If you’ve been thinking about how to get ISO certification for a while, you might be wondering what ISO accreditiation you need and then where to start.

ISO certification will not only boost your business profile but will also make it easier to gain potential clients and customers.

The truth is that getting ISO certification may seem time consuming and complicated, and if done incorrectly it can be. It’s all about following the best procedures and practices, making sure to implement them efficiently and when required.

How to get ISO certification

in this article, We’ll share our 5 easy steps showing how to get ISO certification, that will work for any industry, so you can use them to improve your business and gain more clients.

Step 1: Start with the ISO certification applicable to your business

Before you sit down and begin the process of how to get ISO certification, you need to figure out which ISO certification you need.

It’s not hard to get overwhelmed and go off track. Knowing what ISO standards are out there, allows you to stay focused and on applying for the right ISO certification for you.

A comprehensive list of up to date ISO standards can be found here: Or simply give one of our friendly team members a call and we can guide you through your options.

Consider options that will improve your business. For example you may have been focused on attaining ISO 14001: Environmental management systems but alongside that ISO 9001: Quality management systems may be of equal or greater use. Of course we’re not saying the process of finding the right ISO standards, can be a little tedius, but stick with it, it could really help your business attrarct new customers.

After having selected the ISO certification that you require, you must read them in full. It’s understandable that your business may not be up to the standard required, but at least you will be aware of the improvements that you can make to adhere to its requirements. A typical example of an ISO standard document can be found here
Go for it. Once you have made your mind up it could be very easy to put it off and put it off. Another guide we have created debunks the myths of becoming ISO compliant being too time consuming and costly and shows just how rewarding it can be. Click here to find out more

Step 2: Gap analysis

Using Gap analysis is a simple and effective tool we use to identify and rectify any requirements that are needed to attain ISO certification. Gap analysis is the foundation to achieving your ISO certification

What is Gap analysis?

Gap Analysis looks at a comparison of actual business performance with the potential or desired performance of a quality a given management system.

It will identify the responsible and relevant persons within the organisation and the company operational process flows. It will identify the gaps that are required to be satisfied by the ISO Standard.

How to apply Gap analysis

Gap analysis could be hard to navigate if approached without some sort of plan in mind. that’s, why we have put together these 4 simple steps so that you can, can get the most from your gap analysis:

Identify and quantify your business gaols
Measure your actual business performance against its goals
Analyse why the actual business performs under its desired goals
Implement actions to align the business’s current performance with it its desired goals.

And that is gap analysis in a nutshell. If you could do with some more information on gap analysis, you can find a comprehensive guide here. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today and we can take you through the process,

Step 3: Assess

Now that you have read the ISO standard and performed gap analysis, it’s time to collect your data and assess it. Does this data show that you have met the requirements of the ISO certification that you require? ONLY when the answer is yes you can progress to the next step.

Step 4: Internal audit

The big day has arrived and you are now ready for you ISO certification internal audit! By using this guide correctly, the internal audit should be a formaility, having done all of the preperation required before this stage.

At this stage, the following will be audited:

A full check on all documentation and process flows
A comprehensive understanding of the IMS to ensure the business meets the requirements of the standard
A check on all controls are implemented, maintenances of KPI’s and any corrective actions.
Evidence of Continuous improvement.
Meetings with the Management team to ensure compliance and understanding of the requirements in preparation for stage 2 on-site audit.

Step 5: Stage 2 Assessment

Upon successful completion of the internal audit, a stage 2 audit is carried out, as well as the possibility of a site visit. Showing that all is in accordance with the ISO standard, ISO certification is achieved.

Ongoing support and improvement

Achieving ISO certification seems daunting but all it takes is following best practices and researching the ISO standard you require. Use the helpful steps in this article to guide and achieve the ISO certification of your choice. Good luck!

Compliant

Using our guide will help you attain the ISO certification you want, but there is no shortcut for the time, research, and effort you have to put in.

If you would like compliant to take the hassle out of this for you, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today. We not only take the stress out of becoming ISO compliant but maintain your ISO status through periodic reviews and improvements.