What is ISO/IEC 17021?
Certification bodies working under this standard can demonstrate that their audit findings are based on objective evidence and their certification decisions are technically sound and globally trusted.
Why ISO/IEC 17021 Matters
Conformity with ISO/IEC 17021 is essential for certification bodies that wish to gain or maintain accreditation from recognized accreditation bodies. It assures competence, impartiality, and consistency in the certification of systems like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and others.
Key Benefits:
- Establishes credibility and trust in your certification outcomes
- Aligns with international accreditation expectations
- Reinforces impartial and evidence-based decision-making
- Ensures transparency, reproducibility, and consistency in audits
- Opens access to regulated global markets
Who Needs ISO/IEC 17021 Accreditation?
ISO/IEC 17021-1 applies to certification bodies that offer:
- Quality Management System Certification (ISO 9001)
- Environmental Management System Certification (ISO 14001)
- ccupational Health & Safety Certification (ISO 45001)
- Food Safety, Information Security, Energy Management, and others
Whether you are a newly formed CB or seeking transition from a non-accredited status, ISO/IEC 17021 is the foundation for reliable conformity assessment.
Services We Offer:
We provide end-to-end support for bodies seeking ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation. From system development to internal audits and final accreditation readiness—we help your CB meet every clause of the standard.
Develop competent ISO/IEC 17021 auditors and staff with expert-led training.
- Includes structured training for Awareness, Internal, and Lead Auditors.
- Focuses on competence for auditing and certifying management systems.
- Based on ISO/IEC 17021-1 and related sector-specific parts (e.g., 17021-3).
- Covers impartiality, decision-making, and audit program management.
- Designed for auditors, scheme managers, and technical reviewers.
- Supports accreditation readiness for management system certification bodies.
Download ready-to-use ISO/IEC 17021 documents for system compliance and accreditation.
- Editable templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and related parts.
- Includes SOPs, audit programs, certification procedures, and review forms.
- Covers impartiality, auditor competence, audit reports, and certification decisions.
- Streamlines system implementation and audit documentation.
- Supports accreditation compliance and reduces non-conformities.
- Ideal for new certification bodies or those updating their management system.
Conduct impartial ISO/IEC 17021 internal audits with full reporting and compliance insight.
- Internal audits led by auditors experienced in management system certification.
- Evaluates impartiality, auditor competence, and decision-making controls.
- Provides documented evidence aligned with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and relevant parts.
- Includes audit findings, risk areas, and corrective action advice.
- Supports compliance maintenance, extension of scope, and reaccreditation preparation.
Achieve ISO/IEC 17021 accreditation with structured, end-to-end consultancy support.
- Structured consultancy for ISO/IEC 17021-1 and sector-specific requirements.
- Covers gap assessment, system documentation, and impartiality framework.
- Guidance on audit program setup, auditor competence, and certification decision process.
- Assistance in internal audit and management review setup.
- Designed for new, transitioning, or expanding certification bodies.
Training Programs: ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015
Each training is Exemplar Global recognized and available via mobile or web.
Awareness Training
Understand the structure and purpose of ISO/IEC 17021 and its application in CB operations.
Internal Auditor Training
Learn how to audit internal operations of a certification body in compliance with ISO/IEC 17021.
Lead Auditor Training
Master the planning, execution, and reporting of audits under ISO/IEC 17021 requirements.
Implementation Training
Implement systems clause-by-clause with technical clarity—ideal for new or transitioning CBs.
ISO/IEC 17021 Document Templates
Designed for accredited conformity—covering all essential system components.
What’s Included:
- Quality manual mapped to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015
- Documented procedures: impartiality, appeals, complaints, auditor competence
- Audit planning forms, certification decision records
- Committee structures, contract review templates
- Editable Word format for full customization
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ISO/IEC 17021 Internal Audit Service
Ensure internal compliance before your external assessment with our detailed audit service.
What’s Included:
- Internal audit conducted by experienced ISO 17021 professionals
- Option for onsite or remote audit execution
- Audit report with findings, nonconformities, and improvement points
- Support in developing root cause analysis and corrective actions
Our Team Will Respond
Frequently Asked Questions
About 4–6 months depending on your current system, documentation, and team readiness.
Yes, but they must be modified to fit ISO/IEC 17021’s structure for CBs, including impartiality and decision-making layers.
We provide pre-assessment readiness, remote or in-person presence, and NC correction support if needed.
Yes. Our Lead Auditor and CB auditor training include role clarity, evidence evaluation, and decision justification techniques.