Selecting an ISO Registrar (also known as a certification body) is a critical decision for organizations seeking ISO certification, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, etc. The right registrar can add significant value to your process, while the wrong choice can lead to a certification that is not recognized or respected by your stakeholders.
Click here to browse the Registrar Database.
Here is a checklist to guide you in selecting an ISO Registrar:
-
Accreditation: Ensure the registrar is accredited by a recognized national or international accreditation body (e.g., ANAB in the United States, UKAS in the United Kingdom). Accreditation confirms that the registrar meets specific standards and operates under a recognized framework.
-
Specialization and Expertise: Look for a registrar that has experience and expertise in your industry sector. Registrars that understand your business can provide insights and value beyond the certification process itself.
-
Geographical Presence: Consider whether the registrar has a presence in your geographic location. Local auditors understand local market conditions and regulatory requirements better and may reduce travel expenses.
-
Reputation and References: Research the registrar’s reputation in the market. Ask for references from their existing clients, especially those in your industry or sector, to gauge their satisfaction and the registrar's performance.
-
Certification Scope: Verify that the registrar can certify your specific scope of activities. Some registrars may specialize in certain ISO standards but not others.
-
Cost: Request detailed quotes from several registrars to compare costs. Understand all the fees involved, including initial certification, surveillance audits, and recertification. Ensure there are no hidden costs.
-
Audit Team: Inquire about the qualifications and experience of the auditors who will be conducting the certification process. A good match between the auditor's expertise and your industry is crucial for a valuable audit experience.
-
Customer Service: Evaluate the registrar’s customer service and support. Good communication, responsiveness, and a willingness to understand and meet your needs are important traits.
-
Certification Process: Understand the registrar's certification process, including the timeline, audit planning, and any requirements for preliminary assessments or gap analyses.
-
Flexibility and Compatibility: Assess the registrar's flexibility in scheduling audits and their willingness to work with your organization’s specific needs and constraints.
-
Complaints and Appeals Process: Review the registrar’s process for handling complaints and appeals. A transparent and fair process is essential for resolving any disputes that may arise.
-
Continual Improvement: Look for a registrar that focuses on continual improvement, not just compliance. The best registrars help you find opportunities to improve your management system.
-
Confidentiality and Security: Ensure the registrar has policies in place to protect confidential and sensitive information obtained during the audit process.
-
Language Capabilities: If you operate in a non-English speaking country or have multilingual needs, ensure the registrar and its auditors can conduct audits in the appropriate languages.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select an ISO Registrar that not only helps you achieve certification but also adds value to your management system and organization.