ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 contains principles and requirements for the competence, consistency and impartiality of bodies providing audit and certification of all types of management systems. Certification bodies operating to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 do not need to offer all types of management system certification.

ISO/IEC 17024:2012 contains principles and requirements for a body certifying persons against specific requirements, and includes the development and maintenance of a certification scheme for persons.

ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories. It sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of their testing and calibration results.

Product certification is a determination from a third party that a product meets standards. These activities are carried out through a conformity assessment system. Third parties who certify product conformity with these standards must have the competence to carry out product certification by applying ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Conformity Assessment - Requirements for Accreditation of Product, Goods and Services Certification Institutions