ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Conformity Assessment for Bodies Providing Audits and Certification of Management Systems

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ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Conformity Assessment for Bodies Providing Audits and Certification of Management Systems

For ISO certifications to be trusted globally, the bodies that issue them must themselves operate under strict rules of competence, impartiality, and consistency. This is where ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 comes in.

The standard establishes the requirements that Certification Bodies (CBs) and their auditors must follow when conducting third-party audits and granting certification for management systems. By implementing ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, certification bodies demonstrate that their processes are credible, reliable, and globally aligned, ensuring that every organisation certified under their authority is held to the same high standard.

What ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Is and Why It Matters

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 specifies the principles and requirements for the competence, consistency, and impartiality of auditing and certification of management systems.

Key elements of the standard include:

  • Clear guidance for planning and conducting audits, from opening meetings through evidence gathering to closing meetings.
  • Defined requirements for auditor competence and oversight, ensuring auditors are trained, impartial, and consistently applying the standard.
  • Procedures for review, approval, and decision-making, ensuring that certification is granted only after an independent and robust evaluation.
  • A framework for maintaining global recognition, so certifications issued by accredited bodies are trusted across countries and industries.

This standard is essential for maintaining the credibility of the entire ISO certification ecosystem.

Who Uses ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015?

The standard is applied primarily by:

  • Certification Bodies (CBs): Organisations responsible for auditing and certifying management systems.
  • Accreditation Bodies: Entities that assess and approve certification bodies against ISO/IEC 17021 requirements.
  • Auditors: Professionals performing management system audits on behalf of certification bodies.

By adhering to this standard, these organisations ensure that audits and certifications are consistent, impartial, and globally accepted.

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Benefits of ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

Implementing and conforming to this standard offers numerous benefits to certification bodies and their stakeholders:

  • Integrity and reliability: Confirms that certification bodies meet internationally recognised practices and technical competence.
  • Global recognition: Ensures that certifications are accepted across industries and national borders.
  • Confidence and credibility: Builds trust with clients and regulators that audits are consistent, impartial, and accurate.
  • Risk management: Strengthens operational controls and reduces risks associated with unreliable or inconsistent certifications.
  • Conflict of interest safeguards: Reinforces auditor independence by separating auditing from consulting services.
  • Operational efficiency: Defines clear criteria for audit scheduling, documentation, and reporting.
  • Consistent outcomes: Ensures uniformity in certification results, regardless of the auditor, industry, or location.
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Implementation with WWISE

At WWISE, we guide Certification Bodies and organisations seeking accreditation in aligning with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 requirements. Our services include:

1. Gap Assessments – Reviewing current audit and certification processes against the standard.

2. System Development – Designing procedures, auditor training programmes, and impartiality safeguards.

3. Compliance Integration – Embedding ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 into certification body operations.

4. Audit Readiness Support – Preparing certification bodies for accreditation audits and peer evaluations.

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Why Choose WWISE

WWISE combines expertise in ISO management systems, auditing best practices, and governance frameworks to ensure certification bodies achieve full compliance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015.

By working with us, certification bodies gain the confidence that their audits and certifications are credible, impartial, and globally recognised, upholding the integrity of the ISO system and strengthening trust across industries.

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