Frequently Asked Questions

An inspection body is an independent organization that evaluates products, services, installations, processes, or systems to ensure they meet specified requirements, regulations, or standards.

ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspections and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities. Accreditation to this standard demonstrates that an inspection body operates competently and generates reliable inspection results.

Type A: fully independent third-party inspection body.

Independent and impartial evaluations Assurance of technical competence and reliability Recognition by regulators, customers, and international markets Reduced risks of non-compliance or safety issues

ISO 9001 focuses on quality management systems in general. ISO 17020 specifically ensures competence, impartiality, and consistency of inspection activities.

Both may complement each other, but ISO 17020 is more technical and sector-specific.

This depends on regulatory requirements, client needs, and industry standards. Some inspections are one-off (pre-shipment), while others are periodic (annual, quarterly, etc.).

Yes. Reports issued by an ISO/IEC 17020-accredited inspection body are recognized globally under international arrangements (ILAC), increasing trust and acceptance.

We follow strict procedures under ISO/IEC 17020 to avoid conflicts of interest, including independence policies, staff training, and regular internal audits to maintain impartiality.

Oil & gas, construction, food, automotive, environmental monitoring, and manufacturing.

Clients can request an inspection by contacting us directly through the contact page. Our team will assess requirements and provide a tailored inspection plan.

ISO certification refers to a formal recognition that a company, organization, or system meets the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These standards are designed to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and consistency across different industries and processes.

We provide certification for a wide range of ISO standards under EGAC-IAF, including but not limited to:

ISO 9001 QMS — Quality Management Systems ISO 14001 EMS — Environmental Management Systems ISO 45001 OHSMS — Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems ISO 27001 ISMS — Information Security Management Systems ISO 22000 FSMS — Food Safety Management Systems ISO 50001 EnMS — Energy Management Systems ISO 21001 EOMS — Educational Organization Management Systems

We also provide direct certification services; please call us for more information.

Improves customer trust and satisfaction Enhances operational efficiency Helps win tenders and international business Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements Strengthens brand reputation

The time it takes to get ISO certified depends on several factors, such as the size of your organization, the complexity of your processes, and which ISO standard you’re pursuing (e.g., ISO 9001 vs. ISO 27001). Here’s a breakdown:

Typical timeline Small organizations (fewer than 50 employees): around 3–6 months if processes are already well structured. Medium organizations (50–500 employees): usually 6–12 months. Large organizations (500+ employees): often 12–18 months or longer, especially if processes are complex or spread across multiple sites.

Key factors affecting duration Current Readiness — If your company already follows structured processes, you may only need minor adjustments before certification. If not, it will take longer to build systems from scratch. Chosen Standard — Some standards (e.g., ISO 9001) are easier to implement than highly technical ones (e.g., ISO 27001 for information security). Internal Resources — Availability of trained staff or consultants to lead the project can speed things up. Audit Scheduling — Certification bodies have limited slots; sometimes scheduling an external audit adds weeks or months. Number of Locations — Multi-site organizations require more time since each location may need auditing.

Phases in the process are:

Gap Analysis (2–4 weeks): Identify what’s missing compared to the standard. System Implementation (2–6 months): Create or improve policies, procedures, and records. Internal Audits & Management Review (1–2 months): Test and refine processes internally. External Audit & Certification (1–2 months): Conducted by an accredited body, followed by certification issuance.

In short: for most companies, 6–12 months is a realistic timeframe, but it can be shorter or longer depending on preparedness and scope.

These are annual audits carried out after certification to verify that your organization continues to follow ISO standards.

ISO certifications are usually valid for three years, subject to successful annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Yes. ISO certification is beneficial for companies of all sizes, including startups and SMEs, as it improves credibility and competitive advantage.

Yes. Our certifications are accredited and recognized globally, enabling you to do business with international clients and organizations.

We are accredited by the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC), a signatory of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). This ensures our verifications, validations, and inspections meet impartiality and quality standards recognized worldwide.

Internationally Accredited & Recognized Independent & Impartial Sector-Specific Expertise CBAM & Global Trade Ready Proven Cost Leadership Management System Certification

We provide public training programs for auditors at all levels — including internal auditors, lead auditors, and external auditors — as well as awareness training courses for employees across different organizations. These programs are designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and effectively apply the requirements of various ISO standards. We emphasize that our training is offered strictly as public awareness and competence-building programs, not as consultancy, in line with our role as a Certification Body.

When organizations measure and report their carbon footprint (GHG emissions), credibility is critical. That’s where Validation and Verification (V&V) come in.

Verification It is an independent check that the reported greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data (carbon footprint) is complete, accurate, and consistent with standards such as ISO 14064, GHG Protocol, or national reporting rules. The purpose is to build trust that the numbers are correct and not overstated or understated. For example, a third-party auditor reviews your emission factors, activity data (fuel usage, electricity bills, travel records) and calculations. Verification = checking actual reported GHG emissions data, and issuing a statement of verification to prove that the reported carbon footprint numbers are correct.

Validation It is an independent assessment of future projections, assumptions, or plans related to GHG reduction. The purpose is to ensure that the methodology and data used to predict future performance (e.g., emission reduction targets, carbon offset projects) are reasonable and credible. For example, a renewable energy project claiming it will reduce 50,000 tons of CO₂ over 10 years must be validated before credits can be issued. Validation = checking the credibility of future reduction claims or projects, and issuing a statement of validation to prove that the carbon reduction plan or project is credible and realistic.

Ensures transparency and trust in climate claims. Required for carbon neutrality certifications, ESG reporting, and carbon markets. Helps organizations avoid greenwashing accusations. Aligns with global standards (ISO 14064-3, ISO 14067, GHG Protocol, CDP, etc.).

Example in a carbon context: a company reports its Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions data — it needs Verification to prove accuracy. The same company launches a carbon offset project (like reforestation) — it needs Validation to prove that the project will actually deliver the claimed emission reductions.