About This FAQ
Find answers to common questions about IAS, ISO certification, accreditation, and training. Browse the topics below, or contact us for anything specific. Per-standard questions are answered on each service page.
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General Questions
What is IAS (Integrated Assessment Services)?
IAS is a third-party certification body providing ISO and management-system certification, product certification, and auditor training to organisations across many industries. About Us
What services does IAS offer?
IAS offers management-system certification (quality, environment, information security, food safety, health & safety and more), product certification (such as CE, RoHS, Halal, Kosher, GMP), US FDA registration support, and auditor training. Process Certification · Product Certification · Training
Is IAS accredited?
Yes. IAS is accredited by UQAS (Universal Quality Accreditation Service) for its management-system, product-certification, and training schemes. Accreditation
What is the difference between certification and accreditation?
Certification is the assessment of an organisation against a standard, carried out by a certification body like IAS. Accreditation is the formal recognition of the certification body itself by an accreditation body (UQAS, in IAS's case). Accreditation
How do I get certified with IAS?
The process typically involves an application, a two-stage audit (documentation review followed by an on-site assessment), closing any non-conformities, and then issue of the certificate — followed by annual surveillance audits. Certification Process
How long does certification take?
It depends on the standard, the size and complexity of your organisation, and your readiness. After a successful audit and closure of any findings, the certificate is issued. Contact us for a timeline for your specific scope. Contact Us
How much does certification cost?
Cost depends on the standard, the number of sites, employee headcount, and the scope of certification, so there is no single fixed price. Request a quote and we'll provide a tailored estimate. Contact Us
How long is an ISO certificate valid?
An ISO certificate is generally valid for three years, subject to annual surveillance audits, with a recertification audit before the cycle ends. (Some product or scheme certifications run on different cycles.)
Does IAS provide training?
Yes. IAS offers Lead Auditor and Internal Auditor training. The CQI-IRCA-certified Lead Auditor courses are delivered through EAS, IAS's sister organisation; Internal Auditor courses provide a course-completion certificate. Training
Are IAS's Lead Auditor courses IRCA certified?
Yes — the Lead Auditor courses are CQI-IRCA certified and delivered through EAS, IAS's sister organisation. Internal Auditor courses are not IRCA-certified; they lead to a course-completion certificate. Lead Auditor Training
How can I verify an IAS certificate?
You can confirm the status of any certificate using the IAS certificate search. Certificate Search
Where does IAS operate?
IAS is headquartered in Chennai, India, with branch offices across India and international presence through its network (including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia). Locations · Contact Us
How do I get started or request a quote?
Send an enquiry with your standard and organisation details and the IAS team will respond with the next steps and a tailored quote. Contact Us
ISO / Process Certification
What is ISO?
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is an independent, international body, founded in 1947, that develops and publishes voluntary international standards — such as ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), and ISO/IEC 27001 (information security).
Which ISO standards does IAS certify?
IAS certifies a wide range of management-system standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 22301, ISO 50001, ISO 13485, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, ISO/IEC 20000, IATF 16949, and AS 9100, among others. Process Certification
What are the stages of ISO certification (Stage 1 and Stage 2)?
Stage 1 reviews your documentation and readiness; Stage 2 is the on-site audit of how your management system works in practice. After any non-conformities are closed, the certificate is issued. Certification Process
What is a surveillance audit?
After certification, IAS carries out periodic surveillance audits (typically annual) to confirm your management system continues to meet the standard across the certification cycle.
Can a small business or startup get ISO certified?
Yes. ISO standards apply to organisations of any size — the scope and effort scale to your organisation. Contact Us
Product Certification
What's the difference between product certification and ISO (management-system) certification?
Product certification assesses a specific product against the standards or regulations that apply to it, whereas ISO/management-system certification assesses an organisation's management system (e.g. quality or environmental) against a standard. Product Certification · Process Certification
Which product certifications does IAS offer?
IAS offers product certifications including CE Marking, RoHS, Halal, Kosher, GMP, PPE, GOST-R, and Green certification, among others. Product Certification
Is product certification mandatory?
It depends on the product and the target market. Some product certifications are legally required to sell in certain markets (for example, CE marking for many products placed on the EU market), while others — such as Halal, Kosher, or Green — are voluntary and used to meet customer or market expectations. Product Certification
What's the difference between product certification and product testing?
Testing is the technical evaluation of a product against requirements; certification is the formal attestation, based on that testing and assessment, that the product meets the applicable standard or regulation. Product Certification
How long does product certification take and how long is it valid?
It depends on the scheme, the product, and its complexity. Validity and renewal cycles vary by certification — contact us for the specifics for your product and target market. Contact Us
How do I choose the right product certification?
It depends on your product type and the markets you sell into (for example, CE for the EU, RoHS for electronics, Halal/Kosher for food). Tell us your product and target markets and we'll advise on the applicable certifications. Product Certification · Contact Us
ISO Training
What is ISO training?
Training on ISO standards — including awareness/foundation, internal auditor, and lead auditor courses — to help people implement, audit, and maintain management systems effectively. Training
What's the difference between Lead Auditor and Internal Auditor training?
Lead Auditor training (CQI/IRCA-certified, delivered through EAS) qualifies you to lead external/third-party audits; Internal Auditor training equips you to audit your own organisation's management system. Lead Auditor Training · Internal Auditor Training
Are the courses available online, virtual, or classroom?
Courses are offered in open classroom, in-house, and tutor-led virtual/online formats to suit different schedules. Training
Do I need prior experience to attend Lead Auditor training?
Prior knowledge of the relevant standard is recommended; auditing experience is helpful but not mandatory.
After I complete a Lead Auditor course, does the training body register me with IRCA?
No — the training organisation does not register you with IRCA on your behalf. After you receive your Lead Auditor certificate, you register yourself through the CQI/IRCA website.
