⸺ Certification⸺
Certified Excellence, Guaranteed
Prime Link collaborates with certification bodies that follow ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17021-1.
Prime Link works with reputable certification bodies that ensure compliance and maintain certifications aligned with ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17021-1.
The Core ISO Framework Behind Trusted Certification Bodies
The main ISO standards for certification bodies are ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065. ISO/IEC 17021-1 provides requirements for bodies that certify management systems. ISO/IEC 17065 outlines requirements for bodies that certify products, processes, or services. These standards ensure a certification body's competence, impartiality, and consistency in auditing processes.
ISO/IEC 17021-1: Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems
- This standard is for accreditation bodies that audit and certify management systems, such as ISO 9001 (quality management) or ISO 14001 (environmental management).
- It provides the criteria that these bodies must meet to ensure they are competent, impartial, and consistent in their audits and certifications.
ISO/IEC 17065: Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services
- This standard applies to accreditation bodies that certify products, processes, or services.
- It ensures that the certification process is competent, consistent, and impartial, which facilitates the acceptance of certified products, processes, and services internationally.
ISO/IEC 17011: Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies
- While not a direct standard for certification bodies, this standard is for the accreditation bodies that evaluate and approve certification bodies.
- By adhering to ISO/IEC 17011, accreditation bodies ensure that the certification bodies they approve have met the necessary quality standards.
How to choose a certification body
When selecting a certification body, it is recommended to look for one that is accredited by an accreditation body that is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This demonstrates that the certification body itself has been audited and deemed competent, ensuring the credibility of any certifications it provides.
Marianne van Niekerk
Managing Director – Prime Link
"Pursue excellence. Unlike perfectionism, which can harm your self-esteem, striving for excellence focuses on the process of achieving goals rather than just the final result."