Certification of management systems is integral for showcasing an organisation’s dedication to meeting customer expectations and adhering to industry best practices. Among the array of standards used for certification, ISO/IEC 17021-1 is a widely recognised framework for assessing the competence of certification bodies offering management systems certification. Accreditation to this standard furnishes customers and stakeholders with the assurance that the certification process is competently executed, dependable, consistent, and unbiased. JASANZ holds a pivotal role in accrediting certification bodies to ISO/IEC 17021-1 within Australia and New Zealand and globally.

Understanding ISO/IEC 17021-1

ISO/IEC 17021-1 sets forth the requirements for bodies engaged in auditing and certifying management systems. It outlines the criteria for evaluating the competence, impartiality, and performance of these certification bodies. Applicable to various management system certifications, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Health and Safety Management), ISO/IEC 17021-1 ensures that certification bodies operate impartially, consistently, and reliably, adhering to internationally recognised best practices. Other standards, such as additional parts of the ISO/IEC 17021 series, specify competence requirements for various management system standards, for instance, ISO/IEC 17021-3 focusing on the competence of auditors and other resources for Quality Management Systems Certification.

Types of Management System Certification  

Management system certification involves the assessment of an organisation’s processes, procedures, and practices against specific standards. Various types of management system certifications address different aspects of organizational performance: 

• ISO 9001
  Demonstrates an organization’s commitment to quality management and meeting customer requirements. 
• ISO 14001
  Focuses on environmental management, indicating effective environmental management practices to minimize environmental impact. 
• ISO 45001
  Relates to health and safety management, demonstrating prioritization of employee health and safety with appropriate risk management systems. 
• ISO/IEC 27001
  Concerned with information security management, indicating comprehensive information security management systems to protect sensitive data and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Numerous other management system standards cater to specific industries and sectors. 

The Significance of Accreditation for ISO/IEC 17021-1  

Accreditation of certification bodies ensures compliance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1, offering several benefits and assurances: 

• Assurance of technical competence and impartial operation, as certification bodies undergo rigorous assessments to ensure compliance. 
• Consistency across certification bodies, facilitating informed decisions by customers and stakeholders. 
• Enhanced credibility in the marketplace, providing a competitive edge by demonstrating commitment to quality and best practices. 
• Recognition internationally, expanding market access and competitiveness. 

By obtaining accreditation to ISO/IEC 17021-1, certification bodies can distinguish themselves, with the JASANZ accreditation symbol serving as a mark of competence, reliability, and quality. 

The Accreditation Process for ISO/IEC 17021-1  

Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17021-1 involves a comprehensive assessment of a certification body’s competence, impartiality, and compliance with the standard’s requirements. The certification body initiates the process by contacting JASANZ to determine suitability for accreditation. JASANZ send a pre-application form which gathers information to facilitate the assessment of the certification body’s suitability for accreditation. If the pre-application is approved, the process moves to the next stage, the application. At this stage the certification body is required to review the Accreditation Manual, sign the Applicants Deed, upload all required documentation, and pay the application fee. If the application is accepted, the assessment commences. JASANZ performs two assessments: 

• Systems assessment
  JASANZ examine your documentation against the accreditation criteria to determine You need to prepare the system documentation thoroughly because this stage is about demonstrating that your organisation has the necessary systems to deliver credible certification. 
• Compliance assessment
  JASANZ conduct an office assessment and witness assessment(s). We don’t accredit on documentation alone — you need to demonstrate that you can put your management systems into practice.  The extent and number of assessments undertaken at this stage will depend on the scope of accreditation your organisation is seeking. 

Any identified non-conformities or areas for improvement must be addressed by the certification body through corrective actions. The JASANZ assessment team presents their findings to the Accreditation Decision Panel for a decision on whether to grant accreditation and if any conditions are to be placed on the accreditation. Upon successful demonstration of compliance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements, the certification body is granted a Certificate of Accreditation and accompanying Accreditation Schedule outlining the scope of the accreditation, subject to ongoing surveillance activities by JASANZ. Accredited bodies are monitored throughout the five-year accreditation term, providing the organisation with important feedback on the continuing compliance of systems and performance.  

Benefits of Accredited Certification to Customers  

Accredited certification offers significant benefits to customers: 

• Assurance of quality management system implementation, instilling confidence in the certified organisation’s commitment to high-quality products and services. 
• Reliable supplier selection, enabling informed decisions and reducing risks associated with unverified organisations. 
• Increased competitiveness in the marketplace, enhancing prospects in procurement contracts and tenders requiring accredited certification. 
• Enhanced customer satisfaction through improved efficiency and error reduction. 
• Improved operational efficiency and cost savings through adherence to internationally recognised best practices. 
• Evidence-based decision-making, promoting informed decisions driven by data. 
• Employee engagement and better supplier relationships, fostering productivity and supply chain efficiency.
• A culture of continual improvement, encouraging innovation and competitiveness. 

Verification of Accredited Certification  

Customers can verify accredited certification claims using JASANZ Register, an online database of JASANZ-accredited management system certifications. The JASANZ Register allows users to proactively track certification statuses and identify fraudulent certifications. 

To explore the register, visit: https://register.jasanz.org 

Upskill in ISO/IEC 17021-1 with the JASANZ Academy 

Understanding ISO/IEC 17021-1 Management System Certification is an online masterclass covering the conformity assessment concepts for the certification of management systems. Key topics include the principles, standard requirements, and linkages between clauses in the standard, and other related standards. The course aims to provide a high level of understanding of the standard which will allow certification body auditors and staff, scheme owners, scheme developers, regulators, government employees, and more, to understand the standard and its application. On successful completion of this course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. 

To learn more, visit: https://www.jasanz.org/course/understanding-iso-iec-17021-1 

Accredited certification offers numerous benefits to customers, providing reliable supplier selection, increased competitiveness, and operational efficiency. Choosing organisations certified by JASANZ-accredited Certification Bodies ensures credibility and informs informed decision-making.