ISO certification can boost credibility, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance with international standards. This guide breaks down the process, costs, implementation, and available consultants—all in simple terms.
Understanding ISO Implementation and Certification
If you're considering ISO certification, you might be in one of the following situations:
✔ You've suggested to your management that your company should obtain an ISO certificate.
✔ Your organization is preparing for ISO implementation.
✔ You’re exploring ISO certification for your own business.
✔ Your customer requires an ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 certificate as part of supplier registration or approval.
✔ A tender you're applying for has pre-qualification criteria, requiring your company to be ISO-certified to submit a quotation.
Regardless of your circumstances, there are essential questions you need to address before beginning the ISO certification process—whether in the Philippines or globally.
❓ Key Questions Organizations Should Consider
📌 1. What is the ISO certification process, and what does it involve? The certification process includes gap analysis, documentation, implementation, internal audits, and certification audits, ensuring compliance with ISO standards.
📌 2. How long does the certification process take? The time frame varies, but the entire ISO certification journey typically lasts 3 to 6 months, depending on the company size and complexity of implementation.
📌 3. How much does ISO certification cost? Costs depend on business size, industry, and certification body. Companies must budget for ISO training, consulting, implementation, and certification fees, with expenses ranging from PHP 150,000 to PHP 1,000,000+.
📌 4. Who should I contact for certification and assistance? You can seek help from ISO consultants or accredited certification bodies to ensure smooth implementation and compliance.
📌 5. Which ISO standard is most suitable for my company? Selecting the right standard depends on your business needs: ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental compliance, ISO 45001 for workplace safety, ISO 22000 for food safety, and ISO 27001 for information security.
ISO Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Obtaining ISO certification is a strategic decision influenced by business dynamics, competitive factors, and stakeholder expectations. Once an organization commits to certification, structured planning and effective execution are essential. Here’s a the approach to achieving ISO certification in the Philippines:
1️⃣ Form a Core Team
Appoint a project manager and assign representatives from each functional area to oversee implementation.
2️⃣ Train the Team
Educate employees on ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001) to foster an engaged and informed environment.
3️⃣ Define Organizational Context
Assess internal and external challenges affecting operations and compliance.
4️⃣ Identify Interested Parties
Recognize stakeholders' needs and expectations, and determine their impact on business success.
5️⃣ Establish Quality Policy & Objectives
Define a clear quality policy along with measurable objectives and an action plan to achieve them.
6️⃣ Identify & Document Critical Processes
Map out essential workflows, focusing on high-priority processes and documenting them as SOPs or flowcharts.
7️⃣ Assess Risks & Opportunities
Conduct risk identification for processes, products/services, and change management, followed by risk mitigation planning.
8️⃣ Perform Gap Analysis
Review each ISO standard clause, compare it with current business practices, and create an action plan to address gaps.
9️⃣ Update Documented Information
Develop necessary ISO documents and records to ensure compliance with mandatory requirements.
🔟 Train Internal Auditors & Conduct Audits
Equip staff with audit skills and conduct an internal audit to identify compliance issues.
1️⃣1️⃣ Get Pre-Assessment Audit (Optional)
If needed, hire an ISO consultant to evaluate readiness before the certification audit.
1️⃣2️⃣ Certification Audit & Issuance
Engage an accredited certification body, undergo an audit, and obtain your ISO certificate.
With a structured approach, businesses can achieve ISO certification efficiently while ensuring long-term compliance and improvement.
ISO Certification Timelines
The time-frame for obtaining an ISO certificate depends on several factors, including company size, number of employees, business scope, number of locations, complexity of operations, and the maturity of existing processes.
⏳ Estimated Duration
✔ Fast-track implementation – Companies that already meet ISO requirements can proceed directly to a certification audit, potentially completing the process in as little as 15 days.
✔ Standard implementation pace – Organizations typically require 3 to 4 months to complete training, documentation, implementation, and certification audits.
✔ Complex projects – Businesses with multiple locations or intricate processes may take up to 6 months to achieve certification.
For businesses in Manila, Cebu, and across the Philippines, free project plans and time estimates are available for ISO certification initiatives. If needed, companies can request assistance by contacting director@bluestarcmi.com
ISO Certification Costs: Factors & Estimates
The cost of ISO certification depends on several factors, including the duration of the project, the involvement of trainers and consultants, and the complexity of business operations. Typically, organizations are billed based on a fixed man-day rate.
📌 Estimated Costs in the Philippines
✔ Consulting & Certification Fees: PHP 30,000 – 40,000 per man-day for consulting and audit services.
✔ Mid-Sized Company Investment: PHP 400,000 – 600,000 for a full ISO certification project.
📌 Key Factors Affecting ISO Certification Expenses
✔ Training Needs – Will you hire an external trainer, or can your internal team conduct the sessions?
✔ In-House vs. External Consulting – Do you have an internal team for documentation and implementation, or will you require an ISO consultant?
✔ Turnkey vs. Partial Assistance – Are you hiring a consultant for a full-scale implementation, or just selected modules?
✔ Certification Body Selection – The cost varies based on the accredited body conducting the final certification audit.
Organizations in the Philippines can request a free cost estimate for ISO certification services by contacting +63 9996644642 to access affordable and discounted packages
Contacting ISO Consultants & Certification Bodies in the Philippines
Organizations seeking ISO certification in the Philippines should start by consulting an experienced ISO consultant. Various options exist, including freelance consultants, mid-sized firms, and established consulting companies operating nationwide.
📌 Notable ISO Consulting Firms
✔ Bluestar Certification Management Inc.
✔ LMS Academy Philippines
✔ RICL Philippines Inc.
Once a consulting firm is selected, their experts will oversee planning, execution, and monitoring, ensuring successful ISO certification.
📌 Accredited ISO Certification Bodies
Certification audits for ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001 are conducted by certification bodies accredited by UKAS, UAF, IAS, SCC and PAB. An ISO consultant will guide you in choosing the most suitable certification body and navigating the certification process efficiently.
Selecting the Right ISO Standard for Your Business
With over 89 ISO management system standards, selecting the right one ensures optimal business benefits. Consider these factors:
✔ Industry & Business Activities – The nature of your business operations determines the most relevant ISO standard.
✔ Customer & Regulatory Needs – Compliance with stakeholder expectations enhances credibility.
✔ Existing Challenges – Address operational pain points through relevant ISO implementation.
✔ Competitor Certification Status – Staying competitive may require certification in relevant ISO standards.
📌 Recommended ISO Certification Approach
✔ Start with ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) – Establishes process-based operations, making future ISO implementations easier.
✔ ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 – Ideal for manufacturing, construction, mining, and similar industries.
✔ ISO 22000 & HACCP – Essential for food-related businesses, including production, logistics, retail, and restaurants.
✔ ISO 27001, ISO 22301 & ISO 20000 – Recommended for IT, software, BPO, and companies managing sensitive information.
📌 Additional Certifications Based on Business Needs
✔ ISO 17025 – For laboratories.
✔ ISO 17020 – For third-party inspection bodies.
The most strategic certification path
The selection of ISO standards for certification and implementation should be based on your business operations and strategy. The information provided earlier can help in choosing the most suitable and beneficial ISO standard for your organization.
For expert guidance, Bluestarcmi offer assistance in selecting the right standard. They provide support through their 24-hour customer service hotline: +63 9996644642