How to Get ISO Certification
Losing contracts in government, public or another regulated sector? Want to manage your business more efficiently? Lacking credibility points? Get ISO certified quickly and confidently!
Getting ISO certification might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s completely achievable with the right guidance of an ISO provider. Whether you’re starting from scratch or improving existing systems, our team is here to simplify the process and support you every step of the way – so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Companies who worked with Candy Management Consultants achieved ISO certifications
What Is ISO Management System?
At its core, ISO is a global blueprint for operational excellence. Rather than a set of rigid, dusty rulebooks, think of ISO standards as a universal language of best practices designed to sharpen your business’ quality, safety, efficiency, environmental performance, and other operational areas.
Developed by an independent international body, these frameworks provide the recipe for a resilient, scalable organisation. By adopting these standards, you are building a robust infrastructure that streamlines internal processes and signals to the world that you are a reliable partner.
For a majority of organisations, the most transformative tools are ISO Management System Standards. Think of these as the Operating System for your company. Whether you are implementing ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), or ISO 27001 (Information Security), these systems provide a structured way to monitor, control, and improve every facet of your work. As ISO certification consultants, our role is to help you install this OS in a way that fits your unique culture and prepare you for ISO certification, ensuring the system drives your business forward rather than slowing it down with unnecessary bureaucracy.
What Is ISO Certification?
While the management system is how you work, ISO certification is how you prove it. Securing your certificate is the moment your internal hard work transforms into a powerful, market-facing asset. This “seal of approval” provides a competitive edge, opening doors to high-level tenders and building immediate trust with stakeholders by proving your practices align with global expectations. It is the formal assessment of conformity to international ISO standards, that validates your commitment to quality. The journey towards becoming an ISO certified business involves a collaborative assessment where an external auditor verifies your practices.
ISO certification bodies provide management system certification, and if they are accredited in the UK, they are typically evaluated against the international standard ISO/IEC 17021:2015, often by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service).
Once achieved, ISO certification is a commitment to a three-year cycle of excellence. Your initial certificate is maintained through annual surveillance assessments – regular “health checks” to ensure ongoing compliance – culminating in a full recertification audit every third year. This rhythm ensures your business doesn’t just reach a standard once, but continues to evolve and stay ahead of the competition.
Choosing Your ISO Certification Path
Accredited
This means your certificate has been issued by a UKAS-accredited certification body, ensuring that it meets internationally recognised ISO standards. The certification process involves a thorough assessment, where a qualified auditor will evaluate your management system to verify its compliance before certification is granted.
Many government tenders and larger contracts specifically require UKAS-accredited ISO certification as a condition for consideration.
Unaccredited
This means you may have achieved ISO standard compliance by implementing the necessary systems and processes to meet ISO standards. However, it hasn’t been certified by a body accredited by a national accreditation body, such as UKAS.
Some companies may choose to pursue ISO compliance through a non-accredited certification body as a cost-saving measure, while still demonstrating their commitment to maintaining ISO standards.
Most Popular ISO Certifications
ISO certifications help businesses demonstrate their commitment to quality, security, and efficiency – and some stand out as particularly valuable across industries. Among the most popular are ISO 9001, which focuses on quality management systems and continuous improvement, and ISO 27001, the leading standard for information security management for companies managing sensitive data or operating online. These certifications not only build trust with customers but also give businesses a competitive edge by showing they meet international best practices.
| ISO Standard | Total Number of Valid Certificates Globally | UKAS-accredited Certificates in the UK |
| ISO 9001 | 1,474,118 | 32,988 |
| ISO 14001 | 676,232 | 16,140 |
| ISO 45001 | 542,527 | 10,757 |
| ISO 27001 | 96,709 | 4,455 |
*The chart above lists four most popular standards in 2024 according to the ISO Survey of Management System Standard Certifications held by ISO and IAF.
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The Standards We Cover
We support a wide range of ISO standards designed to improve quality, safety, and efficiency across your business. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your management systems or meet customer and legal requirements, we’re here to guide you through the right certification for your goals.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It helps businesses improve processes, ensure high-quality products and services, and maintain regulatory compliance.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is the standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). It outlines the requirements for businesses to improve environmental performance and ensure sustainable practices.
ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is the standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It focuses on regulating and improving processes to ensure the confidentiality and secure storage of critical information and documents.
ISO 45001
ISO 45001 outlines the requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management System, helping businesses demonstrate commitment to workplace safety and comply with safety legislation.
ISO 22301
ISO 22301 is for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS), designed to help businesses protect against the risks associated with downtime and ensure operational resilience.
ISO 28007
ISO 28007 provides guidelines for private maritime security companies offering armed security on ships, ensuring compliance with legal and operational standards for enhanced safety.
ISO 42001
ISO 42001 outlines the requirements for an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS), helping businesses ensure responsible AI use, manage risks, and build trust in AI technologies.
ISO 20000-1
ISO 20000-1 outlines the requirements for an IT Service Management System (ITSMS), helping businesses deliver reliable IT services, improve efficiency, and meet customer expectations.
ISO 50001
ISO 50001 outlines the requirements for an Energy Management System (EnMS), helping businesses improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and demonstrate commitment to sustainability.
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How Do I Get ISO Certified?
For many businesses unfamiliar with the process, answering the question “How to take ISO certification?” seems confusing – if not intimidating. With a variety of standards to choose from and a lack of clear, jargon-free guidance, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Certification is all about proving your business meets internationally recognised standards for things like quality, environmental impact, information security, or health and safety. It’s a way to demonstrate credibility, win new contracts, and improve internal efficiency – but navigating the requirements and documentation can quickly become overwhelming.
We take the pain out of the process with a flexible, three-step path designed to build your ISO-compliant management system around the way you already work. Our approach saves you time, eliminates errors, and helps you achieve certification in the most cost-effective way possible.
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How Much Does ISO Certification Cost?
The cost of ISO certifications varies depending on factors like:
Smaller businesses may pay less, while larger or more complex organisations might require more time and support, which can affect the price. Typically, ISO certification fees include:
ISO certification charges can differ widely between providers, so the best way to get an accurate idea is to request a tailored quote based on your specific needs.
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What Are the Benefits of ISO Certification?
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