ISO certification for individuals

One of the greatest methods to achieve balance and check with your organisation is ISO certification. Without these internationally accepted and appreciated standards, achieving consistency in quality would be difficult. ISO certification allows to maintain a level in the playing field. With so many benefits of ISO certification for organisations, you may be wondering whether an individual can become ISO-certified. This article will answer your query and define the role of an ISO consultant in helping you to certified.

ISO certification for an individual

Only an organisation is eligible for ISO certification. However, there are a few courses that are available for individuals. Examples of such certification courses include the certificate for becoming an ISO lead auditor. The other certifications are meant to be used within an organisation.

Become a lead auditor

In order for an individual to be qualified to become a lead auditor, they must first complete an accredited training course. Here, it is important to remember that the lead auditor course should be delivered by a company that is internationally accredited. Enrolling in this course will allow you to work for a certification body and audit different organisation’s compliance with different ISO standards. Read the article ISO 9001 Lead Auditor for more information.

ISO certification for employees

The other two individual certifications that are available in ISO are more suitable for employees who are given the task of conducting internal audits. These certificates help to add more skills to an individual’s portfolio. The biggest difference between such individual courses and the lead auditor course is that majority of the tests do not require a compliance examination.

For example, in the ISO 9001 audit training course, you will be introduced to a series of training sessions that are created to build your knowledge base about ISO processes. The purpose of this course is to help individuals gain a better understanding of the ISO standards and enhance their curriculum vitae. Another advantage of internal auditor courses is that you can complete these courses within a few days. For maximum benefits, it is advisable to ensure that you are getting training from a certification body that is internationally accredited.

Differences between ISO certification for individuals and for organisations

When an organisation needs to acquire ISO certification, they must first implement the recommendations of the chosen standard into the organisations and then, develop a management system in accordance. After observing this management system for a few months, they must assess it and troubleshoot any inherent flaws.

After implementing these corrective actions and being satisfied with the functionality of their management systems, the organisation must then present itself for an external audit. In an external audit, the auditor will check the management system for its compliance and the documentation for its relevancy.

How an individual can acquire ISO certification?

When an individual wants to acquire ISO certification, they must undergo a training course to get certified. For example, if an individual wishes to obtain ISO 9001 lead auditor certificate, they must begin by first understanding what is a Quality Management System (QMS) and what are the recommendations of ISO 9001.

Then, they must take the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system training course, attend the training sessions and pass the examination. The results will reveal your understanding of implementing and auditing ISO 9001 in organisations.

Similarly, if an individual wishes to be an internal reviewer for their organisation, they must find a reputed accredited certification body that provides these programs. Usually, such internal auditor programs are provided by the organisation itself, however, if this is not the case, the individual can search for an external body that provides these courses.

Typically, these courses are online and self-paced. Clearing these tests will reveal your understanding of management reviews, auditing and the management system.

Popular ISO certification for an individual

There are a plethora of ISO standards available. However, if your interest lies in quality management, consider ISO 9001. If you are interested in understanding environmental management, then ISO 14001 is the most suitable for you. If occupational health and safety interests you, consider learning about ISO 45001.

If you like to study about information security and how data can be protected from thefts, hacks or phishing attacks, then study ISO 27001. If you are a member of the food supply chain, then ISO 22000 is perfect for you.

Contact the ISOcouncil today

ISO certification can be advantageous for both your organisation and individuals. Whether you want to become a lead auditor or upgrade your skills and become an internal auditor for your organisation, we offer the best training programs that can be customised in accordance to your needs. All our programs are self-paced so that you can learn at your convenience.

We are a JAS-ANZ accredited body that offers training programs to help you understand ISO recommendations, comply with regulatory requirements, and achieve customer satisfaction.

To get ISO certified, organisations need to implement a management system and undergo an external audit from an accredited third-party certification body. To get ISO certified, individuals need to undergo a training program and clear an examination. Individuals can get ISO certified and become lead auditors or gain an understanding of ISO certification and become internal review auditors for their own organisation.