Certificates and trust
How to verify an ISO certificate and accreditation
Start with the issuer, certified organisation, certificate number, standard, scope and validity dates. Confirm the current status with the issuing certification body. Where accredited certification is required, also check the issuer’s accreditation for the relevant scope.
Certification and accreditation have different roles
Management system certification concerns the assessed organisation. Accreditation concerns the competence and impartiality of the assessment body for defined activities. ISO develops standards but does not issue certificates to companies.
A logo or a standard mentioned in a presentation does not by itself confirm certification status. Read the document and verify its information with the issuer.
What to read on the certificate
- Organisation: the name should match the entity you are checking.
- Scope: the activities and locations must be relevant to your proposed relationship.
- Standard and edition: compare these with the applicable contractual requirement.
- Number and issuer: use them when requesting confirmation.
- Dates: check the stated validity period and any annexes.
A certificate may cover only some of a company’s activities or locations. For example, a scope describing services does not automatically cover manufacturing by the same business.
Confirm the current status
Contact the issuing body through an official channel. Ask it to confirm the number, organisation, scope and status at the time of your check. A PDF copy shows the information on the document; current status may require a fresh confirmation.
If accreditation is stated, consult the named accreditation body’s register and the issuer’s listed scope. Compare the actual names and activities rather than relying on similar logos.
For InterConformity certificates
Email comercial@itco.ro with the certificate number, organisation and standard. The certificate verification page prepares a message containing these details.
Identity documents and employee personal data are not needed for the initial enquiry. If you received the document from a supplier, request the annexes referred to on the certificate as well.
Keep a traceable record
Record the date, document reviewed and the issuer’s response. When using a certificate in a commercial relationship, check that its scope covers the activities you are procuring. A documented check connects the certificate to the specific requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Can ISO confirm any certificate?
ISO develops standards and does not issue certificates to companies. Start verification with the issuing certification body.
Does a client logo prove a currently valid certificate?
No. A client portfolio and a certificate’s current status are different information. Request verification of the specific certificate.
Sources and updates
Prepared by InterConformity. Pricing is taken from our commercial grid; information about standards refers to the sources below. Confirm the scope and edition in the proposal 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.