About ISAO
Who we are, what we do and how we are governed.
International Standards Accreditation Organization (ISAO) is an independent organisation, established in 2024. It certifies management systems against international standards and issues certificates of registration. Through ISAO-BAR it also accredits certification bodies and training organisations, and it also administers an auditor registration scheme. ISAO works independently and impartially, under published rules.
Every certificate ISAO issues, and every certificate issued under ISAO accreditation, is recorded on a public register where anyone can check its current status.
What we do
- Certify management systems against international standards, and issue certificates of registration
- Accredit certification bodies that audit and certify management systems
- Accredit training organisations
- Administer an auditor registration scheme
- Publish the register, so that anyone can check a certificate or a certification body
- Handle complaints and appeals, and publish suspensions and withdrawals
How we work
ISAO makes its decisions under published rules. Assessment and decision-making are kept apart, and people with a conflict of interest do not take part in a decision. Our impartiality policy explains how we identify and manage conflicts of interest.
Governance
ISAO is governed by its board. An accreditation committee makes accreditation decisions, and an impartiality committee reviews the risks to our impartiality.
Our legal details, and a plain statement of what ISAO accreditation is and is not, are on the legal status and recognitions page.