ISO certification may be needed in your field of specialization. Getting this type of education and then getting certified can seem hard to do. There is a lot to learn and several steps to follow in the process. However, there are companies, trainers and other resources that can help manage the entire process. Regardless of whether you are a business professional with a dozen professionals who need it or if you simply need to get certified for yourself.
Why do you need ISO certification?

It is a type of certification and management framework used around the world. Many organizations and companies trust it. Those who do not have this type of certification may find it difficult to function effectively in this context. This can lead to costly productivity losses and costly mistakes.

Here are 6 key steps to understanding ISO certification:

1. Identify your key drivers.
It’s recommended that a formal investigation is done at a senior management level, your key drivers for implementing a Quality Management System. Such drivers should include improved awareness of the performance of your key processes and the need for continual improvement, as well as any specific customer requirements.

2. Obtain the standard.
Purchase a copy of the standard. Search the web for links relating to your particular sector. Make sure you know the facts from the myths or visit isoonline.com. ISO 9001:2015 can apply to any organization in any industry, not just in the manufacturing sector.

3. Know your strategy.
For the successful set up of a Quality Management System, a commitment from top management is required to define the strategy. Begin to formally document a quality policy and objectives following the appropriate requirements. Make sure that the requirements of the quality policy are measurable to demonstrate continuous improvement.

4. Planning provides resources.
The development of a quality management system requires available resources and realistic schedules assigned to ensure that responsibilities are shared within the organization and not only assigned to the Quality Manager. As the system develops, this plan should be reviewed by senior management and kept up to date. The responsibility of the Quality Management System and the Quality Management representative must be identified.

5. Know your processes.
IS0 9001:2015 requires that you formally describe the interaction between processes within the management system. This can be done through a simple process map specific to your organization. The map should identify key processes and also indicate the resources, controls, documentation, and records needed to meet the requirements of their clients. Make sure this process map is validated in your organization to ensure that areas or interactions are not lost. As the system develops, this process map should be used, reviewed and updated for possible inclusion in the quality manual.

6. Determine training needs.
ISO require adequate identification of competence requirements for employees who fall under the quality management system. Team leaders, employees, and internal auditors must meet the skill requirements, which may require external training. A range of courses, workshops, and seminars are available to meet these needs. Be sure to define how you will demonstrate the effectiveness of the training.