How to Check if an ISO Certificate is Valid
Many organisations across industries pursue ISO certification as a way to demonstrate their credibility and commitment to internationally recognised best practices. Certification serves as proof that a company adheres to established standards for quality, environmental responsibility, safety, and data security.
When assessing potential suppliers or partners, organisations often request ISO Certificates as part of their evaluation process. These certificates are typically shared as PDF documents issued by an accredited Certification Body. However, receiving a certificate is only the first step — verifying its authenticity and validity is crucial to ensure trust and compliance.
In this article, you’ll learn:
✔ The different types of ISO Management System Certifications
✔ The risks of working with invalid certifications
✔ Practical steps to verify the validity of a certificate
Types of ISO Management System Certifications
Some of the most widely recognised ISO certifications include:
ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (QMS):
Aims to enhance customer satisfaction by helping organisations meet customer requirements and continually improve their processes.
ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS):
Focuses on protecting sensitive data, managing risks related to information security, and preventing data breaches while complying with global data protection standards.
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems (EMS):
Provides a framework to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and manage regulatory compliance, supporting sustainable business practices.
ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS):
Helps organisations create safer workplaces, reduce risks of work-related injuries, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
For a deeper understanding of ISO standards and the certification process, check out our detailed guide on ISO Management System Standards.
Risks of an Invalid Certification
Working with suppliers holding invalid or forged certificates can expose organisations to serious risks, including:
✔ Operational disruptions: Suppliers may not meet expected quality or delivery timelines, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction.
✔ Reputational damage: Products or services that fail to meet standards can harm a company’s brand and credibility.
✔ Legal consequences: Using invalid certifications to prove compliance could result in regulatory penalties or contractual disputes.
Verifying certification authenticity demonstrates a commitment to due diligence and transparency. It builds trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders, assuring them that products and services are reliable and compliant.
How to Verify if an ISO Certificate is Valid
There are several ways to check a certificate’s authenticity, all of which can be conducted online:
✅ Verify on the International Register (IAF CertSearch)
Since 2020, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has provided a global register where certificates can be verified. Simply search for the business name on the IAF CertSearch platform. If certified, the business’s listing will appear, along with details like the Accreditation Body and the certificate’s scope.
Note: The platform limits the number of free daily searches, and additional searches require registration.
✅ Verify on Regional Registers (e.g. JASANZ)
In specific regions like Australia and New Zealand, local accreditation bodies such as JASANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand) maintain certification directories. Visit the JASANZ Certified Organisations Search, enter the organisation name and location, and apply the search to see active certifications.
✅ Verify with the Certification Body
You can also check directly with the Certification Body that issued the certificate. Look for the accreditation logo of the relevant authority — such as JASANZ for Australia and New Zealand — or the IAF logo to ensure global recognition.
Visit the Certification Body’s website and use their certification search tool. Be aware that not all Certifiers provide this functionality, so contacting them directly may be necessary.
Key Points to Look for When Verifying a Certificate
As you check the validity of a certificate, ensure the following are present:
✔ Certification Body Name: Verify the accredited Certification Body that issued the certificate.
✔ Accreditation Authority Logo: Look for the stamp of a recognised authority, such as JASANZ in Australia and New Zealand.
✔ IAF Recognition: A certificate displaying the IAF logo signals that it’s internationally recognised, though not all certificates include this logo.
✔ Expiration Date: Certificates are typically valid for three years and require annual surveillance audits. Ensure the certificate is not expired or close to expiration.
✔ Scope of Certification: Confirm that the certification covers the specific operations and locations relevant to your business needs.
Final Thoughts
Regular internal audits are a requirement of ISO standards to maintain certification. During annual audits conducted by Certification Bodies, auditors also check that the organisation is consistently performing internal audits and complying with all requirements.
By taking the time to verify ISO certifications, businesses not only protect themselves from operational and legal risks but also reinforce trust and transparency with stakeholders. Ensuring certification validity is a crucial step toward building reliable, efficient, and compliant partnerships.
