Management System Certification Bodies
Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. Specifies competence, consistency, and impartiality requirements for certification bodies auditing against standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
ISO/IEC 17021-1 specifies requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems, forming the basis for accreditation of certification bodies by national accreditation bodies such as UKAS, DAkkS, and ANAB. It defines the competence, consistency, and impartiality requirements certification bodies must demonstrate.
The standard is central to the functioning of the global management system certification market — governing how certification bodies conduct audits, make certification decisions, and maintain certification through surveillance and recertification. It applies to all management system certification including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO/IEC 27001 certification bodies.
ACI-certified auditors of this scheme develop deep understanding of certification body requirements and are equipped to audit the management systems of certification bodies themselves.
Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO/IEC 17021-1.
Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.
Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.
Available Grades for ISO/IEC 17021-1
All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.
Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.
For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.
Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.
Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.
Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.
The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.
Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.