ISO Standards Certification

Introduction: Why the Choice Between ISO 17020 and ISO 9001 Matters Companies engaged in inspection, manufacturing, engineering, testing, and quality assurance frequently require evidence that their work complies with defined requirements. But the correct standard depends on what the organization does and what level of assurance customers or regulators expect. While ISO/IEC 17020 and ISO 9001 are internationally recognized standards, they serve different purposes. ISO/IEC 17020 specifies requirements for the competence of inspection bodies, the competence of inspection personnel, and the independence and uniformity of inspection activities. ISO 9001 provides the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) that helps an organization consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements. Understanding the differences between ISO 17020 certification and ISO 9001 allows businesses to avoid choosing a standard that does not meet their o...