ISO 17021

ISO 17021 is the internationally recognized standard governing how bodies audit and certify management systems across a wide range of industries. It plays a vital role in ensuring that the entire certification process is consistent, credible, and impartial, thereby supporting organizations in their pursuit of excellence and regulatory compliance.

What is ISO 17021?

ISO 17021, officially referred to as ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in conjunction with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The purpose of this standard is to define the requirements for organizations—commonly known as certification bodies—that perform audits and issue certifications for various management systems, such as quality management, environmental management, and information security management.

This standard outlines generic requirements, making it applicable to a wide variety of management systems. Its primary objectives are to ensure the competence, consistency, and impartiality of certification bodies. By adhering to ISO 17021, certification bodies help build trust in the certifications they issue, thus facilitating acceptance of these certifications both nationally and internationally.

Why is ISO 17021 Important?

For businesses and stakeholders, ISO 17021 provides several key benefits:

• Assurance of Competence: Certification bodies accredited under ISO 17021 are assessed for their technical competence and understanding of the relevant management systems.

• Consistency and Reliability: The standard ensures that auditing and certification processes yield consistent results, which is vital for organizations relying on these certifications for market access and regulatory compliance.

• Impartiality: ISO 17021 mandates impartiality, thus increasing stakeholder confidence in the auditing and certification processes.

• Facilitates International Trade: Certifications backed by ISO 17021 accreditation are widely recognized across borders, promoting smoother international business transactions.

Key Requirements of ISO 17021

ISO 17021 sets forth seven key principles that every certification body must uphold:

1. Impartiality—Certification decisions must be free from bias and undue influence.

2. Competence—Personnel involved in audits must possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience.

3. Responsibility—Certification bodies are accountable for all decisions made regarding certification.

4. Openness—Processes and requirements should be transparent to interested parties.

5. Confidentiality—Sensitive information gained during audits must be protected.

6. Responsiveness to Complaints—Complaints must be addressed effectively.

7. Risk-Based Approach—Certification activities should consider potential risks that could affect impartiality and effectiveness.

How Does Accreditation Work According to ISO 17021?

Before a certification body can offer certification services under ISO 17021, it must undergo a rigorous accreditation process overseen by recognized accreditation bodies, such as UKAS or ANAB.

The typical process involves:

• Initial Application: Submission of documents outlining legal status, policies, and procedures.

• Assessment: Evaluation by an assessment team, including the review of certifications previously issued and interviews with key staff.

• Corrective Actions: If non-conformities are revealed, the body must address them promptly.

• Ongoing Surveillance: Accredited bodies are subject to periodic surveillance to ensure ongoing compliance and continual improvement.

Who Should Use ISO 17021?

ISO 17021 is relevant for any certification body that audits and certifies management systems across industries. Typical examples include organizations certifying compliance with ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), ISO 27001 (Information Security), and more.jasanz+1

It is important to note that ISO 17021 certification is not for businesses seeking management system certification themselves, but for the bodies that provide these certification services.

Benefits for Certified Organizations

When organizations seek certification for their management systems, selecting a certification body accredited to ISO 17021 offers several advantages:

• Global Recognition: Certificates issued by compliant bodies enjoy credibility and are accepted worldwide.

• Risk Management: Rigorous, independently verified audits help organizations identify risks and opportunities for improvement.

• Continuous Improvement: Regular audits encourage continual enhancements of management systems and operational efficiency.

The Evolution of ISO 17021

Since its inception in 2006, ISO 17021 has evolved to address changing industry needs. Major revisions, including ISO/IEC 17021:2011 and ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, have enhanced requirements regarding competence, impartiality, and consistency. These updates ensure that certification bodies keep pace with best practices and regulatory expectations.

Final Thoughts

For certification bodies, maintaining accreditation to ISO 17021 isn’t just about meeting a checklist—it’s about building genuine trust in the certificates they issue. For organizations seeking management system certification, choosing a certification body compliant with this standard is the foundation for global recognition, regulatory compliance, and business excellence.anab.ansi+2

Implementing and upholding ISO 17021 is critical for anyone involved in the certification ecosystem, from auditors and consultants to certification bodies and businesses that value reliable and impartial management system certifications.