* What is ISO 17021
ISO 17021 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that sets out the requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. It establishes the criteria for the competence, consistency, and impartiality of these certification bodies, ensuring that they operate in a reliable and consistent manner.
ISO 17021 applies to certification bodies that perform audits and issue certificates for various management system standards, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System), and many others.
The standard specifies the requirements for the certification process, including the competence of auditors, the impartiality and independence of the certification body, the management of audit programs, and the handling of complaints and appeals. It also provides guidelines for the assessment and decision-making processes involved in certification.
By complying with ISO 17021, certification bodies can demonstrate their ability to provide reliable and trustworthy certification services. This helps build confidence in the certification process and ensures that certified organizations meet the requirements of the respective management system standards.
* Who is required ISO 17021
ISO 17021 is applicable to certification bodies that provide audit and certification services for various management system standards. These certification bodies are independent organizations that assess and verify whether an organization’s management system meets the requirements of a specific standard.
The entities that are typically required to comply with ISO 17021 include:
Certification Bodies: These are organizations that conduct audits and issue certificates to organizations that have implemented management systems. They need to comply with ISO 17021 to demonstrate their competence, consistency, and impartiality in performing certification activities.
Accreditation Bodies: Accreditation bodies are responsible for evaluating and accrediting certification bodies to ensure their compliance with ISO 17021. Accreditation bodies assess the competence and impartiality of certification bodies, and their accreditation provides additional credibility and assurance to the certification process.
Organizations Seeking Certification: Organizations that want to obtain certification for their management systems, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 27001, engage with certification bodies that comply with ISO 17021. These organizations undergo audits conducted by the certification bodies to determine if their management system meets the requirements of the respective standard.
It is important to note that ISO 17021 is not a standard that organizations themselves are required to comply with. Instead, it sets the requirements for the certification bodies and ensures their competence and impartiality in providing certification services.
* Where is required ISO 17021
ISO 17021 is required globally. It is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is a non-governmental organization with members from various countries around the world.
The standard is applicable to certification bodies and accreditation bodies worldwide that provide audit and certification services for management systems. These bodies operate in different countries and regions, offering certification services to organizations seeking certification for their management systems.
Organizations across various industries and sectors choose to implement management system standards such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System), and others. When seeking certification, they engage with certification bodies that comply with ISO 17021, regardless of their geographical location.
Accreditation bodies in different countries or regions are responsible for assessing and accrediting certification bodies to ensure their compliance with ISO 17021. This accreditation process helps to establish confidence in the certification services provided by these bodies.
In summary, ISO 17021 is required globally for certification bodies and accreditation bodies involved in the audit and certification of management systems. Its application is not limited to a specific country or region.
* When is required ISO 17021
ISO 17021 is required when an organization seeks certification for its management system according to various international standards. The certification process involves engaging with a certification body that complies with ISO 17021. Here are some situations when ISO 17021 is required:
Certification Process: When an organization wants to obtain certification for its management system, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, or other standards, it needs to work with a certification body that adheres to ISO 17021. The certification body will conduct audits and assess whether the organization’s management system meets the requirements of the specific standard.
Accreditation: Accreditation bodies responsible for assessing and accrediting certification bodies require compliance with ISO 17021. Accreditation is a formal recognition of the certification body’s competence and compliance with international standards. Certification bodies need to meet ISO 17021 requirements to obtain accreditation from the relevant accreditation body.
Regulatory Compliance: In certain industries or regions, certification of management systems may be a regulatory requirement. For example, in some sectors like healthcare, food safety, or automotive, organizations may be required to obtain certification for specific standards. Compliance with ISO 17021 ensures that the certification body conducting the audit and certification process meets recognized international standards.
Supplier Requirements: Organizations seeking to become suppliers to other companies or participate in tenders may be required to have certifications for specific management system standards. The organizations issuing such requirements may specify that the certification must be carried out by a certification body complying with ISO 17021.
It’s important to note that ISO 17021 is not required for the implementation or maintenance of a management system within an organization itself. It is specifically related to the certification process and the competence of certification bodies.
* How is required ISO 17021
ISO 17021 is required in the following ways:
Certification Body Selection: When an organization decides to seek certification for its management system, it must choose a certification body that complies with ISO 17021. The organization should verify that the certification body has appropriate accreditation and operates in accordance with ISO 17021 requirements.
Audit and Certification Process: The organization undergoing certification will be subject to audits conducted by the certification body. The certification body will assess the organization’s management system against the requirements of the specific standard, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001. During the audit process, the certification body follows the guidelines and procedures outlined in ISO 17021 to ensure consistency, competence, and impartiality.
Compliance Verification: ISO 17021 establishes the criteria for the competence, impartiality, and consistency of certification bodies. By complying with ISO 17021, certification bodies demonstrate that they have the necessary expertise, resources, and processes to perform audits and issue valid certifications. Compliance with ISO 17021 helps verify that the certification body is capable of conducting thorough and reliable assessments of an organization’s management system.
Accreditation: Certification bodies seeking accreditation from accreditation bodies must comply with ISO 17021. Accreditation bodies evaluate the competence and conformity of certification bodies to ISO 17021 and grant accreditation accordingly. Accreditation provides an additional level of assurance to the certification process and confirms that the certification body operates in accordance with international standards.
Regulatory and Customer Requirements: In certain industries or regions, regulatory bodies or customers may require certification of management systems based on specific standards. These requirements often stipulate that the certification must be performed by a certification body that complies with ISO 17021. Compliance with ISO 17021 ensures that the certification body’s processes and practices meet recognized international standards.
Overall, ISO 17021 is required to ensure that the certification process is carried out by competent and impartial certification bodies, providing organizations with reliable and valid certifications for their management systems.