ISO Certification Bodies in Canada

About ISO

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was founded in 1947 as an independent, non-governmental organization. Its mission is to create and maintain international standards that provide world-class specifications for products, services, and safe working practices, helping to encourage trade. Importantly, although ISO develops and publishes standards, it does not grant certification – so organizations seek certification from third-party certification bodies.

What ISO certification bodies do?

A certification body is the impartial third party that oversees the certification process. Organizations use certification bodies to gain independent recognition, which matters more than ever in a global economy where a potential client cannot easily visit a supplier on the other side of the world. In the certification process, certification bodies must follow ISO’s principles of impartiality, non-discrimination, openness, and transparency.

What does it mean for a certification body to be accredited?

An accredited certification body has been assessed and approved by an independent accreditation authority, confirming it operates to international standards. Non-accredited certification bodies – and those that claim accreditation but do not hold it – may not be subject to regular monitoring of their performance, quality, or competence by a recognized accreditation body.

How to choose a certification body in Canada

Choosing the right certification body can be difficult. Before selecting one, consider:

• Quality of services: which ISO standards the body offers and for how long. Bodies that cover a wider range of standards and have done so for years are generally more recognized than those offering only a few.
• Fees: costs vary by standard, and some bodies offer better rates when you certify to related standards together, so it is worth comparing.
• Accreditation: be cautious of anyone who can issue a certificate without being accredited to do so. Check that the body holds a well-recognized accreditation (in Canada, look for SCC or another IAF MLA signatory).
• Flexibility: some standards are more complex than others, so choose a body adaptable enough to meet your needs.
• Experience: the body and its auditors should have strong experience running certification processes in your sector.
• Language: an audit goes more smoothly when the auditor speaks your language – they can review your documentation faster and build a stronger working relationship.

Benefits of using an accredited certification body

• Independent, third-party confirmation of ISO compliance
• A competitive edge when doing business globally
• Time and cost savings through an efficient certification process
• Auditors who understand your sector and can identify best practices
• Reduced need for re-audits, cutting paperwork and improving productivity

Practical tips for selecting a certification body

Start by considering what benefits certification will bring to your business, then build a shortlist against criteria that matter to you – reputation with clients, sector experience, and skills. Some practical tips:

• Start early. Many organizations only begin choosing a certification body near the end of setting up their management system. Get quotes from a few bodies and ask what other services they offer beyond the certification audit – some can advise on the scope of your management system.
• Ask your main clients or competitors which certification bodies they use; those bodies may understand your sector better and offer valuable advice.
• Compare like with like – when comparing prices, check what is included (for example, travel costs or documentation review).

Once you have done your initial research, contact the bodies on your shortlist and request a meeting to discuss your needs and assess them as potential partners.

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

Explore more

• ISO Certification in Canada – all IAS management system schemes
• Organizations Getting Certified to ISO – a beginner’s guide
• ISO Certification Consultants – the difference between a consultant and a certification body