Get ISO certified: 5 stages to becoming ISO certified in Australia

In recent years, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to differentiate themselves against competitors. Becoming ISO certified opens up business opportunities to create a positive business image in the eyes of stakeholders and the community.

Businesses use ISO certifications as strategic tools to minimise waste, increase productivity in the workplace and reduce the number of errors or workplace incidents.

The certification process contains five stages:

• Stage one: gap analysis
• Stage two: certification documentation
• Stage three: developing a management system
• Stage four: implementation
• Stage five: auditing and ongoing improvements

After the initial consultation, QMS will outline the components involved in the certification process.

Initial consultation and choosing a certification

There are several ISO certifications available for organisations. QMS provides auditing and certification services for various ISO Standards, including Safety Management, Quality Management, Environmental Management and Food Safety Management.

During the initial consultation, we’ll discuss what your business has previously done in the area of compliance and what you wish to achieve from the certification process. This information will help determine which certification is best suited for your business needs.

Visit our certification page for an up-to-date list of all the latest available certifications.

We also offer a range of training days that are ideal for managers, internal auditors, system managers and employees who have a responsibility to comply with standards or manage compliance. This training introduces you to the standard and walks you through the different components that make up the standard.

Although there are multiple ISO standards, the process for achieving certification is quite similar. Read on for an overview of the ISO certification process.

Optional Stage one: gap analysis

The gap analysis involves a review of your business against the desired ISO standard. It identifies the areas your business is lacking in and requires improvement to become eligible for certification.

Once the gap analysis is finalised, QMS will review the analysis with your management team. The gap analysis will be used as a basis to prepare the compliance documentation.

Stage two: prepare your documentation to become certified

Preparing ISO documentation is a key component of the process, as this is what organisations will scrutinise during the review process. The documentation needs to outline compliance objectives and the procedures the business will follow to ensure compliance with that specific ISO certification.

For example, the ISO 9001 standard ensures a business provides ongoing quality management. Without the appropriate documentation, the systems will not be successful and you won’t be successfully certified.

Once complete, a JASANZ Accredited Conformity Assessment Body, such as QMS can review the documentation as part of the audit process. This documentation will serve as proof your management system meets the requirements of the chosen Standard.

Stage three: developing a management system

Depending on the certification and business requirements, you may choose to develop a new management system to ensure long-term compliance.

The next stage after developing a management system compliant of ISO certification involves implementing the system into your business.

Stage four: implementation

The implementation stage is often the lengthiest. In this phase, the ISO requirements become part of the organisation itself.

Stage five: auditing and ongoing improvements

Auditing is an ongoing process. It’s conducted both internally and externally from the business to ensure processes remain compliant with ISO certification.

The benefits of a continual improvement process include:

• The ability to identify new opportunities for more efficient processes
• Identify new challenges as they arise
• Quickly respond to new changes made to the certification

Business owners need to provide internal training to ensure staff and stakeholders are proficient in the process and can fulfil the objectives identified in the documentation stage.

Depending on the certification you choose, ISO certification can help your business increase efficiency, effectiveness, safety and customer loyalty.

Contact us for more information today.