Top ISO 27001 Certification Companies: Global Leaders in Information Security Audits

ISO/IEC 27001 is the gold standard for information security management, and obtaining certification can significantly benefit enterprises. In this article, we’ll look at why businesses pursue ISO 27001, identify the best ISO 27001 certification companies and accrediting bodies worldwide, and offer advice on choosing the correct certification partner. 

TL;DR 

ISO 27001 ensures businesses meet international standards for information security, helping them manage risks, protect data, and comply with regulatory requirements like GDPR and HIPAA.

Choosing a certification company accredited by a recognized body (e.g., UKAS, ANAB) is crucial. Regular internal audits, a well-documented compliance process, and effective compliance training ensure long-term certification success.

Costs vary by company size and scope, typically ranging from $5,000 to $100,000+ over a three-year cycle. Ongoing compliance training and annual surveillance audits help maintain certification and keep security practices up to date.

Why do companies need ISO 27001?

Companies need  ISO 27001 certification as it marks a strategic investment in the company’s future and safety. It conveys to clients, partners, and regulators that you take information security seriously. Organizations that adopt ISO 27001’s rigorous Information Security Management System (ISMS) may systematically identify and manage risks, lowering the possibility of data breaches and cyberattacks. 

Another key benefit is regulatory compliance. ISO 27001 helps businesses align with legal and compliance requirements for data protection (such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other security laws), often making it easier to pass audits or meet contractual obligations. 

The popularity of ISO 27001 has been skyrocketing worldwide.

In fact, the number of ISO 27001 certificates globally increased nearly 24.7% in a single year (2020)​. 

It instills a security-first culture within the organization, ensuring employees know security policies and best practices. It means peace of mind for business owners and compliance officers – knowing that you have a tried-and-tested system to protect your business’s most valuable data assets and that you can demonstrate this commitment to anyone who asks.

List of ISO 27001 Certification Companies

There are two key entities in ISO 27001: certification bodies, which audit your ISMS and issue certificates, and accreditation bodies, which oversee certification firms. Below, we list the top 10 certification companies and accreditation bodies globally to help you choose a reputable partner.

Note: Always verify that your chosen certification body is accredited by a recognized national accreditation authority to ensure credibility.

Top 10 ISO 27001 certification companies

Many of the world’s major certification firms offer ISO 27001 certification services. These companies often have decades of experience in auditing, international presence, and a broad portfolio of standards. 

Sprinto 

Sprinto is a leading compliance automation platform designed to simplify ISO 27001 certification. It helps organizations implement a structured ISMS, automate evidence collection, and ensure continuous compliance. Unlike traditional manual approaches, Sprinto streamlines the process, reducing effort and audit fatigue.

A key advantage of Sprinto is its integrated auditor network, allowing companies to choose from accredited certification bodies directly through the platform. This ensures a seamless transition from compliance preparation to certification, eliminating the uncertainty of selecting an auditor. 

In short, Sprinto takes the operational headache out of compliance, freeing teams to focus on product development, strategic tasks, and business growth—rather than getting bogged down in spreadsheets or audit-preparation fire drills every few months.

BSI (British Standards Institution)

BSI is the UK’s national standards body and a pioneer in information security standards (it published the original precursor to ISO 27001). With a global presence, BSI offers ISO 27001 certification, training, and advisory services. Many companies choose BSI for the strong brand credibility of its certificate – having the BSI “kite mark” signals a high level of assurance. BSI’s auditors are known for their thoroughness and expertise across industries.

SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) 

SGS is one of the world’s largest testing, inspection, and certification companies. It has a broad network in over 140 countries and extensive experience with ISO 27001. SGS leverages its global expertise to provide consistent, high-quality audits. It has even launched innovative solutions like AI-driven compliance tools to streamline auditing. 

Bureau Veritas

Founded in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a leading certification body in 150+ countries. It provides ISO 27001 certification and related cybersecurity services. Bureau Veritas has been at the forefront of modernizing the certification process. For example, it expanded into digital certification services that enable remote audits​. 

Their auditors combine technical IT knowledge with industry-specific insights, making them adept at identifying risks in sectors from manufacturing to finance. 

Intertek

Intertek is a UK-based multinational that offers certification for many standards, including ISO 27001. It has offices in over 100 countries and brings local understanding and international best practices. Intertek is known for its flexible and customer-centric service. Its Business Assurance division provides management system certifications and has been innovating in areas like sustainability and supply-chain security. 

TÜV Rheinland 

Part of the famous German “TÜV” group of certification organizations, TÜV Rheinland is renowned for its technical rigor. The TÜV bodies have a long history in safety and quality certifications, which extends to information security. TÜV Rheinland operates worldwide and offers ISO 27001 certification with German precision. Clients often cite thorough audits and detailed reports as a benefit. 

DNV (Det Norske Veritas) 

DNV (formerly DNV GL) is a global certification body with roots in maritime and risk management. DNV has a strong focus on cybersecurity certifications, and it has been increasing its emphasis on ISO 27001 for today’s digital threats​

They serve 100+ countries and are known for a risk-based audit approach. This approach helps companies not just get certified but truly improve their security posture. DNV also offers training and gap assessment services for ISO 27001.

