ISO 17021 Accreditation enhances the credibility of certification bodies, ensuring impartiality and global recognition for management systems.
Competence. Impartiality. Consistency.
ISO 17021, formally known as ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, is an international standard that specifies the requirements for certification bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. It ensures that certification bodies operate competently, consistently, and impartially, thereby enhancing the credibility of their certifications.
Applies to bodies seeking accreditation to audit and certify organisations against specified management system standards and sector schemes.
Ensures that certification bodies are impartial and competent, increasing trust in their certification decisions. Reduces the risk of fraudulent or low-quality certifications, as only accredited bodies are recognized internationally.
Certification bodies accredited to ISO 17021 gain international recognition, enabling organizations they certify to be accepted in global markets. Facilitates mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) between different countries and accreditation bodies.
Provides a structured and uniform approach to management system audits. Ensures that auditors have the necessary competencies and training to conduct effective assessments.
Establishes requirements to prevent conflicts of interest in certification audits. Ensures that certification decisions are made based on objective evidence, not influenced by commercial or external pressures.
Certification bodies must implement risk-based auditing and structured processes, leading to more effective assessments. Helps organizations receiving certification to improve their management systems through credible and competent audits.
Many industries and governments require organizations to be certified by ISO 17021-accredited bodies to ensure compliance with industry standards. Supports organizations in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, food safety, and environmental management.
Certification bodies accredited to ISO 17021 gain a competitive edge over non-accredited ones. Helps attract more clients who value reputable and internationally recognized certification.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Provide current, approved evidence relevant to the activities and locations in your proposed scope. ISCB may request additional records after scope review.
Activities, schemes, methods and technical sectors included.
Locations, personnel, operating complexity and sampling needs.
Document review, assessment days, witnessing and specialist expertise.
It is an independent assessment of whether an organisation is competent and operates consistently and impartially for the activities listed in its requested scope.
The applicable standard, ISCB programme requirements and relevant mandatory or sector documents define the criteria. Applicants must provide objective evidence covering governance, competence, methods, records, internal audit and management review.
Accreditation cost depends on the requested scope, technical complexity, locations, personnel, assessment duration and witnessing needs. ISCB provides a formal quotation after scope review.
Confirm the appropriate programme, review the requirements, complete the readiness check, request a quotation and submit an application. Assessment findings must be resolved before an independent accreditation decision.
Read the ISCB requirements online or download the controlled PDF guide covering eligibility, impartiality, competence, operating evidence, assessment and continued accreditation.
Use guided tools to confirm the likely route, request a scope-based quotation and apply when prepared.
