Frequently Asked Questions
Here you can find answers to most of your questions:
Q- How long does it take to get ISO certifications?
A- It may not seem like it at first, but most projects take between 3-6 months before they are finished. This time frame can vary depending on many factors such as how big your project is and if there any complications along the way.
Q- How much does it cost to get ISO certifications?
A- Your scope of work normally dictates how much it will cost. Your certification process starts with consultation, then preparing and developing required and mandatory documents and forms. For consultation and preparation and internal audit, it can cost around $3,000. (for a single certificate); The next step is to get externally audited by a certification body.
Q- How do we maintain our ISO certifications?
A- We help you to maintain your company's ISO certification, to stay compliant and on top of the requirements. We'll make sure that every year, or whenever necessary (depending upon how often it is necessary), our team visits in order for us both have a better understanding about what needs maintenance within this area so as not repeat any mistakes from before-then after these audits take place; together we can work towards achieving even higher goals.
Q- Can small businesses get ISO Certified?
A- Yes, a small business can certainly obtain ISO certification.
ISO certification provides credibility and assurance to customers, partners, and stakeholders that a business adheres to internationally recognized standards and best practices. It can enhance the reputation of a small business and open doors to new opportunities.
Here are a few key points to consider regarding ISO certification for small businesses:
Determine the Relevant Standard: Identify the ISO standard that aligns with your business's industry, objectives, and customer requirements. Some commonly pursued ISO certifications include ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management).
Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements outlined in the chosen ISO standard. Each standard has its own set of criteria, processes, and documentation that need to be implemented and maintained.
Adapt the Standard to Your Business: Tailor the requirements of the chosen ISO standard to the size, complexity, and nature of your small business. ISO standards are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing organizations of all sizes to implement them effectively.
Implement the Necessary Processes and Systems: Establish the necessary processes, procedures, and systems within your organization to meet the requirements of the ISO standard. This may involve documenting processes, conducting internal audits, addressing non-conformities, and implementing corrective actions.
Seek External Certification: Engage an accredited certification body to conduct an audit and assess your compliance with the ISO standard. The certification body will evaluate your systems, processes, and documentation to determine if they meet the requirements. If found compliant, they will issue the ISO certification.
Maintain and Continuously Improve: ISO certification is not a one-time achievement. It requires ongoing commitment to maintaining compliance and continuously improving your systems and processes. Regular audits and surveillance visits by the certification body will be conducted to ensure ongoing adherence to the standard.
While ISO certification can be a valuable achievement for small businesses, it's important to carefully evaluate the costs, resources, and benefits associated with pursuing certification. Consider your business's specific needs, goals, and readiness before embarking on the certification journey.