ISO Terms Explained – A Plain Language Guide for SMEs

ISO certification is formal recognition that your organisation meets the requirements of an ISO standard, such as ISO 9001 (Quality) or ISO 45001 (Workplace Health & Safety). Certification is issued by a third-party auditor after a successful audit.

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Being ISO compliant means your organisation follows ISO principles but may not be officially certified. It’s a popular first step for SMEs.

Compliance means following the requirements of the standard, while certification is the formal process of proving this through an external audit.

An IMS brings together multiple ISO standards into one management system — such as quality, safety, and environment — for streamlined oversight.

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IMS certification confirms that your integrated system meets multiple ISO standards and has been audited by a certification body.

The ISO audit is a structured review of your documented systems, practices, and evidence to ensure you meet the selected standard(s). It typically involves a Stage 1 (documentation) and Stage 2 (implementation) audit.

Explore the 7 Stages of ISO Certification.

Accreditation refers to the certification body being authorised to issue ISO certificates. Organisations don’t get “accredited” — they get certified.

There is no official ISO logo or “mark” for businesses. Certified organisations receive a certificate but must follow specific rules when promoting their certification.

ISO certification offers a range of practical benefits that strengthen your organisation’s systems, credibility, and market position:

• Improves internal systems
• Enhances credibility and trust
• Required for tenders and contracts
• Demonstrates risk and quality control

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It typically takes 3–6 months for SMEs, depending on the size and complexity of the business and the standard being implemented.