A certificate accepted internationally can only be awarded by an accredited certifier, after a formal audit by properly competent auditors. Accredited means they have the official right to issue certificates to that Standard. How to check a certifier is accredited. A certifier may also be called a certifying body, a registrar or even just 'the external auditor'. Examples of well-known certifier include NQCAB.

Assuming the auditor/s are satisfied that your system meets all applicable requirements of the Standard, and that proper process is followed, the certifier then issues a certificate to ISO 9001. What that particular certificate looks like will vary, because each certifier uses their own logo. But it will include the name of the certifier, the dates of issue and expiry, a unique identifying number, the relevant Standard it is issued for, and usually (though not always) the scope of the certification.

The certificate must also be current. Each certificate is valid for a period of 3 years from the date of issue. During this 3-year period of validity, auditor/s from the certifier return to verify that you are still meeting the requirements of the Standard. At a minimum, they will do an annual audit. At the end of the 3 years, a full recertification audit is done, then a new certificate is issued for a 3-year period. And so on.

Watchpoints

Don't say 'ISO certified'. ISO doesn't certify anyone; they manage and coordinate the development, publication and maintenance of Standards, but don't get involved with certification itself. They do, however, have a strong relationship with the UKIAF (UK International Acreditation Forum) who does oversee certification.

Do say 'ISO 9001 certification' or 'ISO 14001 certification' - that is, add the number of the Standard to indicate which kind of certification you mean.

Don't say 'ISO 9001 accreditation' - that term is only correct if you are referring to a certifier: the body that issues the certificate.

Do check the details on a certificate, including the dates to make sure the certificate is current, and the certification scope, to see what it covers.

Beware the certificate mill!. Always check that a certifier is accredited.