Choosing a certification body isn’t as simple as picking the cheapest option or the one a supplier recommended. I’ve worked with companies going through BRC audits across multiple industries, and one pattern keeps showing up:
The certification body — and more importantly, the auditor — can make your audit feel structured and constructive… or unnecessarily stressful.
Yes, all BRCGS certification bodies must follow the same rules. But how they interpret, communicate, schedule, invoice, and interact with you varies widely.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to compare certification bodies confidently — before signing anything.
Accreditation & BRCGS Approval Status (First Filter Before Anything Else)
Before looking at cost, timelines, or personality fit, start with the basics: accreditation and approval.
A certification body must be approved by BRCGS, and the auditor assigned must be qualified for your product category and risk level. A CB may be approved, but not all its auditors cover every scope.
Pro Tip: Confirm both:
The certification body is BRCGS-approved
The assigned auditor is approved for your category (e.g., chilled, ready-to-eat, processed meat, packaging)
A mistake I’ve seen: companies assume any BRC auditor can handle their product type. Months later they find out the assigned auditor lacks category approval — and they wait for another. That delay can push your certification timeline significantly.
Auditor Competence & Industry Experience (The True Quality Factor)
Here’s something I’ve seen repeatedly: the quality of the audit depends more on the auditor than the certification body brand.
A strong auditor:
Understands your industry
Interprets requirements consistently
Explains expectations clearly
Focuses on improvement, not just non-conformities
A less experienced auditor can turn an audit into guesswork, conflict, or confusion — not because the rules are unclear, but because the interpretation isn’t aligned with industry reality.
Pro Tip: Ask for the auditor’s experience summary — product category, years auditing, and industry background.
A poultry processor I supported shifted certification bodies purely because another CB had an auditor with deep meat industry experience. Their second audit was far smoother because the auditor understood the operational risks and language of the business.
Certification pricing isn’t always straightforward. Two certification bodies may quote the same number of audit days yet offer very different total costs.
Typical pricing components include:
Audit man-day rate
Travel and accommodation
Report writing fees
Certificate issuance
Annual registration or admin fees
Corrective-action review fees
Some bodies package everything; others bill each item separately.
Pro Tip: Request a detailed, itemized quote — not a single number.
A common pitfall is choosing the lowest headline price without understanding add-ons. I’ve seen companies shocked when “extras” doubled the final invoice.
Scheduling, Availability & Regional Coverage (A Practical Decision Factor)
Even if a certification body looks perfect, auditor availability can change the equation.
High-risk product categories — especially those requiring specialist auditors — can be booked months ahead. If your facility operates seasonally or serves a retailer with strict timelines, availability becomes a critical decision point.
Pro Tip: Book early — especially if your category is high-risk or you’re in a region with limited auditor supply.
One frozen food manufacturer waited until they were “fully ready” before scheduling. The next available audit window was four months later — delaying customer approvals and commercial plans.
Customer Service, Communication Style & Post-Audit Support
Responsiveness matters. You need clear instructions, expected timelines, and reliable communication — especially when uploading corrective actions or clarifying findings.
Good certification bodies:
Respond within reasonable timeframes
Provide structured guidance
Communicate requirements clearly
Poor communication causes preventable delays — sometimes even certification hold-ups.
Pro Tip: Ask how long report review and non-conformity validation typically take. Some CBs are fast; others take weeks.
Reputation, Feedback & Industry Recommendations
Sometimes the best indicator isn’t a website, accreditation badge, or sales brochure — it’s real-world experience.
Talk to companies in your sector. Ask what worked, what didn’t, and whether they would choose that certification body again.
Look for recurring themes:
Fair, consistent auditor?
Practical and collaborative approach?
Administrative delays?
Transparent billing?
Pro Tip: Ask the certification body to provide references from companies in your product category or region.
You learn far more in a five-minute conversation with another certified site than in a 20-page proposal.
How to Compare and Select a Certification Body (Simple Selection Framework)
When comparing, use a structured view — not just price.
Rank each certification body based on:
Accreditation and auditor scope alignment
Auditor competence and experience
Availability and scheduling flexibility
Pricing transparency
Communication and support quality
Long-term partnership fit
Certification is not a one-time event — it’s a recurring cycle. You want a body who will be reliable year after year.
FAQs: Choosing a BRC V9 Certification Body
Q1: Can we switch certification bodies later? Yes — transfers are allowed. The process is straightforward if you’re already certified and records are current.
Q2: Does paying more mean better results or easier audits? No. Pricing doesn’t influence grading. Auditor competence and communication style matter far more than cost.
Q3: Should we choose the certification body our customer prefers? Sometimes. If a retailer mandates or strongly prefers a specific CB, follow that guidance. Otherwise choose the best fit.
Conclusion: Choose Based on Fit — Not Just Price
Selecting a certification body is more than a purchase decision — it’s choosing a partner for your compliance journey. When you assess competence, availability, communication style, and transparency, you make the process smoother and more predictable.
If you’d like help comparing options or reviewing a quote before signing, I can walk through it with you and make sure it aligns with your scope and expectations.
Just tell me what stage you’re at — and we’ll go from there.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
