Accredited vs Non-Accredited ISO 27001Certification: Why It Matters
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the importance of robust information security practices cannot be overstated. ISO 27001, the internationally recognised standard for information security management, provides organisations with a framework to protect their data and systems. However, when it comes to obtaining ISO 27001 certification, not all certificates are created equal. The key difference lies in whether the certification is accredited or non-accredited.
What is Accreditaion?
Accreditation is the independent evaluation of certification bodies against the standard ISO/IEC 17021:(Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification) to ensure their impartiality, competence and consistency.
Understanding the Difference: Accredited vs. Non-Accredited ISO Certification
Accredited certification is provided by certification bodies that have been recognised by national accreditation bodies, such as JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand), UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service), and other ABs which are recognised by IAF (International Accreditation Forum). These organisations ensure that certification bodies operate according to internationally accepted standards, guaranteeing the credibility and authenticity of the certification.
On the other hand, non-accredited certification lacks this independent verification. While it may be cheaper and quicker, it comes with significant risks that could compromise the integrity of your business.
Table 1: Accredited vs. Non-Accredited ISO Certification
| Feature | Accredited Certification | Non-Accredited Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Validation | Verified by national accreditation bodies (e.g., JAS-ANZ, ANAB, UKAS, etc) | No independent verification |
| International Recognition | Globally recognised and accepted, can be validated on IAF website | Limited recognition, often questioned |
| Audit Process | Thorough, consistent, and in line with international standards, conducted by qualified and competent auditors. | Often lacks rigor, potentially overlooking key areas, often conducted by unqualfied auditors. |
| Reputation Impact | Enhances business credibility | May damage reputation if not accepted by stakeholders |
| Legal and Regulatory Compliance | Ensures compliance with local and international regulations | Risk of non-compliance, leading to legal issues |
| Long-Term Cost | Higher upfront cost but provides long-term value | Lower initial cost, but potential hidden costs later |
The Importance of Accredited Certification
“Accredited certification is the only guarantee that your ISO 27001 certification will be recognized and respected globally. Without accreditation, the certification is simply a piece of paper.” — International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
IAF Cert Search: All globally accredited certificates can be validated here:
https://www.iafcertsearch.org/
Accredited certification bodies, like Global Compliance Certification (GCC), undergo regular assessments to ensure they meet stringent criteria. This process involves the continuous evaluation of auditors, ensuring they are competent and follow consistent methodologies. This level of scrutiny is essential for maintaining the trustworthiness of the certification process.
The Risks of Non-Accredited Certification
Opting for a non-accredited certification might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it can lead to significant drawbacks. Without the backing of an accreditation body, the certification may not be recognised by key stakeholders, including clients, regulators, and business partners.
The UK Government, through the UKAS website, emphasizes the importance of accredited certification: “Non-accredited certification can lead to a false sense of security. Only accredited certification bodies have the authority to issue certificates that are internationally recognized and carry weight in the business world.”
Table 2: Potential Consequences of Choosing Non-Accredited Certification
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Reputation Damage | Stakeholders may question the legitimacy of your certification, leading to lost business opportunities. |
| Legal and Regulatory Non-Compliance | Non-accredited certificates may not meet legal standards, risking fines or other penalties. |
| Lack of Continuous Improvement | Non-accredited bodies may not provide the rigorous assessments needed for ongoing improvement. |
| Wasted Resources | Time and money spent on non-accredited certification could be wasted if the certificate is not accepted. |
In Australia, Government agencies require accredited ISO 27001 certification to ensure that organisations managing sensitive information adhere to recognised and rigorous information security standards. These requirements mandate certification from bodies accredited by JAS-ANZ or equivalent entities.
These emphasis placed by Australian Government agencies ensures that information security management systems are robust, credible, and independently verified by accredited certification bodies.
Expert Opinions
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service): “Accreditation is the key to ensuring that certifications are robust, reliable, and relevant. Choosing non-accredited certification can lead to significant risks for your business.”
UKAS Certcheck: Searching on UKAS CertCheck provides a simple confirmation whether a certification is currently valid.
https://www.certcheck.ukas.com
JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand): “Accredited certification bodies are subject to rigorous oversight, providing assurance that the certification process is fair, impartial, and consistent. Non-accredited bodies do not offer this level of assurance.”
Validity of JASANZ accredited certificates can be checked here : https://register.jas-anz.org/certified-organisations
Conclusion: Don’t Risk Your Business on Non-Accredited Certification
In conclusion, while non-accredited ISO certification may appear to be an attractive option due to lower costs, the risks far outweigh the savings. By choosing an accredited certification body like Global Compliance Certification, you ensure that your certification is recognised, respected, and provides real value to your business.
Investing in accredited certification protects your business’s reputation, ensures compliance with international standards, and ultimately saves you time and money in the long run. Don’t put your business at risk—choose accredited certification and safeguard your future.
“In the world of information security, credibility is everything. Don’t gamble with your certification—choose an accredited provider and rest easy knowing your business is in good hands.” — Global Compliance Certification (GCC)
