Definition
Certification is third-party attestation related to an object of conformity assessment — in management system contexts, typically confirmation that an organization's management system fulfills the requirements of a specified standard within a defined scope.
The output is commonly a certificate issued by a certification body after successful audits.
In practice
Organizations seek certification to demonstrate conformity to customers and other interested parties. Certification is maintained through surveillance and recertification according to the certification body's programme.
ISO does not certify organizations; certification bodies do.
Not to confuse with
Accreditation (competence of the conformity assessment body). Self-declaration of conformity. Product marks under separate schemes. Consultancy completion certificates that are not CB certificates.
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Use the guide, then discuss your requirements when ready — without sales pressure.
Need help applying this?Consultancy vs certification
Beyond Carbon provides ISO consultancy, implementation support, documentation assistance, and audit preparation support. Independent certification bodies issue certificates after successful certification audits. Beyond Carbon does not present itself as a certification body or accreditation body.
Certification roles
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Organization | Owns and operates the management system and evidence |
| Consultant | Advises, implements, and prepares — does not issue certificates |
| Certification body | Independently audits and decides certification |
| Accreditation body | Assesses competence of certification bodies |
| ISO | Develops international standards — does not certify organizations |
FAQs
A certification body, after conformity assessment activities such as audits.
No. Beyond Carbon provides consultancy and preparation support only.
No. It depends on ongoing surveillance and continued conformity.
Usually the management system for a stated scope — not every product automatically.
No. See /insights/certification-vs-accreditation.
What happens after you submit?
We do not promise minute-level response times unless operationally guaranteed.
- We received your request
- Your requirements are reviewed
- A consultant contacts you
- Scope is clarified
- Next steps are recommended
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