Discovering the Benefits of Accredited ISO Certifications for Professional Growth

ISO certification of persons is a valuable recognition for individuals looking to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in various areas of management systems. From information security to quality management, ISO certification verifies that individuals have met the necessary standards and requirements in their field of choice. The growing number of job postings that require personal certification (ISO) through an accredited certification body suggests that ISO certification is becoming increasingly important in today's job market[i]. Employers are recognizing the value of personal certification in verifying an individual's knowledge and expertise in various areas of management systems, and are looking for candidates who possess these certifications. By obtaining ISO certification through an accredited certification body, individuals can reap numerous benefits, including recognition, credibility, career advancement opportunities, access to a professional network, and a sense of personal accomplishment. In this article, we will explore the key elements of ISO certification and accreditation, and the benefits they bring to individuals seeking professional growth and development.

What is Certification?

ISO certification of persons is a process that verifies and attests that an individual has met certain standards and requirements in a specific area of management systems. The certification process is carried out through a certification body, which verifies that the individual has the necessary knowledge and expertise in the field. ISO certification of persons provides recognition and credibility, demonstrates a commitment to professional development, and can be beneficial for career advancement opportunities.

Nevertheless, not all certification bodies provide the same quality and, therefore, not all certificates are of the same value. Only some certification bodies comply with international best practices and standards, such as ISO 17024, which establishes specific requirements for certification bodies operating certification of persons.  To demonstrate their adherence to best practices, compliance with international standards and to showcase their quality, certification bodies often pursue accreditation.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is the process by which an accreditation body (AB) recognizes a certification body as competent to perform specific certification activities. The full list of recognized ABs by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) can be found here[ii]. In the context of ISO certification of persons, accreditation is typically provided by national or international accreditation bodies, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB). These bodies evaluate certification bodies against a set of internationally recognized standards and criteria, such as ISO 17024 for personnel certification, to determine whether they meet the required level of competence and impartiality.

Just like IAF, most of ABs also list the certification bodies they have accredited – see for example ANAB’s list here[iii]. According to the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), accredited certification bodies are able to “demonstrate that they have been rigorously assessed by an independent authority against internationally recognized standards", which provides confidence to candidates and stakeholders that the certification process has been conducted in a reliable, impartial, and consistent manner[iv].

Benefits of the Accredited ISO Certification Schemes

1. Recognition and Credibility

One of the main benefits of obtaining personal ISO certification through an accredited certification body is the recognition and credibility it provides. Obtaining a personal ISO certification can benefit individuals by making them more attractive to potential employers and recruiters. Employers often value certifications as evidence of a candidate's commitment to professional development, as well as their high level of knowledge and expertise in a given field. Certifications from accredited bodies, in particular, can be highly regarded by employers, and may increase the salaries of certified individuals. According to a study, IT professionals that have certifications earn at least 7% more than non-certified individuals[v]. This gives such certified individuals a competitive advantage in the job market, as they are seen as more qualified and valuable assets to organizations.

2. Career advancement opportunities

Another benefit of ISO certification is the ability to advance in one's career. Many organizations prefer to promote individuals who are certified by an accredited certification body in ISO standards, as it shows that they have undergone rigorous assessment and have achieved a high level of competence in their field. This can lead to increased trust and respect from colleagues and clients, which can ultimately result in greater business opportunities and success.

3. Access to a professional network

Moreover, obtaining ISO certification through an accredited certification body can help individuals keep up with the latest developments and best practices in their industry. To maintain their certification, individuals are required to participate in continuing education and stay up-to-date with changes to industry standards and regulations. Also, certification “does not end with obtaining the certificate but continues by focusing on the certified person’s professional competence development”.[vi] This ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date on the latest developments and advancements, as well as expand their network.

4. Personal accomplishment

Obtaining ISO certification via an accredited certification body also provides a sense of personal accomplishment and pride. The sense of personal accomplishment that comes with obtaining ISO certification can be a powerful motivator for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a particular field. It can also serve as a tangible representation of an individual's dedication to their profession, and a demonstration of their ability to meet and exceed industry standards.

In conclusion, ISO certification is a valuable recognition for individuals looking to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in various areas of management. The certification process, which is carried out through an accredited certification body, verifies that individuals have met the necessary standards and requirements in their field of choice. Accreditation of the certification body ensures that the certification process is rigorous and credible, and that the individuals who receive certification have truly demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field. Whether you are looking to advance your career, stay up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements, or simply demonstrate your commitment to professional development, ISO certification is a valuable investment in your future.

_{[i] Linkedin Jobs, Glassdoor, Indeed}

_{[ii]https://iaf.nu/en/recognised-abs/}

_{[iii]https://anabpd.ansi.org/Accreditation/credentialing/personnel-certification/ALLdirectoryListing?menuID=2&prgID=201&statusID=4}

_{[iv]https://www.ukas.com/resources/latest-news/accreditation-delivering-certified-confidence/}

_{[v]https://www.globalknowledge.com/us-en/resources/resource-library/articles/certification-value-continues-to-grow-for-it-professionals/}

_{[vi] Maija Kavosa, Inga Lapiņa & Kārlis Briņķis | Shaofeng Liu (Reviewing Editor) (2017) Certification of Persons: Empirical study in the field of energy construction in Latvia, Cogent Business & Management, 4:1, DOI: 10.1080/23311975.2017.1334407}