ISO 27001 Accreditation Bodies: A Complete Guide for Tech Companies
What Are ISO 27001 Accreditation Bodies?
ISO 27001 accreditation bodies are national or regional organisations that authorise and oversee certification bodies to conduct ISO 27001 audits. They act as independent regulators that verify certification bodies are competent, impartial, and follow international auditing standards.
Think of accreditation bodies as "checkers of the checkers." They don't certify companies directly. Instead, they assess and approve the organisations that do - ensuring the audit process is rigorous, consistent, and trustworthy.
For tech companies pursuing ISO 27001 certification, working with an accredited certification body is highly recommended, if not essential. It ensures your certificate will be recognised by customers, partners, and procurement teams worldwide.
Accreditation Bodies vs. Certification Bodies: What's the Difference?
Understanding the distinction between accreditation bodies and certification bodies is critical when navigating the ISO 27001 certification process.
Accreditation Bodies
Approve and regulate certification bodies
Do not audit or certify companies directly
Typically, government-backed or nationally recognised
Examples: UKAS (UK), ANAB (USA), JAS-ANZ (Australia/NZ)
Operate under frameworks like the International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
Certification Bodies
Conduct ISO 27001 audits and issue certificates
Must be accredited by an accreditation body to provide recognised certification
Private firms (e.g., Tempo Audits, BSI, DNV, NQA)
Auditors assess your Information Security Management System (ISMS) for compliance
In simple terms, accreditation bodies regulate the auditors. Certification bodies audit your company.
Using an accredited certification body ensures your ISO 27001 certificate is trusted globally. Non-accredited certificates may not be accepted in tenders, contracts, or by enterprise customers.
Major ISO 27001 Accreditation Bodies by Country
Accreditation bodies vary by country, but most are members of the IAF, which promotes mutual recognition across borders. Here are the most recognised accreditation bodies for ISO 27001:
United Kingdom: UKAS
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the sole national accreditation body for the UK, appointed by the government. UKAS-accredited ISO 27001 certificates are widely accepted in European and global markets.
Website: www.ukas.com
Scope: Accredits certification bodies to audit against ISO/IEC 27001
Recognition: IAF member with broad international acceptance
United States: ANAB
ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) is the largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body in the Western Hemisphere. It's the primary accreditation body for US-based ISO 27001 certification bodies.
Website: www.anab.ansi.org
Scope: Accredits certification bodies for management systems, including ISO 27001
Recognition: IAF member; widely accepted in North America and globally
Australia and New Zealand: JAS-ANZ
JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand) serves both countries and is recognised across the Asia-Pacific region.
Website: www.jas-anz.org
Scope: Accredits certification and inspection bodies
Recognition: IAF member
Germany: DAkkS
DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle) is Germany's national accreditation body and a key authority in Europe.
Website: www.dakks.de
Scope: Accredits certification bodies for ISO standards
Recognition: IAF and EA (European co-operation for Accreditation) member
Other Notable Accreditation Bodies
France: COFRAC (Comité Français d'Accréditation)
Italy: ACCREDIA
Netherlands: RvA (Raad voor Accreditatie)
Spain: ENAC (Entidad Nacional de Acreditación)
Canada: SCC (Standards Council of Canada)
India: NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies)
China: CNAS (China National Accreditation Service)
Japan: JAB (Japan Accreditation Board)
All of these bodies are IAF members, ensuring mutual recognition and acceptance of certificates issued by their accredited certification bodies.
How to Verify a Certification Body's Accreditation
Before committing to a certification body, verify its accreditation status. Here's how:
Step 1: Check the Certificate
A legitimate ISO 27001 certificate will include:
The accreditation body's logo (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
A unique certificate number
The certification body's details
The scope of certification (what the ISMS covers)
Issue and expiry dates
Step 2: Use the IAF CertSearch Database (or specific Accreditation Body search tool - e.g. UKAS CertCheck)
The IAF CertSearch tool aggregates data from 75+ accreditation bodies worldwide. You can search by certification body name or certificate number to confirm validity.
Website: https://www.iafcertsearch.org/
Some accreditation bodies have their own certification checking portal - for instance all Tempo Audits certificates can be searched through the UKAS certcheck service here:
Step 3: Search the Accreditation Body's Directory
Most accreditation bodies (like UKAS and ANAB) maintain public directories of accredited certification bodies. Visit the accreditation body's website and search for the certification body by name.
