How to choose a ISO Registrar?

By Vincent Zottola Choosing the right ISO registrar is an important decision for organizations that are seeking certification to the ISO 9001 standard. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an ISO registrar:

1. Accreditation: It is important to select an ISO registrar that is accredited by a reputable accreditation body such as ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), or the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB). Accreditation ensures that the registrar has been assessed and found to meet international standards for competence and impartiality.

2. Experience: Look for a registrar with experience in your industry or sector. This can be particularly important if your organization has unique quality management challenges or requirements.

3. Reputation: Research the registrar’s reputation by reviewing customer feedback, testimonials, and case studies. This can help you gain insight into the registrar’s level of service, responsiveness, and overall performance.

4. Audit Team: Consider the qualifications and experience of the audit team that will be assigned to your organization. Ensure that the team has the expertise needed to audit your organization effectively.

5. Cost: Compare the fees charged by different registrars, but be wary of choosing a registrar based solely on price. Low-priced registrars may cut corners or provide subpar service, which can lead to additional costs in the long run.

6. Customer Service: Choose a registrar that is responsive and provides excellent customer service. This can be particularly important if issues arise during the certification process. By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, organizations can select an ISO registrar that meets their needs and supports their quality management objectives.

   
   
   
   
   
   

   Once you have selected an ISO registrar, there are several steps involved in the certification process:

   1. Pre-assessment: This is an optional step in which the registrar conducts a preliminary assessment of your organization’s quality management system. This can help you identify any gaps or areas for improvement before the formal audit.

   2. Stage 1 Audit: The first stage of the audit is a review of your organization’s documentation and processes to ensure that they meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard.

   3. Stage 2 Audit: The second stage of the audit involves a comprehensive review of your organization’s processes and procedures. The audit team will evaluate the effectiveness of your quality management system and identify any non-conformances or opportunities for improvement.

   4. Certification Decision: Once the audit is complete, the registrar will make a decision about whether to grant certification. If your organization has successfully met the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, the registrar will issue a certificate.

   5. Surveillance Audits: After certification, the registrar will conduct regular surveillance audits to ensure that your organization continues to meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard.

   6. Re-certification: ISO 9001 certification is valid for three years. To maintain certification, your organization will need to undergo a re-certification audit before the expiration of the certificate.

   In conclusion, choosing the right ISO registrar is crucial for organizations seeking certification to the ISO 9001 standard. By considering factors such as accreditation, experience, reputation, audit team, cost, and customer service, organizations can select a registrar that meets their needs and supports their quality management objectives. The certification process involves several steps, including pre-assessment, stage 1 and stage 2 audits, certification decision, surveillance audits, and re-certification. ISO 9001 certification can help organizations improve their quality management systems, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase efficiency and profitability.