AGS is an accredited ISO certification body a third-party conformity assessment organization that audits and certifies management systems against internationally recognized ISO standards. Operating to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, AGS delivers 21 certifications across 14 industries in Iraq, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
As an independent certification body within the global accreditation system, AGS provides organizations with the documented assurance they need to meet regulatory requirements, qualify for tenders, and secure market access — whether the goal is ISO 9001 quality management or ISO 27001 information security. Every certificate AGS issues is verifiable through the IAF CertSearch global database, the exclusive platform for confirming accredited management system certifications worldwide.
An accredited ISO certification body is a third-party conformity assessment organization that has received formal recognition from a national accreditation body to audit and certify management systems against ISO standards. This definition carries a critical distinction: ISO does not perform certification or issue certificates. Certification is performed by external, independent certification bodies organizations like AGS that operate under the conformity assessment standards developed by ISO CASCO (the ISO Committee on Conformity Assessment).
The operating standard for management system certification bodies is ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015. This standard contains the requirements for competence, consistency, and impartiality that every accredited certification body must demonstrate. Accreditation bodies, in turn, operate to ISO/IEC 17011 and evaluate whether certification bodies meet these requirements through regular assessment cycles.
3 types of conformity assessment certification exist within this framework: management system certification (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001), product certification (UL, CE marking), and personnel certification (auditor qualifications). AGS operates primarily within the management system certification domain, with additional capabilities in product compliance and sector-specific assurance.
| Attribute | Certification Body (CB) | Accreditation Body (AB) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Audits and certifies organizations against ISO standards | Evaluates and accredits certification bodies |
| Operating Standard | ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 | ISO/IEC 17011 |
| Output | ISO management system certificate | Accreditation certificate for the CB |
| Global Oversight | Accredited by national AB within IAF MLA scope | Member of IAF / ILAC; signatory to MLA/MRA |
| Example Entities | AGS, BSI, TUV, SGS, DNV, Bureau Veritas | ANAB (USA), EIAC (UAE), IQAS (Iraq), UKAS (UK), DAkkS (Germany) |
| Verification | Certificates verified via IAF CertSearch | Accreditation verified via AB directory or IAF database |
Accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 validates 3 attributes that define an accredited certification body’s credibility:
AGS provides 21 internationally recognized certifications across management system, sector-specific, food safety, security, and product compliance standards. Each certification scope aligns with specific industry requirements and regulatory frameworks.
10 core management system certifications form the foundation of AGS’s certification portfolio:
| Certification | Scope / Standard Title | Primary Industries |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001 | Quality Management Systems | Manufacturing, Construction, Government |
| ISO 14001 | Environmental Management Systems | Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Energy |
| ISO 45001 | Occupational Health and Safety Management | Construction, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing |
| ISO 27001 | Information Security Management Systems | IT & Digital Services, Banking, Government |
| ISO 22000 | Food Safety Management Systems | Food, Agriculture & Processing |
| ISO 50001 | Energy Management Systems | Energy & Utilities, Manufacturing |
| ISO 22301 | Business Continuity Management | Banking, IT, Government |
| ISO 37001 | Anti-Bribery Management Systems | Government, Banking, Oil & Gas |
| ISO 13485 | Medical Devices Quality Management | Healthcare, Medical Devices |
| ISO 10002 | Customer Satisfaction and Complaints Handling | All customer-facing industries |
Organizations seeking quality management system certification achieve documented compliance with ISO 9001 through AGS’s structured certification audit process. Environmental management system certification under the ISO 14001 standard enables organizations to demonstrate environmental responsibility across supply chains. Occupational health and safety management system certification through ISO 45001 provides the documented evidence that contractors and operators require for site access in high-risk sectors. Information security management system certification through ISO 27001 protects sensitive data and satisfies regulatory requirements across government, banking, and technology sectors.
