The certification process at ISO Compliance follows internationally recognised protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17021-1 — the standard for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems.
Our process is designed to be clear, fair, and free of surprises. You'll always know what to expect at each stage, who your auditor is, and what you need to prepare.
Typical timelines range from 4–12 weeks depending on the standard, the size of your organisation, and the maturity of your management system.
Each stage of our process is designed to add value and prepare your organisation for sustainable compliance.
Complete our online application form or contact us directly. Our team will conduct an initial feasibility review and prepare a fixed-fee quotation based on your organisation's size, scope, and chosen standard(s). There are no hidden costs.
What you need: Company registration details, scope of operations, number of sites, number of employees, and your target standard(s).
Before the formal audit, our auditors conduct a preliminary assessment of your current management system against the requirements of the ISO standard. This identifies gaps and provides a clear remediation roadmap, maximising your chance of first-attempt certification success.
Deliverable: Detailed gap analysis report with prioritised action list.
The Stage 1 audit is primarily a desk review of your management system documentation. Our lead auditor evaluates whether your documented system meets the requirements of the standard and assesses whether you are ready to proceed to the on-site Stage 2 audit.
Outcome: Stage 1 audit report confirming readiness, or identifying areas requiring attention before Stage 2.
The Stage 2 audit is conducted at your premises and evaluates the implementation, maintenance, and effectiveness of your management system. Auditors interview staff, review records, and observe processes. Any nonconformities are documented and must be addressed before certification can be granted.
Outcome: Stage 2 audit report with any major/minor nonconformities and observations.
Following successful closure of all nonconformities, the ISO Compliance Certification Committee reviews the audit evidence and makes an independent certification decision. Upon approval, your ISO certificate is issued and your organisation is added to our publicly searchable certificate register.
Certificate validity: 3 years, subject to satisfactory annual surveillance audits.
Annual surveillance audits (Year 1 and Year 2) verify that your management system continues to meet the standard's requirements and that you are maintaining and improving your certification. In Year 3, a full re-certification audit is conducted to renew the certificate for another 3-year cycle.
Benefit: Ongoing compliance, continual improvement, and maintained certification credibility.