Quick answer
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops and publishes standards. ISO does not audit your company and does not issue management-system certificates to organizations.
Independent certification bodies (CBs) audit your management system against a standard (for example ISO 9001) and issue certificates when conformity is demonstrated. Accreditation bodies assess CBs for competence. Consultancies such as Beyond Carbon help you prepare — they do not issue certificates.
Who does what
| Actor | Role | Issues org MS certificates? |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | Publishes standards | No |
| Accreditation body | Assesses competence of CBs (and other CABs) | No (accredits CBs) |
| Certification body | Audits MS and decides certification | Yes |
| Consultancy (e.g. Beyond Carbon) | Implements/prepares | No |
| Your organization | Owns the management system | No — you hold certificates issued by CBs |
What ISO does
ISO coordinates development of international standards through technical committees. Buying a standard gives you the requirements or guidelines text. That purchase is not a certificate, licence, or audit.
Marketing that says “ISO certified by ISO” is almost always confused or misleading. Ask which CB issued the certificate and under which accreditation.
What certification bodies do
CBs review applications, plan audits, conduct Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments for initial certification, raise findings, make certification decisions, and run surveillance and recertification according to their procedures and accreditation rules.
A certificate names the organization, scope, standard, CB, and validity conditions. Always read the scope — it defines what was assessed.
Why accreditation of CBs matters
Accreditation is a second layer of trust: an accreditation body evaluates whether a CB is competent to certify particular standards and sectors. Many customers and tenders expect certificates from accredited CBs.
Accreditation is not the same as your organization’s ISO certificate. See our certification vs accreditation comparison for a fuller side-by-side.
Need help applying this?
Use the guide, then discuss your requirements when ready — without sales pressure.
Need help applying this?How to verify a certificate claim
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Issuing CB named | ISO itself is not the issuer |
| Standard and edition/scope | Confirms what was assessed |
| Accreditation mark / status | Supports recognition expectations |
| Validity / surveillance status | Certificates require ongoing maintenance |
| Scope sites/activities | Prevents over-claiming |
Verify through CB certificate directories or accreditation body listings where available. Do not rely only on a PDF logo.
Where consultancy fits
Consultants help you meet requirements and prepare for CB audits. They may support internal audits and corrective action. They should not present themselves as the issuer of the certificate.
Beyond Carbon states this boundary on every relevant page. See consultant vs certification body for a neutral comparison.
Myths to discard
- “We bought ISO, so we are certified.” Purchasing the standard is not certification.
- “Our consultant certified us.” Only CBs issue MS certificates.
- “One certificate covers every site forever.” Scope and surveillance matter.
- “HACCP is an ISO standard.” HACCP is a food-safety methodology; do not label it as an ISO management-system standard. ISO 22000 is an ISO FSMS requirements standard that can incorporate HACCP principles.
- “Guaranteed certificate in seven days.” Credible audits need implemented systems and evidence.
Saudi procurement context
Saudi tenders and approved-vendor processes frequently request valid certificates within a defined scope, sometimes specifying accredited CBs. Respond with accurate CB-issued documents and avoid implying Beyond Carbon or any consultancy issued the certificate.
If you need preparation support, use certification support and third-party preparation services — still separate from the CB contract.
FAQs
No. ISO publishes standards. Certification bodies issue management-system certificates after audit.
An independent certification body you contract — not ISO and not Beyond Carbon.
An organization that accredits conformity assessment bodies such as CBs for competence. It does not replace your company’s ISO certificate.
No. We prepare you for CB audits. The CB issues any certificate.
Recognition varies by customer. Many buyers require accredited CBs. Verify tender language and verify claims independently.
No. Maintenance usually requires surveillance and eventual recertification under CB rules.
Yes. Certificates apply to the defined scope. Do not market out-of-scope sites as certified.
No. It gives you the text to implement against.
Your chosen certification body.
Training completion certificates are not management-system certification. Keep them distinct in tenders.
HACCP is not an ISO management-system standard. Do not call HACCP an ISO standard. Ask whether buyers want ISO 22000, a GFSI scheme, or HACCP-based controls specifically.
See our consultant vs certification body comparison.
See ISO implementation roadmap and how long certification takes — without fixed miracle timelines.
Consultation, gap assessment, or certification support — CB contract remains separate.
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
Ready to strengthen your management system?
Tell us about your organization, scope, and requirements. We’ll help clarify the appropriate next step.