ISO Made Easy: Seven Clear Stages to Certification
ISO is about building a system that works, proving it’s being followed, and preparing your organisation for audit and beyond.
This guide introduces the seven clear stages organisations move through to achieve and maintain ISO certification, so you can understand where you are, what comes next, and how to start properly.
The 7 Stages Explained: Know Where Most Get Stuck
Below is a high-level overview of the seven stages.
If you’d like to see how they connect in practice, you can access our 7-minute ISO Certification Overview video as part of the Free ISO Starter Pack.
Access the video, sample tools, and a clear roadmap of the full journey.
Stage 1: Establish Commitment
Align leadership on why ISO matters, what standards apply, and which parts of the business are in scope. This is where organisations build shared understanding and set the foundations for the work ahead.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Essentials
Stage 2: Create The Framework For The Organisation
Set up the structure that holds the system together, including ownership, document control, and how the system will be used day to day. Responsibility becomes visible, rather than sitting with one person in the background.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Essentials or Guided
Stage 3: Design And Build The Management System
Tailor policies, procedures, and tools so they reflect how your organisation actually operates. The goal is a system that is clear, usable, and consistent — not theoretical.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Essentials or Guided
Stage 4: Roll Out And Integrate The System
Move from “we have documents” to “we work this way”. Train people, introduce procedures into real workflows, and begin collecting evidence through everyday work.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Guided
Stage 5: Check Performance And Close Gaps
Review how the system is being used, identify gaps early, and refine before engaging a certifying body. nternal audits and management reviews play a key role here.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Guided or Professional
Stage 6: Complete The External Certification Audit
Host the formal audit with an accredited certification body, respond to findings, and demonstrate that your system is operating as intended.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Professional or Partnered
Stage 7: Maintain Certification And Improve
Certification is not the finish line. The system must continue to operate, be reviewed, and improve over time through surveillance audits and continual improvement.
Support Typically Used At This Stage: IntegriSURE Partnered