Use IAF CertSearch accredited certificate database for the certificate and its issuing chain and match the exact name or number, holder, and jurisdiction. Read the scope, status, dates, and linked history before treating the result as current or relevant.
For ISO certification search, match certificate or project number and the issuing jurisdiction in IAF CertSearch accredited certificate database before reading the visible status. Check certificate holder, covered scope or product, and the dated history separately because one active or valid label rarely answers the whole question.
Find the issuer behind the ISO certificate
There is no single public database containing every ISO certificate. Use IAF CertSearch accredited certificate database when it covers the issuer, then verify the certificate with the certification body named on the document.
- IAF CertSearch accredited certificate database
- USA.gov state business registration
- ENERGY STAR Product Finder
- B Lab B Corp directory
- USGBC LEED project directory
Search with the certificate number and legal entity
To complete the ISO certification record, use the certificate number, certified legal name, site address, ISO standard, scope, certification body, and validity dates. A company trading name alone is usually too broad.
- Certificate or project number
- Legal holder name
- Certification scheme and scope
- Issuer or certification body
Match the site, standard, scope, issuer, and dates
- Search the certificate number exactly as printed, including letters, spaces, and prefixes where the system accepts them.
- Match the legal organization and certified site; a certificate for one facility may not cover every branch or subsidiary.
- In the ISO certification record, compare the ISO standard and scope with the product, service, or operation being claimed.
- Before relying on the ISO certification record, confirm the issue, expiry, suspension, or withdrawal status with the named certification body.
- Check that body’s accreditation for the relevant standard and country when the accreditation claim matters to the decision.
A company-name match alone is inconclusive
Before relying on the ISO certification record, a useful match connects one certificate number to the correct legal entity, site, standard, scope, issuer, and current status. Finding the company name without that chain is inconclusive.
| Record field | How to read it |
|---|---|
| certificate holder | For the ISO certification record, match the exact holder, entity, product, or professional |
| covered scope or product | In the ISO certification record, read the field only within the issuing authority’s scope |
| status and validity dates | Before relying on the ISO certification record, compare the visible status with its dates and linked history |
| issuer and accreditation trail | Open filings, restrictions, discipline, or supporting records tied to the ISO certification record |
A result from the ISO certification record proves only the scope and status shown by that registry on the checked date; it does not answer matters the registry does not publish.
When no ISO certificate appears
Ask the supplier for the complete certificate and issuer contact, then search both the certificate number and legal entity name.
Contact the named certification body or its accreditation body if the certificate cannot be verified, has inconsistent details, or appears altered.