How to Get a UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification: The Ultimate Guide
ISO certification is an essential tool for UK businesses looking to improve quality, compliance, and competitiveness. However, you should keep in mind that not all ISO certifications are equal —to ensure full recognition and credibility, businesses should always choose a UKAS-accredited certification body.
So, how do you get a UKAS-accredited ISO certification? 🤔 This guide walks you through the step-by-step process, including costs, timelines, and tips for success.
📌 For further information and pricing on ISO certifications, click here .
Useful links from our article:
What is a UKAS Accreditation?
Best UKAS-Accredited ISO Certifications for Businesses
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification
How Much Does UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification Cost?
Why Choose a UKAS-Accredited Certification Body?
Do UK Businesses Need UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification?
🔗 Want to get a UKAS-Accredited ISO? Click below!
⭐ What is a UKAS Accreditation?
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS ) is the UK’s only government-approved accreditation body, responsible for ensuring that certification bodies meet international standards.
When a business gets ISO certified by a UKAS-accredited certification body, it guarantees that the certification:
✔ Meets UK government & industry standards
✔ Is recognised for contracts & tenders
✔ Is credible and reliable for customers & regulators
✅ Our example : If you need an ISO 9001 certification for quality management, you should always choose a UKAS-accredited certification body to ensure full compliance.
🏆 Best UKAS-Accredited ISO Certifications for Businesses
ISO Standard
What It Covers
Best For
ISO 9001 ✅
Quality Management
Businesses improving efficiency & customer satisfaction
ISO 14001 🌱
Environmental Management
Companies reducing carbon footprint & ESG compliance
ISO 27001 🔒
Information Security
IT, finance & businesses managing sensitive data
ISO 45001 🏥
Occupational Health & Safety
Companies ensuring workplace safety
ISO 22301 ⚠️
Business Continuity
Businesses needing risk & disaster planning
ISO 50001 ⚡
Energy Management
Companies improving energy efficiency
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Getting UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification
1️⃣ Choose the right ISO standard
✔ Select an ISO standard that aligns with your business needs & industry requirements.
2️⃣ Implement the required standards
✔ Develop internal policies, processes & quality controls.
✔ Train employees on ISO compliance requirements.
3️⃣ Conduct an internal audit
✔ Review current systems & identify gaps before applying for certification.
4️⃣ Select a UKAS-accredited certification body
✔ Only use a UKAS-accredited provider to ensure full compliance & recognition.
✔ Verify accreditation by checking the UKAS website.
5️⃣ Undergo an external ISO audit
✔ A certification body will assess your business’s compliance through:
Stage 1 Audit: Documentation review 📄
Stage 2 Audit: On-site assessment 🏢
6️⃣ Receive your UKAS-accredited certification
✔ Once approved, your business receives ISO certification, valid for 3 years.
✔ You must undergo annual surveillance audits to maintain certification.
💰 How Much Does UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification Cost?
YOur ISO certification costs will depend on:
✔ The type of certification (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, etc.)
✔ The size & complexity of your business
✔ The certification body you choose
💰 so you can expet the estimated ISO certification costs in the UK:
Business size
Estimated cost
Small businesses (1-50 employees)
£3,000 – £7,000
Medium-sized businesses (51-250 employees)
£7,000 – £15,000
Large enterprises (250+ employees)
£15,000 – £30,000+
📌 Why Choose a UKAS-Accredited Certification Body?
Many ISO certification providers exist, but only a UKAS-accredited body can guarantee you:
✔ Government & industry recognition
✔ Acceptance for contracts & tenders
✔ Reliable, independent audits & assessments
💰 Risk of using a non-accredited ISO certification:
✔ Cheaper, but may not be accepted for government contracts
✔ No official UKAS approval, reducing credibility
✔ Some providers offer “quick” ISO certification, which lacks proper auditing
🔎 Final Thoughts: Do UK Businesses Need UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification?
We think that for UK businesses, ISO certification is a valuable investment, but only UKAS-accredited certification ensures full recognition & compliance.
🚀 Our main takeaways:
✅ ISO certification proves your business meets industry standards
✅ UKAS accreditation ensures your certification is legitimate & recognised
✅ Government contracts & corporate tenders often require UKAS-backed certification
Here is a Handy Youtube Video About How to Get a UKAS-Accredited ISO Certification
Other useful links about ISO certifications include:
Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.
With over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .
Before joining CompareYourBusinessCosts, I worked across various industries, gaining hands-on experience in HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .
My goal is simple: to help UK businesses make informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.