The other day, I shared an interesting (and a bit shocking) observation on my LinkedIn feed. While browsing the web, I stumbled upon some Google search results advertising ISO certification for as low as 52 AUD.
Yes, you read that right — ISO 9001 Certification for only 52 Australian dollars!
If that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The post got quite a few comments, mostly from business professionals and consultants who were equally concerned.
But it got me thinking — why do companies go for such low-cost ISO certification options?
Is it to cut corners, or maybe they don’t realize the full impact it could have on their business? Cheap ISO certification can be incredibly tempting, but it could also do more harm than good in the long run.
As they say you get what you pay for!
In the case of ISO certification, you’re paying for credibility, trust, and long-term success.
Let’s break down why opting for such cheap offers is a bad idea for your business.
When you’re running a business, it’s natural to want to save money where you can. However, achieving ISO certification isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a badge of quality, efficiency, and trust.
A legitimate ISO certification process involves detailed audits, thorough assessments, and ongoing improvements.
Offering certification for as low as 52 AUD makes it clear that these steps are either skipped or done carelessly.
A low-cost provider may not:
In reality, they might just hand over a certificate without checking if your processes and management systems align with ISO’s rigorous standards.
This not only makes the certification useless but could also damage your company’s reputation.
One common tactic for offering low-priced ISO certifications is working with non-accredited certification bodies. Accredited certification bodies are those recognized by reputable international organizations like the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) (or through their national member organisations such as JASANZ) and are held to strict standards. They follow a robust, structured process for ISO certification.
Recommended read: Certification Vs Accreditation What’s Difference? With Examples
Cheap certification providers often bypass accreditation altogether. They might issue a certificate that looks legitimate, but if your customers, stakeholders, or regulatory authorities dig deeper, they’ll find that the certification has no real value.
Worse yet, if you operate in a regulated industry, non-accredited certifications can lead to legal and compliance issues.
Let’s take an example here:
I remember before COVID I audited a manufacturer in Australia, who found itself in hot water after purchasing an ISO 9001 certificate from a cheap non-accredited provider.
When one of their major clients (a national company in Australia) performed a supplier audit, they quickly discovered the certificate was from a non-accredited body. The manufacturer was given a deadline (contract) and had to go through a proper certification process, costing them time and money.
ISO standards are all about improving how your business operates. Whether it’s quality management (ISO 9001), environmental responsibility (ISO 14001), or information security (ISO 27001), these standards are designed to make your business better.
The certification process should help identify areas where you can improve, streamline operations, and boost overall efficiency.
A cheap certification provider is more likely to rush through the process, focusing only on getting you a certificate as fast as possible. They won’t take the time to analyze your business, suggest improvements, or help you develop a culture of continuous improvement. This robs you of the actual benefits ISO certification is supposed to offer.
What happens if you opt for the cheap ISO certification route? It could end up costing you far more in the long run (like that example above!)
Imagine being midway through a big contract negotiation, only to have your customer ask for proof of your ISO certification’s legitimacy. If they discover it was issued by a non-accredited or questionable provider, you could lose the deal.
Even worse, if word gets out that your certification isn’t valid, it could damage your brand’s reputation.
Cheap certifications may also lead to legal risks if your business operates in industries with strict regulatory oversight, such as healthcare, construction, or food safety. Non-compliance could result in fines, legal action, or even the shutdown of your business.
Investing in a proper accredited ISO certification is not just about getting a stamp of approval. It’s about demonstrating to your customers, partners, and stakeholders that you’re committed to quality, sustainability, or information security.
It’s a long-term investment in improving how your business operates and making sure you comply with industry regulations.
Accredited ISO certification bodies such as Citation Certification will ensure that your business undergoes rigorous checks, that you meet the requirements, and that you maintain these standards over time. They won’t just issue a certificate and disappear. They will work with you through surveillance audits, reviews, and continual improvement processes.
Here’s how it helps your business: let say you’re wanting to go for ISO 14001 environmental management certification. Not only in the end you’ll receive a genuine certificate but also improve compliance with environmental laws and possibly reduce carbon impact, leading to cost savings and recognition by suppliers and customers.
While some companies may advertise low prices, these certifications are often non-accredited and may not be recognized by clients, stakeholders, or regulatory bodies.
Non-accredited bodies may issue certificates that have no real value, which could lead to lost contracts, reputational damage, and even legal risks.
Probably not. Low-cost providers often skip the thorough audits and process improvements that are the core benefits of ISO certification.
Yes, especially if you operate in regulated industries like healthcare or food safety. Non-compliance could result in fines or legal actions.
Absolutely. A legitimate, accredited ISO certification is a long-term investment that can improve your business operations, compliance and reputation.
In my auditing experience, I have found that the ISO certification is an important asset for any business, but opting for the cheapest option can cause more harm than good. Whether it’s risking non-accreditation, undermining real business improvements or damaging your business reputation — the risks simply aren’t worth it.
Don’t fall for the temptation of a quick, cheap fix. Invest in a proper, accredited certification body, and ensure that your business truly benefits from the value of ISO certification. If you ever feel lost in ISO world, ask one of the ISO consultants in CertBetter directory!
🎯 ISO Certification Auditor – QHSE Professional
I founded CertBetter to bring ISO experts together in one place, so you can find and connect ‘Better‘.
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