ISO 21001:2018 – Educational organizations – Management systems for educational organizations – Requirements with guidance for use
Lifelong learning is more in vogue than ever before. If learning services of a high standard are to be provided, then it is absolutely imperative that they cater to the needs of the customers and meet specific criteria recognised in the sector. As an extension of ISO 9001 with specific reference to the sector, the international standard applies to all learning service providers from primary school right through to university and all further education organizations.
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Educational management according to ISO 21001:2018
ISO 21001 offers the basis for a relevant management system geared specifically to education and the continuous improvement of the management system, the processes and the services.
Target groups of ISO 21001
Educational establishments
Validity period of the certificate
3 years – there is an annual audit to ensure that standards are being maintained and a recertification audit after 3 years
Recognition of the SQS certificate
The SQS certificate of conformity with ISO 21001 has international recognition and is accredited by the SAS in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 (accreditation number SCESm 0001).
Responsible for the product and there for you
Gisela Kessler-Berther
Do you have any questions about the standard or our service? Would you like to know more about the certification process and the costs? Or may we provide you with a concrete offer for the certification?
We are happy to help you. Our account management team and I, as the product manager, will be happy to forward your questions to our experienced auditors. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to access certified management systems.
Please let us know how we can support you. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards
Gisela Kessler-Berther
Customer focus and educational quality
By focusing on the needs of learners and other stakeholders (e.g. teachers, companies, government agencies), ISO 21001 supports the continuous improvement of teaching and learning programs. This strengthens trust in the institution and increases participant satisfaction.
International recognition and competitive advantage
ISO 21001 is an internationally valid standard for educational organisations, which increases the credibility and visibility of your institution even beyond national borders. Certification can open up new market opportunities and help position your organisation as a professional and quality-oriented training provider.
Clear and optimised processes
Clear structures and responsibilities reduce sources of error in leadership topics and in the work surrounding the training programs. This leads to optimised processes, simplified communication and the targeted development of your educational and leadership objectives.
If you feel fit for the standard, you are welcome to use the form above to register for certification. Otherwise, your path to ISO 21001 certification could look like this:
#1 – Building up the system
Implement your management system in accordance with the requirements of the standard so that you are ready for your first external certification audit by SQS.
#2 – Registration for the certification
After registering for certification, you can benefit from a preliminary talk or pre-audit. The pre-audit identifies system-relevant gaps and enables efficient certification.
#3 – Auditing
We first review your system documentation, assess your readiness for certification and draw up a detailed audit plan together with you. Our auditors then visit your company to assess the relevant test objects and the maturity degree of the management system and compile a report.
#4 – Certificate with a three-year validity
If the report is positive, you receive the certificate in digital and printed form. You can communicate it internally and externally for three years. Annual audits ensure compliance with the standard and enable continuous improvements. A comprehensive recertification takes place after three years.
How long does it take to obtain an ISO 21001 certificate?
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The duration depends on the size of your educational institution, the diversity of your programs and the degree of preparation. Well-documented planning and clearly defined responsibilities speed up the procedure.
How often does an ISO 21001 certificate neet to be renewed?
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An ISO 21001 certificate is generally valid for three years. A surveillance audit takes place annually after certification and a recertification audit is carried out after three years.
What are the costs associated with ISO 21001 certification?
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The costs vary depending on the size of the company, location and complexity of the offering. We would be happy to provide you with an offer tailored to your needs.
Does SQS also offer consultancy services?
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No, our core competence is certification. However, if required, we will be happy to connect you with external experts or organise training courses so that you can optimally prepare for certification.
What role does the certification body play in ISO 21001 certification?
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The certification body checks neutrally and independently whether your management system fulfils the requirements of the standard. If the result is positive, it issues the certificate and conducts the surveillance audits in the following years.
How can an education provider verify the validity of an ISO 21001 certificate?
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Each SQS certificate is given a unique registration number. This number can be used to check the validity via our online directory. To the query.
Can an institution have several certifications at the same time?
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What happens if a company does not fulfil the requirements of ISO 21001?
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If non-conformities are identified during an audit, the institution is given a deadline to initiate corrective measures. Without successful implementation, the certificate cannot be issued or extended or must be withdrawn as part of surveillance audits.
How do ISO 21001 and other management systems interact?
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Many norms and standards are based on the harmonised structure of ISO management systems, which enables seamless integration. This allows different systems to be managed together and reduces the administrative workload.
What is the difference between ISO 21001 and eduQua?
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ISO 21001 is an internationally recognised standard for educational organisations of all kinds, while eduQua is a specifically Swiss standard for further education providers. ISO 21001 specifies globally orientated requirements, while eduQua focuses on national requirements and recognition by Swiss authorities. The choice depends on target groups, markets and funding conditions.
How does an ISO 21001 certified management system contribute to the image of an educational institution?
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An ISO 21001 certificate signals consistent quality orientation, transparency and professionalism. This strengthens the trust of learners, co-operation partners and authorities and can increase demand and the reputation of your educational institution in the long term.