INTRODUCTION

ISO certification in Australia, like in many other countries, involves obtaining certification for compliance with specific international standards developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). The most common ISO certification sought by organisations in Australia is ISO 9001, which is the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS).

A GUIDE TO CERTIFICATION

Below is a guide to understanding ISO certification in Australia.

Select the Appropriate ISO Standard

Identify the ISO standard that is most relevant to your organisation’s industry and objectives. Common standards in Australia include ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), among others.

Preparing for Certification

In order to prepare for the ISO certification, please ensure that you:

• Assess your organisation’s current processes and operations against the chosen ISO standard’s requirements. Identify gaps and areas that need improvement.
• Develop and implement a Quality Management System (or other relevant management system) that aligns with the ISO standard. This includes creating documentation, procedures, and work instructions.
• Train employees on the QMS and ISO standard requirements to ensure everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Choose a Certification Body

Select an accredited certification body or registrar that is recognized by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) or another relevant accreditation body.

Stage 1 Audit (Documentation Review)

The certification body will conduct an initial review of your organisation’s QMS documentation to assess readiness for the certification audit. They will identify any nonconformities or areas for improvement.

Stage 2 Audit

The stage 2 Audit will involve the following:

• The certification body will perform an on-site assessment to evaluate your organisation’s QMS in action. They will interview employees, review records, and verify that processes are being followed as documented.
• The certification body will provide a report of their findings, which may include nonconformities or observations. Your organisation must address any nonconformities within a specified timeframe.

Certification Decision

If your organisation has successfully demonstrated compliance with the ISO standard and addressed any nonconformities, the certification body will recommend certification. Certification is typically valid for a specific period, often three years.

Surveillance Audits

After certification, your organisation will undergo regular surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the ISO standard.

Recertification

Every few years, your organisation will need to go through a recertification process to renew its certification. This involves a similar assessment to the initial certification audit.

CONCUSION

ISO certification provides several benefits, such as enhanced credibility, improved processes, and competitive advantages. It demonstrates your organisation’s commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, safety, or other relevant areas. In Australia, ISO certification is commonly sought by organisations to meet regulatory requirements, attract customers, and improve overall operational efficiency.  It’s important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the specific ISO standard.