For example:
ANAB Directory: Available on their website
Step 4: Contact the Accreditation Body Directly
If you have doubts, contact the accreditation body directly. They can confirm whether a certification body holds current, valid accreditation for ISO/IEC 27001.
Red Flags to Watch For
No accreditation logo on the certificate
Certificate issued by an unknown or unverifiable body
Significantly cheaper or faster certification than competitors
Certification body not listed in IAF CertSearch or the relevant national directory
Choosing the Right Accredited Certification Body
Once you've confirmed a certification body is accredited, consider these factors:
1. Industry Expertise
Look for certification bodies with experience auditing tech companies, SaaS platforms, and organisations with cloud-based infrastructures. Auditors who understand your tech stack will provide more relevant guidance and reduce friction during the audit.
Tempo Audits, for example, specialises in auditing fast-growing SaaS and information technology companies, with auditors trained on the tools and workflows modern tech teams use.
2. Geographic Recognition
Choose an accreditation that aligns with your target markets:
UKAS: Best for UK and European customers
ANAB: Ideal for North American markets
JAS-ANZ: Preferred in Asia-Pacific
Some certification bodies hold multiple accreditations (e.g., both UKAS and ANAB), offering broader global recognition.
3. Remote-First Audit Delivery
For distributed or hybrid teams, a remote-first certification body can reduce logistical complexity. Confirm the certification body supports remote audits and has experience working with distributed operations.
4. Speed and Responsiveness
Ask about timelines for quoting, booking, and completing the audit process. Fast-growing startups often need to move quickly to close enterprise deals or meet procurement requirements.
5. Transparent Communication
Look for certification bodies that use plain-English communication and provide clear guidance on non-conformities and corrective actions. Avoid auditors who rely on jargon or create unnecessary complexity.
6. Cost and Value
While cost shouldn't be the only factor, ensure the certification body provides transparent pricing and delivers value through collaborative, constructive audits. Be wary of "certification mills" offering suspiciously low prices—they may not be accredited or may cut corners.
Why Accreditation Matters for Tech Companies
For SaaS and information technology companies, an accredited ISO 27001 certificate provides:
Customer trust: Enterprise buyers and procurement teams require accredited certification
Global recognition: IAF membership ensures your certificate is accepted worldwide
Competitive advantage: Demonstrates commitment to information security compliance
Tender eligibility: Many RFPs and public sector contracts mandate accredited ISO 27001 certification
Audit rigour: Accredited certification bodies follow strict standards, reducing the risk of invalid or rejected certificates
Non-accredited certification may be cheaper or faster, but it carries significant risk. Customers may reject it, and you may need to re-certify with an accredited body later—wasting time and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF)?
The IAF is a global association of accreditation bodies that promotes mutual recognition of accredited certificates. IAF members agree to uphold common standards, ensuring an ISO 27001 certificate issued by a UKAS-accredited certification body, for example, is recognised by an ANAB-accredited body and vice versa.
Can I get ISO 27001 certified without using an accredited certification body?
Yes, but the certificate may not be accepted by customers, partners, or procurement teams. Most organisations require accredited certification to ensure the audit meets internationally recognised standards.
How long does accreditation remain valid?
Certification bodies undergo regular surveillance audits by their accreditation body (typically annually) to maintain accreditation. Always verify current accreditation status before engaging a certification body.
Is UKAS or ANAB better for my business?
It depends on your target market. UKAS is preferred in Europe and the UK, while ANAB is dominant in North America.
How do I find a list of accredited certification bodies?
Visit the website of your preferred accreditation body (e.g., UKAS, ANAB) and search their public directory. You can also use the IAF CertSearch database to find accredited certification bodies worldwide.
What happens if my certification body loses accreditation?
If a certification body loses accreditation, certificates issued by them may become invalid or unrecognised. You may need to transfer your certification to another accredited body. Always verify accreditation status before and during the certification process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an accredited ISO 27001 certification body is one of the most important decisions in your compliance journey. Accreditation ensures your certificate is trusted, recognised globally, and meets the highest auditing standards.
For fast-growing tech companies, working with a certification body that understands your tech stack, operates remotely, and communicates clearly can transform the audit experience from a compliance burden into a valuable opportunity to strengthen your information security posture.
Tempo Audits provides UKAS-accredited ISO 27001 certification designed around the realities of modern SaaS and IT companies. With a remote-first approach, cyber security-focused auditors, and a collaborative style, Tempo helps tech teams find conformity and build customer trust—without unnecessary friction.
Ready to start your ISO 27001 journey? Get a quote and discover how a modern, tech-native certification body can support your compliance goals.