Is an ISO registrar the same as an accreditation body?

No. An accreditation body (such as UKAS in the UK or ANAB in the US) oversees and approves registrars, ensuring they operate to consistent standards. A registrar is the organisation that actually audits and certifies your business. Think of it as the accreditation body licensing the registrar to do the work.

How do I know if a registrar is accredited?

Check whether the registrar holds accreditation from a recognised national body. In the UK this is UKAS; in the US it is ANAB or IAS. Accredited registrars are listed on each body's public register, which you can search online for free.

Can I choose any ISO registrar for my certification?

In most cases yes, provided the registrar is accredited for the specific standard you need. Some industries or contracts specify which registrars they will accept, so it is worth checking with your customers or procurement contacts before selecting one.

What is an ISO Registrar?

Q: What is an ISO registrar?

An ISO registrar (also called a certification body or CB) is an independent, accredited organisation that audits companies against ISO standards and issues certificates when those companies meet the requirements. They are the official bodies that make a certification legally and commercially recognised.

An ISO registrar, also known as a certification body, is an independent organization accredited to audit companies against ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 27001. Registrars assess whether organizations meet the requirements of these standards and issue ISO certification when compliance is verified.

What Does an ISO Registrar Do?

ISO registrars assess whether an organization's management system meets the requirements of a specific ISO standard. They conduct audits and, if the organization complies with the standard, issue an ISO certificate that is typically valid for three years.

Key Functions of an ISO Registrar

ISO registrars perform several important roles in the certification process:

Initial Certification Audits (Stage 1 & 2): Registrars review documentation and conduct on-site or virtual audits to verify conformity with standards.
Surveillance Audits: Conducted periodically (every 6–12 months) to ensure the system is maintained after initial certification.
Recertification Audits: Required every three years to renew the certificate.
Issuing ISO Certificates: Registrars issue certificates once compliance is verified.

Examples of ISO Registrars

Examples of certification bodies that operate as ISO registrars include BSI Group, SGS, DNV, Bureau Veritas, TÜV SÜD, Intertek, and Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR). A full list of certification bodies can be found in the ISO Registrar Directory.

How ISO Registrars Are Accredited

Certification bodies must be accredited by national accreditation bodies to demonstrate competence and impartiality. Examples include:

UKAS — United Kingdom Accreditation Service
ANAB — ANSI National Accreditation Board (United States)
DAkkS — German Accreditation Body
JAS-ANZ — Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand

How to Choose an ISO Registrar

When selecting an ISO registrar, consider the following:

Accreditation Status: Verify the registrar is accredited by a recognized national body.
Industry Expertise: Ensure they have experience in your specific sector.
Geographic Coverage: Consider whether they can support your locations.
Auditor Competence: Look for registrars with experienced and qualified auditors.
Cost and Audit Approach: Compare pricing and the ability to conduct remote audits.

Difference Between a Registrar and an Accreditation Body

An ISO registrar (certification body) audits and certifies organizations against ISO standards. An accreditation body evaluates and accredits the registrars themselves to ensure they are competent and impartial. In other words, accreditation bodies are the "regulators of the regulators."