Management systems · ISO · Technical definition
ISO/IEC 17021-1.
Definition
Standard containing principles and requirements for the competence, consistency and impartiality of bodies that audit and certify management systems. It is the basis for assessing how a body manages independence, conflicts of interest and certification rigour.
Nature
Normative definition
Correct use
Cite it when analysing the structure of a certification body, the impartiality of the process or the strength of a third-party audit.
Not to be confused with
It is not a general guide for any internal audit; it applies to bodies that audit and certify management systems.
Source