Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to most of your questions:

1. What is ISO certification?

ISO certification is formal recognition that an organisation’s management system aligns with the requirements of an international ISO standard, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001. Certification follows an independent audit process conducted by an accredited certification body.

2. How does APIC support organisations working with ISO standards?

APIC supports organisations by providing:

clear, practical information about ISO standards and compliance expectations,
structured readiness reviews,
administrative coordination, and
tender and compliance preparation support.

Our focus is on helping organisations understand requirements and present their systems clearly and confidently.

3. What is a pre-assessment or readiness review?

A pre-assessment or readiness review is an optional, structured review that helps organisations better understand how their existing systems align with ISO standard requirements before proceeding to formal certification.

It is designed to build confidence and clarity and is separate from the certification audit process.

4. Does a readiness review guarantee certification?

Certification outcomes are determined through independent audits conducted by accredited certification bodies. A readiness review does not replace or influence that process.

5. How are certification decisions made?

Certification decisions are made independently by accredited certification bodies following formal audits against the relevant ISO standard.

6. Does APIC provide ISO consulting or system implementation services?

APIC’s role is limited to readiness, coordination, and compliance preparation activities.
Management system design and implementation decisions remain the responsibility of the organisation.

7. How does APIC manage impartiality and independence?

APIC operates under defined impartiality and separation controls to ensure that readiness and preparation activities remain independent from certification decision-making processes, in line with ISO/IEC 17021-1 principles.

8. Why do many tenders and contracts reference ISO standards?

ISO standards are widely recognised as benchmarks for quality, safety, environmental management, and risk control. Many organisations reference ISO standards in tenders to promote consistency, accountability, and confidence in supplier capability.

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.