ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 is the international standard that specifies the requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. It ensures that certification bodies operate competently, consistently, and impartially.

This standard is used by Certification Bodies (CBs) that audit and certify organizations to various management system standards such as:

  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
  • ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)
  • ISO 27001 (Information Security)
  • ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management) and others.

Purpose of ISO 17021 Accreditation

Accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021 is granted to certification bodies to confirm that they:

  • Operate an independent and impartial audit process
  • Employ competent auditors
  • Follow internationally accepted auditing practices
  • Deliver consistent and credible certification outcomes

Key Components of ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

  • Impartiality and Independence
  • CBs must be impartial and manage conflicts of interest effectively.
  • Competence of Personnel
  • Auditors, technical experts, and decision-makers must be qualified and competent.
  • Management System Requirements
  • CBs must maintain a documented management system for quality and continual improvement.
  • Audit and Certification Process
  • Includes application review, audit planning, on-site audit, audit reporting, certification decision, and surveillance.

Confidentiality

  • All client information must be protected and used appropriately.
  • Complaints and Appeals
  • Procedures must exist to handle complaints from clients or stakeholders.
  • Use of Certification Marks
  • CBs must control the correct use of certification logos and marks.

Who Provides ISO/IEC 17021 Accreditation?

Accreditation is granted by National Accreditation Bodies (ABs) that are members of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). Examples include:

  • PNAC (Pakistan)
  • UKAS (United Kingdom)
  • ANAB (USA)
  • DAkkS (Germany)
  • JAS-ANZ (Australia/New Zealand)

These bodies are signatories to the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA), meaning certifications issued by accredited CBs are recognized globally.