How to get ISO Certification?

Introduction to ISO

ISO is a non-governmental organization that brings together the national standards bodies of over 160 countries – one body per member country. In Canada, that body is the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Member organizations work together to develop and promote worldwide standards for technology, testing processes, working conditions, and societal challenges, and then publish them. ISO’s decision-making body is the General Assembly, made up of members’ representatives and elected principal officers, and its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, where a central secretariat oversees operations.  

Why should my company get ISO certification?

First, decide whether ISO certification makes sense for your organization. There are many reasons to adopt ISO standards: ISO is known for best practices and quality, so certification can differentiate you from competitors and provide a lasting competitive advantage. It is recognized locally and internationally, helping you access new markets and strengthen business relationships. ISO standards are also widely used in procurement, so certification lends credibility when bidding on contracts. And many standards help improve environmental performance through efficient energy use and more responsible processes.

Prerequisites for getting ISO certified

Before you approach a third-party certification body to get certified, you must first define and document your processes and put in place the procedures needed to confirm the requirements of your chosen standard are met. This makes the certification process much smoother. The four steps to becoming certified are below. 

Step 1: Create a management system

• Determine your core business processes
• Designate the right employees to be involved in documenting processes
• Review, approve, and share the documents with those who need access

Step 2: Put your system into action

• Confirm procedures are carried out exactly as documented
• Ensure all employees are properly trained for their tasks
• Create reporting systems covering inspections, testing, corrective and preventive actions, management reviews, and objective monitoring
• Use quantitative data to track the efficiency of your operations where possible
• Review performance and take steps to improve where needed

Step 3: Check your system works properly

• Conduct an internal audit to check compliance and effectiveness, reviewing records and interviewing staff
• Identify and report the system’s strengths and weaknesses
• Take corrective or preventive action as needed

Step 4: Submit your system for certification

• Choose an appropriate certification body, such as IAS
• Submit your management system documentation for evaluation
• Prepare for the external auditor’s assessment to confirm the requirements are met and the system is properly applied

The certification audit

Certification involves a series of checks at your facilities. The audit team inspects documents, equipment, procedures, and facilities, looking for non-conformities or areas to improve. To begin, you register and complete the online application form with details about your organization, then receive a confirmation email with instructions to schedule your audit.

After the audit, the auditor produces a final report and the certification body reviews it, taking input from the audited organization, and confirms whether the requirements were met. If not, the organization addresses the gaps so it can pass on reassessment. On average, the assessment and certification take about four to six months.

How much does ISO certification cost?

Cost depends on the size and complexity of your organization and its internal procedures. The main components are: development (the time spent documenting and implementing the system), training (preparing staff to create documents and conduct internal audits), and the registration/audit fees charged by the certification body. The number of sites, scope of work, and number of shifts all affect the total. Costs vary widely and are usually quoted in Canadian dollars; a certification body provides a quote based on the audit days required. While certification is an investment, the long-term benefits typically outweigh the cost.  

The bottom line

Should you get ISO certified? In most cases, yes. ISO certification can pay off through greater efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction – and its benefits extend beyond operations into sales and marketing, strategic planning, and employee engagement. Organizations proudly display their certification because it is an internationally recognized mark of quality that supports marketing and sales. Many large organizations require their suppliers to be certified, and certification is especially important if you want to sell into international markets.

Contact IAS today to learn more about ISO certification, or visit our frequently asked questions page.

Explore more

• ISO in Canada – an overview of ISO certification in Canada
• How to Get ISO 9001 Certified – the most widely adopted standard, step by step
• ISO Certification Benefits – why it’s worth it.