, where required?
- What information is missing before you can confirm the proposal?
- What are the stages, deliverables and possible separate charges?
- How can we check certificate status or raise a complaint?
A promise of certification before assessment does not answer these questions. Ask for an explanation of the review and decision process.
Prepare a clear enquiry
Put your activities, sites, approximate headcount and customer requirement into one message. Mention any existing certificate. Start with the standard and cost finder, then discuss the configuration with the team.
Frequently asked questions
Is an accreditation logo enough?
No. Request the document and applicable scope, and confirm status with the relevant source.
Can we compare initial prices alone?
A useful comparison includes the audit configuration, surveillance and separate expenses for the same description of the organisation.
Sources and updates
Prepared by InterConformity using the sources below. Examples and working lists are illustrative. Confirm the scope and applicable arrangements with the team for your organisation.
Your next step
How does this apply to your business?
Tell us about your activities, team and target standard. Let’s clarify the steps and proposal.