Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Why Clause 8 Confuses Even Well-Run PT Providers

Here’s what I’ve noticed over the years:
Many PT providers run solid operations but get stuck when Clause 8 shows up.

Not because they don’t manage their business well—but because they’re unsure how ISO/IEC 17043 wants that management system to look.

Option A.
Option B.

Those two letters cause more overthinking than almost any other clause.

This article clears that up. We’ll look at what Clause 8 is really asking for, how assessors evaluate it, and how to choose the option that actually fits your organization.

Overview of ISO/IEC 17043 Clause 8 Management-System Requirements

Clause 8 exists for one simple reason:
ISO wants confidence that your PT activities are planned, controlled, reviewed, and improved.

That’s it.

Clause 8 ties everything together:

• Design (Clause 7)
• Resources (Clause 6)
• Impartiality (Clause 4)
• Structure (Clause 5)

Assessors don’t treat Clause 8 as “generic ISO admin.”
They use it to test whether your system actually works.

Common misunderstanding:
Thinking Clause 8 is only about having procedures.

It’s not.
It’s about whether your system catches problems and improves outcomes.

Management-System Option A: ISO/IEC 17043-Specific Management System

Option A is a standalone management system built specifically to meet ISO/IEC 17043.

It typically includes:

• Document and record control
• Internal audits
• Management reviews
• Corrective actions
• Control of nonconforming work

This option works well for:

• Standalone PT providers
• Smaller organizations
• Providers who don’t already have ISO 9001

In my experience, Option A is often simpler than people expect—if it’s kept PT-focused.

Pro tip:
Don’t copy a full ISO 9001 system and relabel it. Assessors spot that immediately.

Common mistake:
Overdocumenting processes that don’t actually affect PT activities.

Management-System Option B: Using ISO 9001 or an Integrated System

Option B allows you to use an existing management system, such as ISO 9001, instead of building one from scratch.

Sounds easier—but there’s a catch.

You must demonstrate that your existing system:

• Covers all Clause 8 requirements
• Is effectively implemented
• Applies to PT activities specifically

I’ve seen providers assume that ISO 9001 certification alone is enough.
Assessors don’t agree.

They ask:
“How does your ISO 9001 system control PT scheme design?”
“How are PT-specific risks addressed?”

Pro tip:
Integration must be visible in practice—not just claimed on paper.

Common pitfall:
Management-system processes exist, but PT activities aren’t clearly included.

Choosing Between Option A and Option B for PT Providers

There’s no “better” option.
There’s only a better fit.

Option A often suits:

• Small or new PT providers
• Organizations focused only on PT

Option B often suits:

• Larger organizations
• PT activities embedded within labs or certification bodies
• Companies already running ISO 9001 effectively

Assessors often test your choice with one question:
“Why did you choose this option?”

If the answer is clear and logical, you’re on solid ground.

Common mistake:
Choosing Option B because it sounds easier—without checking readiness.

Documentation and Evidence for Clause 8 Compliance

Assessors don’t want to see everything.
They want to see the right things.

Under Option A, they usually expect:

• Management system procedures
• Internal audit records
• Management review outputs
• Corrective action records

Under Option B, they expect:

• Evidence mapping existing processes to Clause 8
• Proof PT activities are covered
• Records showing implementation

Pro tip:
Present evidence by linking it directly to PT processes. It saves time and builds confidence.

Common mistake:
Flooding assessors with corporate documents unrelated to PT.

Demonstrating Clause 8 Compliance During ISO/IEC 17043 Assessments

This is where Clause 8 really gets tested.

Assessors look for:

• Evidence of internal audits that include PT activities
• Management reviews that discuss PT performance
• Corrective actions that lead to improvement

They often ask:
“What changed as a result of this review?”
“What did you fix after this audit?”

If nothing ever changes, Clause 8 isn’t working.

Pro tip:
One meaningful improvement is better than ten untouched procedures.

Common pitfall:
Treating Clause 8 activities as a once-a-year checkbox exercise.

FAQs on ISO/IEC 17043 Clause 8: Management-System Options

Is Option B easier than Option A?

Not always. It depends on how well your existing system is implemented and integrated with PT activities.

Can a PT provider switch between Option A and Option B?

Yes, but the change must be planned, documented, and communicated to the accreditation body.

Do internal audits need to cover all ISO/IEC 17043 clauses?

Yes. Regardless of the option chosen, all clauses must be audited.

Conclusion: Clause 8 Is About Control, Not Labels

Clause 8 isn’t asking whether you have ISO 9001.
It’s asking whether your PT activities are controlled, reviewed, and improved.

Both Option A and Option B can work—when chosen deliberately and implemented properly.

When Clause 8 is done well:

• Issues are found early
• Decisions are based on evidence
• Assessors gain confidence quickly

Your next step:
Review your management-system option and ask one honest question—
“Does this system actually control our PT activities?”