There is tons of information available about ISO certification online, but most of it is written in such a convoluted manner it’s hard to understand. But to help you navigate the process of getting an ISO certification, understand it, and learn more about it, we’ve gathered all the top questions you must have in mind after doing the research.
Top ISO Certification Related Questions with Answers
1. What is ISO certification?
The stamp of approval a company requires to prove that it’s compliant with the international standards created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is known as an ISO certification.
An independent, non-governmental international organization, the ISO brings experts across different industries together to develop international standards that act as the pillars of innovation and give solutions to global challenges.
2. Why is an ISO certification required?
An ISO certification proves to your key stakeholders that your business is appropriately established and has a defined structure for growth. Different ISO standards have various benefits, for instance:
- ISO 9001: Improves customer satisfaction
- ISO 27001: Guards your data, systems, and reputation
- ISO 45001: Defends your people
- ISO 14001: Helps in bringing down your environmental impact
- ISO 22301: Shields the business from disruption
Additional common advantages include:
- Enhanced efficiency
- Lesser costs
- More satisfied customers
- Happier employees lead to increased engagement
- Decreased risks
- Reduced insurance premiums
- Assists with tendering
Therefore, if you have an ISO certification, it establishes that your company is committed to providing the best products and services. By following the ISO guidelines, you demonstrate your credibility and dedication.
3. What’s the cost of getting an ISO certification?
There is no fixed price. The cost depends on the organization’s size and what exact processes and procedures your company requires. If more than one standard is implemented at a time, some preferential fees can be availed.
Apart from this, external costs, standard-based education and training, and the cost of the certification body you choose – are some other factors that’ll determine the final cost of getting an ISO certification.
4. What is meant by ISO 9001 certification?
Once you get ISO 9001 certification, your company’s Quality Management System has completed the third-party assessment audit. Or that it meets all the requirements that have been given under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems.
5. How much time does it take to get ISO 9001 certification?
The entire process of getting an ISO 9001 certification can be broadly divided into four parts:
- Development
- Implementation
- Internal audit
- Management review
Each part might take around a month to complete. But this is just an estimate and can vary based on various factors impacting the timeframe.
6. How do I get ISO 9001 Certified?
When getting an ISO 9001 certification, you’ll need to be prepared to follow three significant steps. These are:
- Development: You’ll need to create the Quality Management System documentation that aligns with all the requirements under ISO 9001.
- Implementation: After that, you’ll execute the Quality Management System as has been documented.
- Internal Audit: Get the internal audit and the management review meeting.
7. Who is responsible for giving ISO certifications?
Certification bodies issue ISO certifications. These are legitimate companies that are provided authorization by an overarching organization known as an accreditation body. It is there to ensure that the auditing standards are being upheld.
8. Are there fake ISO Certificates?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Numerous shady operations are happening in the certification industry. Therefore, it is vital that before you choose a certification body, you vet it properly, ensure that it’s accredited and that the certificate it provides is authentic.
9. When does an ISO certification expire?
An ISO certificate is usually valid for three years. The certification body completes a certification audit for the initial year, and it undertakes a surveillance audit for the following years. The certification can be revoked if it finds any nonconformities during an audit.
10. Can startups get ISO certifications?
Any business, no matter the size, can apply for ISO certification.
11. Is ISO 9001 a legal requirement?
It’s not a legal requirement. Companies have a choice whether to get an ISO certification or not. Government and Private Requests for Tenders (RFTs) often include quality, Safety, and environmental certification criteria.
Therefore, while being certified can help you land projects, not being certified can lead to losing projects.
12. What is an internal audit?
An internal audit, or a first-party audit, refers to the assessment carried out to determine whether a management system meets the requirements set by the applicable standards. Further, it also ensures that it’s being effectively executed and sustained.
Usually, companies have a team of ISO auditors. The schedule or frequency of internal audits must be based on the risks and importance.
13. Is there any funding available for ISO certification?
The funding available for ISO certifications varies from country to country. In India, schemes help companies get reimbursed a certain percentage of the fee.
14. What do you mean by Quality Management Systems?
A proper system that documents the different processes, procedures, and responsibilities essential for attaining quality policies and objectives is called a Quality Management System (QMS).
15. What is Quality Assurance?
To be deemed a Quality Assured company, you’ll need to execute a QMS and attain ISO 9001 certification or some other quality standard certification.
Hopefully, we could quell at least some of your ISO certification-based queries. Remember to research thoroughly before going in since you will be investing your money and time in this process. And if you want some expert help, feel free to reach out!
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