11 additional certifications address sector-specific compliance, product safety, and specialized assurance requirements:
| Certification | Scope | Context |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 29001 | Petroleum, petrochemical, and natural gas industry QMS | Oil & gas supply chain requirements |
| ISO 18788 | Security Operations Management System | Private security and protection services |
| ISO 17025 | Testing and Calibration Laboratory competence | Laboratory accreditation (ILAC context) |
| ISO 15189 | Medical Laboratory competence | Medical testing and healthcare labs |
| ISO 21500 | Project Management guidance | Project delivery and governance |
| HACCP | Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points | Food safety assurance systems |
| Halal | Halal product and process certification | Product certification for market access |
| GlobalG.A.P | Good Agricultural Practices | Agriculture export and retailer requirements |
| UL & CE | Product safety (UL) and EU conformity marking (CE) | Product certification (separate from ISO MS) |
| ANSI/ASIS PSC.1-2022 | Security services management standard | Private protection service operations |
| ISM | International Safety Management Code | Maritime and vessel safety compliance |
A note on certification categories: ISO 17025 and ISO 15189 operate within the laboratory accreditation context governed by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and ISO/IEC 17011. Halal, UL, and CE certifications fall within the product certification domain distinct from management system certification. AGS clarifies each certification’s framework to ensure organizations understand the accreditation context and verification pathway specific to their certificate.
The ISO certification audit process follows a structured 4-phase lifecycle: Stage 1 documentation review, Stage 2 on-site evidence assessment, annual surveillance audits, and recertification every 3 years. This certification audit process applies across all ISO management system standards, from ISO 9001 quality management to ISO 27001 information security.
The initial certification audit consists of 2 sequential stages:
The certification decision is a separate function from the audit itself. An independent decision-maker reviews the audit findings and determines whether to grant certification, require corrective actions, or deny certification. This separation between audit and decision reinforces the impartiality of the certification process.
Certification is valid for 3 years. Maintaining certification requires annual surveillance audits that verify continued conformity and management system effectiveness. Surveillance audits evaluate selected elements of the management system at defined intervals within the 3-year certification cycle typically 2 surveillance audits per cycle.
Recertification audits occur every 3 years. A recertification audit is a comprehensive reassessment of the entire management system. Organizations that demonstrate continued conformity and effective management system performance renew their certification for an additional 3-year cycle.
Nonconformities identified during any audit require corrective action. Major nonconformities typically require resolution within 30 to 90 days. Minor nonconformities are addressed within the surveillance audit cycle. This structured approach to continual improvement ensures the management system remains effective throughout the certification period.
We pride ourselves on our proven 100% record of accomplishment for successful ISO Certification globally
AGS provides accredited ISO certification services across 14 industries, including oil and gas, construction and infrastructure, manufacturing, food and agriculture, IT and digital services, healthcare, laboratories, and government sectors. Each industry connects to specific certification requirements based on regulatory frameworks, tender eligibility criteria, and market access conditions.
Food, agriculture, and processing organizations require certification across ISO 22000 food safety management, HACCP hazard analysis, Halal product certification, and GlobalG.A.P agricultural practices to access retail markets, export channels, and regulatory approval. IT and digital services companies rely on ISO 27001 information security management system certification to protect client data, satisfy regulatory frameworks, and meet procurement requirements from government agencies and financial institutions.
AGS operates across 16 cities in 3 countries, delivering accredited ISO certification, training, and auditing services with local auditor teams and regional accreditation context.
To verify an ISO certificate and accreditation status, use the IAF CertSearch global database, contact the relevant accreditation body directly, or request certification documentation from the issuing certification body. Verification confirms that the certificate is current, the certification body is accredited, and the scope of accreditation covers the claimed standard and sector.
AGS certificates are verifiable through IAF CertSearch. Organizations, procurement teams, and regulatory bodies can confirm the validity of any AGS-issued certificate by searching the IAF CertSearch global database or contacting AGS directly with the certificate reference number.
Choosing an accredited certification body ensures that the certification process meets internationally recognized standards for competence, impartiality, and consistency – providing certificates that hold legal, contractual, and commercial weight.
AGS provides certification quotes within 48 hours. Share your organization’s size, industry sector, target ISO standard, and number of locations to receive a scoped proposal covering audit timelines, certification costs, and surveillance audit schedules.
AGS provides certification quotes within 48 hours. Share your organization’s size, industry sector, target ISO standard, and number of locations to receive a scoped proposal covering audit timelines, certification costs, and surveillance audit schedules.
