ISO/IEC 17021 is a standard that was formed for assessing certification bodies to certify that they are competent and that they conform to all types of management systems. ISO/IEC 17021 is an international standard that gives a lot of prerequisites that must be trailed by a Management System Certification Body to confirm that the Certification procedure is fair, energetic, reliable, and is done by an individual. ISO 17021-1:2015 holds principles and requirements for the competence, consistency, and impartiality of bodies providing audit and certification of all types of management systems.
ISO 17021 is an International Standard that provides Certification Bodies (CB), with a lot of requirements that will authorize them to guarantee that their administration framework (such as Quality management system, Environmental management system, etc.) certification process is carried out in a competent, consistent and impartial manner. ISO 17021 standard was developed to fulfil the need to have an International Standard that could facilitate the recognition of bodies that are performing conformity assessments and the receiving of their certifications on a national and international basis and making it easier to recognize management system certification in the interests of international business.
What are the advantages of the ISO/IEC 17021 System?
ISO/IEC 17021 system helps to increase efficiency, productivity, and effectiveness in the overall Examination of bodies’ operation. It also helps to Rises the level of motivation, cooperation, workmanship, and quality awareness including competence, and Boosts confidence in inspection data and of personnel performing work. Better control of processes and activities throughout inspection bodies. ISO/IEC 17021 system helps savings in terms of time and money due to reduction or elimination of the need for re-inspection / rework etc. ISO/IEC 17021 provides insights from the analysis of data and record keeping. Provide guidelines and better control for maintenance of equipment, preservation of inspection records, etc. Establish confidence of management and customers as regards results as well as reports and increase customers’ trust as well as market share. Better image of inspection bodies as Quality inspection bodies in the global market. Also, it provides global recognition and credibility. An ISO 17021:2012 accredited inspection body has a certain advantage over competitors.
What are the steps are involved in ISO/IEC 17021 consultancy service?
- The ISO/IEC 17021 consultancy process starts with the micro-level survey for every management system of the certification bodies and the preparation of a detailed Gap Analysis report.
- After the analysis report starts the preparation of relevant documents mandatory by ISO/IEC 17021 based on a detailed study of all activities of the certifying bodies, such as ISO 17021 Quality Manual, Quality Procedures for ISO/IEC 17021 accreditation, SOPs for certification of various activities management systems used in the certification and formats to start the objective evidence of application and to ensure control over all the management system.
- Then the next step is to start the preparation of a Quality Assurance Plan for continuing and assuring the quality of services provided to its customers.
- Provide ISO 17021 auditor training to all levels of the workforces within the certification bodies.
- Help to active implementation of the system by intermittent visits till accreditation.
- Conduct internal audit for ISO 17021 system to check eagerness for the accreditation.
- Also, conduct management review meetings in the occurrence of Top Management to guide the certification bodies for effective application of all the issues related to inspection.
- And develop a suitable policy, as required by the standard.
ISO/IEC Accreditation Consultancy 