ISO Registration or ISO Certification is a process that verifies a company’s compliance with the international quality management standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This is a non-governmental organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries worldwide. This certification is not mandatory, but it can give a company a competitive advantage in the market and improve its credibility.
The process of ISO certification involves the following steps:
Determining the Applicable ISO Standard:
The first step is to determine the ISO standard applicable to the company’s operations. ISO has developed standards for various industries, such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety management.
Preparing for ISO Certification:
Once the applicable standard is determined, the company needs to prepare for ISO certification. This involves a review of the company’s existing processes and procedures to identify gaps between the current practices and the ISO requirements. The company needs to develop and implement a quality management system (QMS) that complies with the ISO standard.
Selection of Certification Body:
The company needs to select a certification body that is accredited by NABCB or other internationally recognized bodies. The certification body will conduct an audit of the company’s QMS to verify compliance with the ISO standard.
Stage 1 Audit:
The first stage of the audit is a document review, where the certification body verifies that the company has developed and implemented a QMS that complies with the ISO standard.
Stage 2 Audit
: The second stage of the audit is an on-site audit, where the certification body verifies that the company’s QMS is effectively implemented and is achieving the desired results. The audit includes interviews with employees, observation of processes, and review of records.
Certification Decision:
Based on the audit results, the certification body will make a certification decision. If the company meets the ISO standard requirements, it will be awarded the ISO certification.
Surveillance Audits:
Once certified, the company needs to undergo surveillance audits at regular intervals to ensure that the QMS continues to comply with the ISO standard.
The time required to obtain ISO certification depends on the complexity of the company’s operations and the ISO standard chosen. Typically, the process can take 3-6 months from the preparation stage to certification decision.
In conclusion
ISO certification is a voluntary process that can improve a company’s reputation and provide a competitive advantage. The process involves selecting the applicable ISO standard, preparing for certification, selecting a certification body, undergoing the audit process, and maintaining the QMS through surveillance audits.
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