Every accredited certification body depends on strong documentation. It’s what proves consistency, impartiality, and control. Yet, when accreditation assessors arrive, the same question often surfaces: Do you have the right documents — and are they actually being used?
This guide brings together every essential component of a compliant ISO/IEC 17021-1 documentation system. You’ll learn exactly which policies, procedures, templates, and records your certification body needs, how they connect to the clauses, and how to keep them maintained and audit-ready.
In my experience helping CBs prepare for accreditation, documentation is usually the difference between a clean report and a list of findings. One CB I worked with replaced a scattered file system with a structured toolkit tied to clauses 6–10 — their next assessment was completed in half the time, with no documentation findings.
Core ISO/IEC 17021-1 Documentation Requirements (Clauses 6 to 10)
The standard isn’t prescriptive about document format, but it’s explicit about control and coverage. Your toolkit should reflect these five documentation pillars:
Clause 6 – Structural Requirements: organization charts, impartiality policy, conflict-of-interest procedure, committee terms of reference.
Clause 7 – Resource Requirements: competence criteria, training plans, witness-audit forms, competence-review records.
Pro Tip: Build a single document matrix mapping each clause to its supporting procedure or record. Assessors immediately see that you’ve covered every requirement.
The Essential Policy and Manual Documents
Start your toolkit with foundation documents that describe your system:
Impartiality Policy – defines how impartiality risks are managed and reviewed.
Confidentiality Policy – ensures client data is protected at every stage.
Management-System Policy – your overall commitment to competence and continual improvement.
Each policy should be short, referenced in your management-system documentation, and approved by top management. These form the “front cover” of your compliance story.
Pro Tip: Keep these documents simple. Assessors care more about implementation than elegant wording.
Q1: What’s the difference between mandatory and supporting documents? Mandatory documents are explicitly required by the standard; supporting documents help implement and evidence those requirements.
Q2: Can our entire documentation system be electronic? Yes — as long as you demonstrate version control, authorized access, and reliable backup.
Q3: How often should documents be reviewed? At least once a year or whenever changes affect scope, structure, or standards.
Streamlining Compliance with a Complete Documentation Toolkit
A strong documentation system is more than a compliance formality — it’s how your certification body demonstrates professionalism, transparency, and control.
When policies, procedures, and records connect seamlessly, your accreditation assessments become predictable and stress-free. The ISO/IEC 17021-1 Documentation Toolkit gives you the structure to manage your CB confidently — from document creation to decision records.
To move from reactive to ready, you can:
Download QSE Academy’s ISO/IEC 17021-1 Documentation Toolkit, or
Book a consultation to customize your toolkit for your specific accreditation scope.
Because in ISO/IEC 17021-1, good documentation isn’t paperwork — it’s proof.
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.
