When ISO released the 2015 version of ISO/IEC 17021-1, a lot of certification bodies assumed it was just a structural update. I’ve seen teams carry over their 2011 documents thinking a few title changes would do the trick—only to face major non-conformities during their next accreditation audit.
A gap-analysis template is your best safety net. It gives you a clear, clause-by-clause view of where your system stands and what needs work before assessors do. In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to use it—based on what’s actually worked for certification bodies I’ve guided through the transition.
Here’s what I tell every client: a gap-analysis isn’t about filling boxes. It’s about understanding your system’s reality versus what the new version expects.
Think of it as holding up a mirror to your operations. You’re comparing what you think meets the requirement with what the 2015 clauses actually demand—especially around competence, impartiality, and process control.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush it. Treat your gap-analysis like a live project. Review, update, and revisit it until every requirement is fully aligned.
Common mistake: Auditing against the 2011 version and assuming nothing’s changed. The 2015 revision introduced new intent behind the clauses, not just new numbering.
Core Sections of an Effective ISO/IEC 17021-1 Gap-Analysis Template
A good template keeps things simple but complete. Here’s what it must include:
Clause Reference: Aligns 2011 and 2015 clause numbers.
Requirement Summary: A short, clear description of what the clause actually requires.
Current Practice: How your certification body currently meets (or doesn’t meet) that requirement.
Evidence Available: Documents, forms, or records that prove compliance.
Gap Identified: The missing link or non-alignment.
Action Plan: Who’s responsible, what needs to be done, and by when.
Verification: How you’ll confirm the fix worked.
One client I worked with converted this template into a Google Sheet shared across departments. Every week, they updated progress and used color-coding for open, in-progress, and verified gaps. Their accreditation body later called it a “model transition tool.”
Pro Tip: Keep it digital. Spreadsheets or web forms allow live collaboration and easy tracking. Common pitfall: Overcomplicating it with text-heavy notes. The clearer the data, the faster your transition moves.
How to Conduct the Gap-Analysis Step-by-Step
Here’s a practical sequence that works every time:
Collect your current system documents. Gather your quality manual, procedures, audit programs, and records.
Compare clause by clause. Use your crosswalk between ISO/IEC 17021-1:2011 and 2015.
Identify gaps. Be specific—note what’s missing and why.
Assign owners. Every gap should have one responsible person.
Prioritize. Fix the high-impact or accreditation-critical ones first.
Verify. Once an action’s done, check that it’s working as intended.
One certification body I supported started their gap-analysis with Clause 7 (Competence). They realized their process relied too much on one person’s judgment. Updating that early prevented a major non-conformity later.
Pro Tip: Schedule short, weekly reviews to keep momentum. Waiting for the “final version” before checking progress almost always causes delays.
Common Pitfalls When Performing a Gap-Analysis
I’ve reviewed dozens of transition files, and the same issues appear again and again:
Using the template once, then shelving it.
Ignoring cross-clause connections—like how impartiality (Clause 5) links to decision processes (Clause 9).
Claiming “no gaps” without objective evidence.
Failing to validate effectiveness after implementing fixes.
Pro Tip: Every time you close a gap, perform a quick internal check. It doesn’t need to be a full audit—just confirm the fix works and is documented.
Common mistake: Treating the gap-analysis like a compliance form. It’s really a management tool that tells your accreditation body you understand and control your transition.
Real-World Example – From Gap List to Accreditation Success
One medium-sized certification body I worked with used a simple spreadsheet version of this template. They started with over 40 gaps between their 2011 and 2015 systems—mostly around competence, impartiality, and documentation control.
Within 90 days, every item was closed, verified, and evidence-linked. During their next accreditation assessment, the lead assessor said, “Your transition documentation is the cleanest I’ve seen this year.”
That’s the real power of a good gap-analysis—it turns a transition into a structured, confident process.
FAQs – Your Common Questions Answered
Q1: Should I include all clauses, even those that don’t apply? Yes. Mark them as “N/A” with a clear justification. Assessors will expect that review.
Q2: Can I reuse the same template for future revisions? Absolutely. Just update the clause references and requirement summaries—it’s a living tool.
Q3: Who should lead the process? Ideally your Quality Manager, but involve your lead auditors too. They see how the system works day-to-day and often catch operational gaps early.
Turn Your Gap-Analysis Into a Roadmap
Transitioning to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right template, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what to fix—long before your accreditation body walks in.
At QSE Academy, we’ve helped multiple certification bodies complete this transition smoothly, often in under three months.
If you want a shortcut, grab our ISO/IEC 17021-1 Transition Gap-Analysis Template or schedule a guided review session. It’ll help you spot every gap, document your plan, and walk into your next audit with confidence.
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.
