FAQ
No question is too big or small. Below, we’ve gathered the most common questions that arise during the certification process. If you have additional questions, you’re always welcome to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How long does certification take?
For a management system that is ready for review/certification, you can generally expect the process to take about one month. However, depending on the outcome—such as if non-conformities arise after the audit—the timeline may increase. The portion managed by us typically takes around one month.
What determines the cost of certification?
The cost is based on factors such as the amount of audit time required, the standards involved, the company’s operations and number of employees, as well as its geographical location. The calculation of audit time is governed by a framework common to all certification bodies.
Can my company switch certification bodies?
Switching is very simple and, for most companies, free of charge. We assist and guide you through the process. You can read more about transfering to SBcert here.
What can SBcert certify?
We work with certifications for quality, environment, occupational health and safety, information security, road traffic safety, and sustainability. In practice, this means ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, ISO 39001, and ISO 26000. We also certify niche standards such as SOC 2. The standards for which SBcert is accredited are listed on the SWEDAC website.
What is SWEDAC?
SWEDAC stands for the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment. It is a Swedish government agency responsible for ensuring that certifications, accreditations, and inspections are carried out reliably and fairly.
Is the auditor bound by confidentiality?
Yes, all SBcert auditors are bound by confidentiality agreements.
How does one become a certification auditor?
Your education, skills, and experience determine which areas you can audit. Strong personal qualities, such as being attentive and pedagogical, are also essential, as auditors frequently interact and collaborate with people in various environments.
What is a management system?
A management system is a structure or framework used to manage and improve an organization’s operations and performance. It includes processes, procedures, guidelines, and tools that help the organization achieve its goals, comply with legal requirements, and continually improve.
How do I get a certification?
First, you need to have a management system ready for review, which should have been operational for some time to demonstrate that processes work in practice. When it’s time for certification, an agreement is signed with us, and an auditor is assigned as your primary contact. The audit is divided into two stages: Stage 1 ensures there is a “map,” and Stage 2 verifies that the organization follows the “map.” Read more about the certification process here.
What is ISO?
ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, a global, independent organization that develops and publishes international standards to promote quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability across various sectors. ISO’s headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, and it comprises national standardization bodies from over 160 countries.
Which industries does SBcert certify?
We operate in virtually all industries.
How can I use the certification mark?
This is regulated by overarching certification rules from IAF and SWEDAC. We always provide detailed information about this to our customers when signing an agreement.
How can I verify if a company is ISO certified?
There is a global database where all certification bodies are required to update information on issued certificates. Since 2020, SBcert has exported all data to this database. The database can be accessed here: www.iafcertsearch.org.