Accreditation is what matters most
A certificate is only as credible as the body that issues it. Choose a certification body accredited by a recognised authority such as SANAS. An accredited certificate is trusted by customers and tenders; an unaccredited one may not be recognised at all.
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask about the auditors' sector experience, the total cost over the three-year cycle, and how surveillance audits are scheduled. Understanding the full commitment up front prevents unpleasant surprises and helps you compare bodies fairly.
Building a good relationship with your auditor
Your certification auditor is not an adversary. Be open, provide evidence promptly and treat findings as feedback. A constructive relationship leads to smoother assessments and genuinely useful observations that help your system improve over time.