In October 1946, representatives from more than 25 countries met at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London to establish a new international body with the aim of harmonising and aligning industrial standards worldwide. This initiative led to the formal creation of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on 23 February 1947.
The name ISO is derived from the Greek word isos, meaning “equal,” chosen to provide a consistent abbreviation across all languages, rather than using different acronyms in each country.
Today, ISO is a global federation of national standards bodies from more than 160 countries and has published over 20,000 international standards. These cover a vast range of fields, including technology, management systems, health, safety, the environment, and information security.
What Types of Standard Certifications Exist?
There are several types of standard certifications, each designed for a particular organisation or sector. Some certifications are general standards, applicable across all organisations and industries, while others are specialised standards, tailored to specific fields or activities.
In practice, many businesses and institutions can benefit from obtaining standard certifications. A wide range of both general and sector-specific standards are available to help organisations demonstrate compliance, enhance credibility, and improve performance.
What is the Standard Certification Procedure?
The certification process generally follows these key stages:
Contract Information – Submission of the activity form , followed by verification of the questionnaire.
Contract Control – Review of the contract and scope of certification.
Cost Estimation – Issuance of a three-year cost estimate and preparation of the contract.
Audit Team – Receipt of the signed contract, development of the audit programme, appointment of auditors, and preparation of the documentation package.
Audit Forms – Document review, Stage 1 audit, and preparation of the initial report.
Audit Team Forms & Audit Documents – Stage 2 audit planning, scheduling of audit dates in coordination with both the auditor and the organisation.
Audit Report – Submission of findings, including corrective actions and observations.
Review by Certification Manager – Evaluation of the certification file (application, document review, contract review, auditor appointment, audit notes, corrective actions, reports, supporting evidence, etc.).
Certification Issuance – Formal approval and granting of the standard certification.
Maintenance & Surveillance – Planning of three years of surveillance (care) audits.
Renewal for a new contract and audit programme at the end of the cycle.
Maintaining a Standard Certificate
A standard certificate remains valid for three years, provided the following conditions are met:
Annual care, care audit and credit renewal
Organisations holding a standard certificate must maintain compliance with the standard at all times. After initial certification, ongoing implementation and monitoring of the management system is required.
Key Points:
Annual Care Audits: Conducted every year to check compliance. Any issues must be resolved before the certificate is renewed.
Certificate Validity: Certificates are valid for three years, but annual audits are essential for renewal. Schedule the audit at least three months before expiry to avoid gaps.
Continuous Improvement: Maintain and update your management system, carry out internal audits, and resolve any non-conformities.
Competitive Advantage: Up-to-date certification can support participation in tenders and improve organisational credibility.
Support & Guidance: Expert advice and training sessions are available from the issuing centre to help organisations meet audit requirements.
Suspension and Revocation of Standard Certification
A standard certificate may be suspended under the following circumstances: