Choosing a certification body should be a strategic decision based on competencies, accreditation scope, and experience. However, the latest Certiget 2025 report reveals a different reality: 54% of companies admit they selected their certification body under time pressure, often without thoroughly comparing available options.
What does this tell us about the real dynamics of the ISO certification market?
Methodology
Source: Online survey conducted by Certiget as part of the “Real Challenges of ISO Certification 2025” initiative.
Data collection period: January – March 2025
Number of respondents: 124 companies
Company size distribution:
- Micro (up to 10 employees): 45 companies (36%)
- Small (11–50 employees): 53 companies (43%)
- Medium (51–250 employees): 21 companies (17%)
- Large (250+ employees): 5 companies (4%)
Industries represented: Manufacturing, IT, logistics, professional services, construction
Profile: Companies that have already been certified management system standards (including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001)
Key Findings
- 67 companies (54%) chose their certification body under time pressure.
- 32 companies (26%) selected their CB based on a consultant’s recommendation, without comparing offers.
- 21 companies (17%) were unaware of their certification body’s accreditation status.
- Only 26 companies (21%) compared more than two offers before making a decision.
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What These Results Tell Us About the Market
1. Time Pressure Overrides Strategic Decision-Making
For many companies, certification is a contractual or tender requirement – not a planned investment in quality. As a result, decisions are often rushed and based on convenience rather than evaluation.
2. Low Awareness of Accreditation and Competency Differences
Many organizations treat certification bodies as interchangeable. In reality, differences in audit quality, auditor experience, and scope of accreditation can significantly affect the value of a certificate.
3. Consultants Have a Strong Influence
A significant number of companies rely entirely on consultants to choose their certification body. While this can be helpful, it may not always reflect objective, client-focused decision-making.
4. Rare Comparison of Offers
Companies that don’t compare offers are more likely to overpay or choose a CB with less experience in their sector. This undermines the long-term value of certification and may lead to issues during surveillance audits.
Recommendations for Companies Planning ISO Certification
- Plan ahead. Avoid choosing under pressure by starting the process early.
- Compare multiple offers. Use platforms like Certiget to access a wide range of accredited certification bodies.
- Verify accreditation. Always check whether the CB is accredited and which standards are covered.
- Challenge recommendations. Even if a consultant suggests a CB, verify its suitability independently.
- Ask for experience in your industry. A good match can make a significant difference in the audit’s relevance and value.
Conclusion
The findings from the Certiget 2025 report highlight a critical issue in the ISO certification ecosystem: too many companies choose their certification body hastily and without due diligence.
This not only affects the efficiency and credibility of certification but can also lead to unnecessary costs and lost opportunities.
Certiget exists to change this. We empower companies to make informed choices based on real data, accreditation, and industry experience - not pressure or guesswork.
Looking for a certification body you can trust?
Use Certiget to compare offers, accreditations, and services - and make the right decision for your business.
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