Independent or Accredited ISO Certification?

At CCS we prioritise your freedom of choice when it comes to certification, ensuring that your implemented ISO Management System is capable of passing any 3rd party audit. This grants you the flexibility to opt for either an Accredited ISO Certification Body or Independent certification.

But our goal remains the same: to help you implement and maintain an effective management system in accordance with ISO standards. This will enable your company to demonstrate its commitment to quality, efficiency, and continual improvement, regardless of the certification path chosen.

ISO certification provides external validation of an organisation's commitment to quality, safety, environmental management, or other aspects covered by the ISO standard. It can enhance the organisation's reputation, credibility, and competitiveness in the marketplace by demonstrating its adherence to internationally recognised standards. However, it's important to note that ISO certification is voluntary and not a legal requirement in most cases, although it may be required by certain customers or regulatory authorities.

When choosing a certification body for ISO certification, it's essential to consider factors like the specific ISO standard you are pursuing, the industry you operate in, your geographic location, and the level of recognition and credibility required. In many cases, certifications from Accredited Certification Bodies such as UKAS, IAS, IAF, or ANAB offer a higher level of recognition and acceptance. However, independent certification bodies can be a cost-effective and flexible option, particularly for smaller companies or those with specific needs.

Ultimately, choosing the right certification body should align with your goals, industry requirements, and the level of recognition you aim to achieve.

The following are the main Accredited ISO Certification bodies that CCS can introduce you to if you require accredited ISO Certification:

UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service):

• UKAS is the national accreditation body for the United Kingdom. UKAS accredited certification bodies have undergone rigorous assessments to ensure their competence, impartiality, and adherence to international standards. Certification from a UKAS-accredited body is widely recognised and highly regarded, offering a high level of credibility and acceptance.

IAF (International Accreditation Forum):

• IAF is a global association of accreditation bodies that oversee certification and inspection activities. Certifications from bodies accredited by IAF members are widely accepted worldwide, providing assurance of competence and impartiality.

IAS (International Accreditation Service):

• IAS is an internationally recognised accreditation body based in the United States. IAS accreditation ensures that certification bodies meet specific standards of competence and impartiality, making certifications from IAS-accredited bodies credible on a global scale.

ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board):

• ANAB is a U.S.-based accreditation body that accredits certification bodies and laboratories, ensuring they meet recognised standards for competence and impartiality.

CCS work exclusively with our chosen independent Certification Body QAS International. QAS can provide independent ISO Certification in the UK and internationally to businesses of all sizes and sectors and provide certification audits for all the key ISO Standards.

Since 1994, QAS have worked with over 10,000 companies worldwide, helping them achieve their ISO certification. Like CCS, they only work with the best-qualified Auditors with the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) Lead Assessors or equivalent qualification.