Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Why ISO/IEC 17021-1 Accreditation Matters More Than Ever

Over the years, I’ve met countless organizations calling themselves “certification bodies.” Some do great work — others, not so much. The difference? Accreditation.

Here’s what I’ve noticed: many certification bodies underestimate how powerful ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation really is. It’s not just a seal of approval. It’s what separates legitimate, trusted CBs from those whose certificates end up in the rejection pile.

If you’re running or planning to run a management-system certification body, this article is for you. We’ll unpack exactly who needs ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation, why it’s essential for credibility and growth, and how it changes your standing in the market.

Understanding What ISO/IEC 17021-1 Accreditation Actually Covers

Before we talk about who needs it, let’s make sure we’re clear on what it is.
ISO/IEC 17021-1 defines how a certification body (CB) should operate when auditing and certifying management systems — like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001.

Pro Tip:
Think of this as the “ISO for ISO certifiers.” It’s the standard that governs how you certify others.

Common Pitfall:
People often confuse ISO/IEC 17021-1 with ISO 9001 or ISO/IEC 17065. ISO 9001 applies to your own management system; ISO 17065 applies to product certification. ISO/IEC 17021-1, on the other hand, covers management-system certification.

Example:
A testing lab needs ISO/IEC 17025. An inspection body needs ISO/IEC 17020. But if your organization certifies companies to ISO 9001 or ISO 45001, you fall under ISO/IEC 17021-1. It’s that simple.

Certification Bodies Offering ISO Management-System Certifications

If your organization issues ISO certificates — for example, to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental), or ISO 45001 (OH&S) — you absolutely need ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation.

It’s what gives your certificates legitimacy and ensures global recognition. Without it, your clients might discover — usually during a tender — that their certificate isn’t recognized.

Pro Tip:
Align your certification process with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and relevant IAF MD documents. This ensures your certificates are accepted worldwide.

Pitfall:
Operating without accreditation. Many CBs start informally, thinking “we’ll get accredited later.” But once clients lose trust, it’s hard to rebuild.

Example:
One CB I worked with issued ISO 45001 certificates for two years before applying for accreditation. When a large client’s buyer checked the certificate, they realized it wasn’t accredited. That one incident cost the CB half its contracts. Accreditation isn’t optional — it’s credibility insurance.

Government-Recognized or Regulated Certification Bodies

Some certification bodies don’t have a choice — accreditation is mandatory.
If your certification services are recognized or regulated by government agencies or national accreditation bodies, you must be ISO/IEC 17021-1 accredited.

Pro Tip:
Before launching new certification schemes, check the national accreditation body’s website (like UKAS, JAS-ANZ, ANAB, CNAS). They’ll specify whether accreditation is required for recognition.

Pitfall:
Assuming local approval means global recognition. A government license might allow you to operate domestically, but without ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation, international acceptance won’t follow.

Example:
An environmental certification body in Asia gained national approval but wasn’t accredited. When they tried to expand abroad, regulators rejected their certificates. They had to restart the entire accreditation process to access new markets.

Emerging or Private Certification Bodies Building Market Trust

For new or private CBs, ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation is the fastest route to legitimacy.
Clients — especially larger corporations — will always prefer accredited CBs because it assures them the audit process is impartial and competent.

Pro Tip:
Use your accreditation as a selling point. When you can show that your processes meet international standards, you instantly build trust.

Pitfall:
Waiting too long to apply. I’ve seen start-up CBs say, “We’ll get accredited when we grow.” By the time they do, established competitors already own the market.

Example:
One small CB I guided through accreditation used it as a differentiator. Within a year, they were listed in IAF databases and started winning global clients who previously wouldn’t even consider them.

International Certification Bodies Seeking Cross-Border Recognition

If you plan to operate outside your home country, ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation under an IAF MLA-signatory body is non-negotiable.
That’s how your certificates gain international validity.

Pro Tip:
Always choose an accreditation body that’s a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and part of the Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). It ensures your certificates are recognized across member economies.

Pitfall:
Getting accredited by a non-recognized body. Your certificate might look valid locally but will be rejected in IAF countries.

Example:
A CB accredited by JAS-ANZ gained instant acceptance in over 70 countries through IAF MLA. Meanwhile, another CB accredited by a local, non-IAF body had to redo the process from scratch for global recognition.

Organizations Transitioning from Consultancy to Certification

Many consulting firms eventually decide to “certify” their clients. It’s a logical move — but also risky if not handled correctly.
ISO/IEC 17021-1 defines the governance structure needed to separate consultancy from certification and prevent conflicts of interest.

Pro Tip:
Create two distinct entities if you plan to consult and certify. Accreditation bodies will check for organizational and financial independence.

Pitfall:
Certifying clients you’ve consulted for — that’s a direct breach of impartiality.

Example:
One consultancy I worked with wanted to become an accredited CB. We helped them restructure their operations, create an impartiality committee, and document risk management controls. They passed accreditation easily — and doubled their revenue within the first year.

FAQs – Clarifying Who Needs ISO/IEC 17021-1 Accreditation

Q1. Is ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation mandatory for all certification bodies?
In most cases, yes. If you issue management-system certificates and want recognition beyond your local network, accreditation is essential.

Q2. Can small or sector-specific CBs operate without accreditation?
They can — but their certificates often won’t be accepted by regulators, international clients, or tenders. In short: you’ll stay small.

Q3. How long does the accreditation process take?
Typically 6–12 months, depending on readiness, documentation quality, and assessor scheduling.

Accreditation Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential

Accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021-1 isn’t just about compliance — it’s about trust, transparency, and opportunity.
Whether you’re a new certification body, a government-recognized organization, or a consultancy ready to expand, accreditation validates your competence and credibility.

In my experience, the most successful certification bodies don’t wait to be “ready.” They prepare strategically, get accredited, and grow from there.

If you’d like to assess your readiness, download our “ISO/IEC 17021-1 Accreditation Readiness Checklist” or book a consultation to map your path to accreditation success.

Because in today’s certification landscape, recognition isn’t earned by saying you’re competent — it’s proven by being accredited.