ISO Compliance vs. Certification: How Are They Different?

When it comes to demonstrating an organisation’s ability to meet certain standards, two terms are often used interchangeably: ISO compliance and ISO certification. 

However, these two terms have distinct differences that are important to understand. In this article, we will explore what ISO compliance and certification are and how they differ.

ISO Compliance

ISO compliance refers to an organisation’s adherence to the International Organisation for Standardization’s (ISO) standards. ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organisation that develops and publishes standards for various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. These standards are designed to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in products and services.

An organisation that is ISO compliant has implemented the ISO standards relevant to their industry and is following the guidelines and best practices outlined in those standards. ISO compliance is a voluntary process, and there is no official certification or accreditation process for ISO compliance.

ISO compliance can be self-declared, meaning that an organisation can claim to be ISO compliant without any external verification. However, some organisations choose to have their ISO compliance verified by an independent third-party auditor. This audit can provide additional assurance to customers and stakeholders that the organisation is following the ISO standards.

ISO Certification

Certification, on the other hand, refers to the process of an independent third-party auditor verifying that an organisation meets the ISO standards. This verification process is often called an ISO audit or ISO assessment.

To become certified, an organisation must first implement the relevant ISO standards and document their processes and procedures. They must then undergo an ISO audit by an accredited certification body. The certification body will review the organisation’s documentation and processes, conduct site visits and interviews, and assess whether the organisation meets the ISO standards.

If the organisation meets the standards, they will be awarded an ISO certificate, which is valid for a certain period of time. The certificate will indicate which ISO standards the organisation has been certified for and will include the name of the certification body that conducted the audit.

Key Differences

1) Voluntary Process

The key difference between ISO compliance and certification is that compliance is voluntary, while certification is a formal recognition of an organisation’s compliance. ISO compliance is self-declared, while an independent third-party auditor verifies certification.

ISO compliance is a good starting point for organisations that want to improve their processes and procedures and demonstrate their commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency. It allows organisations to implement the ISO standards at their own pace and according to their own needs. Compliance also provides a foundation for future certification, as it ensures that an organisation has implemented the ISO standards.

Certification, on the other hand, is a more formal recognition of an organisation’s compliance. It provides external validation that an organisation has implemented the ISO standards and is following the guidelines and best practices outlined in those standards. Certification can provide a competitive advantage, as it demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that an organisation is committed to quality, safety, and efficiency.

2) Time and Costs

Another key difference between ISO compliance and certification is the cost and time involved. ISO compliance can be achieved relatively quickly and at a low cost, as it is a self-declared process. 

On the other hand, certification can be a more lengthy and expensive process, as it involves an external audit by an accredited certification body.

Conclusion

ISO compliance and certification are two terms that are often used interchangeably but have distinct differences. Both compliance and certification can provide benefits to organisations, including improved processes and procedures, increased customer and stakeholder confidence, and a competitive advantage.

Take your organisation to the next level and become ISO certified with ISO 9001 Consultants today! Our team of experienced auditors will guide you through the process and ensure you meet the relevant ISO standards for your industry. Get in touch with us to learn how.