Lloyd’s Register (LRQA) 

 LRQA (formerly part of Lloyd’s Register) is a well-respected certification body that spun off from the Marine Classification Society. It operates globally and covers all significant standards. LRQA has worked with many financial institutions and tech companies on ISO 27001, even partnering with banks to enhance cybersecurity compliance​. 

Schellman & Co 

Schellman is a US-based firm that specializes in IT compliance audits, including ISO 27001. Schellman is one of the only US certification bodies accredited by both ANAB (USA) and UKAS (UK) to perform ISO 27001 certifications. 

This dual accreditation means their certificates hold weight globally. Schellman has made a name as a leading ISO 27001 auditor for cloud service providers, SaaS companies, and other tech firms that require both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 audits. Schellman’s deep cybersecurity focus and efficient audit processes can be a strong choice if you’re a tech company in North America.

Applus+ 

Applus+ is a global testing and certification group with a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. It provides ISO 27001 certification and many other services. Applus+ is known for its expertise in sectors like telecommunications, automotive, and government services—areas where information security is critical. 

Many other accredited certification bodies issue ISO 27001 certificates. These include NQA (UK/US), Certification Europe (Ireland), KPMG or Deloitte (who sometimes offer ISO 27001 compliance services though typically as consultants, not accredited certifiers), UL Solutions (USA), Kiwa (Netherlands), and regional players like HKQAA (Hong Kong) or JQA (Japan).

Top 10 Accredited Bodies

Accreditation bodies are the organizations that accredit (authorize) certification companies to issue ISO certificates. In most countries, the government or a national standards organization usually appoints one primary national accreditation body. These accreditation bodies cooperate under the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) to recognize each other’s accredited certificates. 

1. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) – UKAS is the sole national accreditation body for the UK and one of the most respected in the world. It represents the UK in the IAF and accredits certification bodies for ISO 27001 (among many other standards)​
2. ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board)—ANAB is the largest accreditation body in North America and the primary body that accredits ISO 27001 certifiers in the U.S. (It was formerly known as RAB in the ISO world). ANAB is renowned for its stringent assessment criteria, and certification bodies accredited by ANAB are held to high standards​. 
3. JAS-ANZ (Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand)—JAS-ANZ is a binational accreditation body serving Australia and NZ. It accredits certification bodies in those countries and some in the Asia-Pacific region​. A JAS-ANZ accreditation is well-regarded in Oceania and parts of Asia.
4. DAkkS (Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle) – DAkkS is Germany’s national accreditation body, known for its meticulous approach. According to EU regulations, it is the sole German body for accrediting certifiers and is a key part of Germany’s quality infrastructure​. Certification bodies accredited by DAkkS are recognized across Europe. 
5. COFRAC (Comité Français d’Accréditation) – COFRAC is the only national accreditation body in France​. It carries out accreditations as a public authority activity, meaning its process has legal recognition in France​. COFRAC ensures French certification bodies (and foreign bodies operating in France) meet international norms. 
6. NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) – NABCB is India’s national accreditation body for management system certifiers. India has seen huge growth in ISO certifications, and NABCB plays a critical role in maintaining quality. It is a member of the IAF, and its accreditations are recognized globally​. If you’re getting certified in India or by an India-based certification agency, looking for NABCB accreditation is essential. 
7. CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment) –  CNAS is the dominant accreditation body in China for certifications and labs. With the massive number of ISO certificates in China, CNAS ensures certification bodies uphold the ISO/IEC 17021-1 standard (which governs how management system audits are done). CNAS is an IAF member, so certificates issued by CNAS-accredited bodies are recognized worldwide. 
8. JAB (Japan Accreditation Board) – JAB is Japan’s principal accreditation body for management systems. It accredits certifiers for ISO 27001 and works alongside Japan’s Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA) for ISMS promotion. Japan also has specialized bodies (e.g., ISMS-AC) for information security, but JAB accreditation is a broad mark of quality. 
9. ACCREDIA – ACCREDIA is Italy’s national accreditation body, responsible for accrediting certification and inspection bodies. It’s an IAF member and well-recognized across Europe. Italian companies often require the ACCREDIA symbol on certificates. 
10. RvA (Raad voor Accreditatie) – vA is the Dutch Accreditation Council, another highly respected European accreditation body​. RvA is known for its impartial and thorough accreditation process.

These are just a few examples – in total, over 95 national accreditation bodies worldwide are members of the IAF​. Other notable ones include SCC (Standards Council of Canada) in Canada, UKAS’s counterparts in different European countries like DAkkS (Germany) and COFRAC (France), which we listed, EGAC in Egypt, ENAC in Spain, Inmetro in Brazil, and so on.

How to choose the right ISO 27001 certification company?

With dozens of options available, how do you select the best ISO 27001 certification company for your business? Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating potential certifiers:

1. Accreditation status: As emphasized above, ensure the certification body is accredited by a reputable accreditation body (e.g., UKAS, ANAB, JAS-ANZ, etc.). An accredited certifier will typically display their accreditation mark on their website and quotations​.
2. Experience with ISO 27001: Look at how much expertise the certifier has, specifically in ISO 27001 audits. Do they have a track record of certifying organizations of your size and industry? Expertise in your industry is essential​ – for example, if you’re a cloud software company, a certifier that has audited many tech firms (and perhaps is familiar with cloud security nuances) will add more value.
3. Reputation and reviews: Consider the certification body’s reputation in the industry. Are they well-known and respected? Have other companies had positive experiences with them? Checking references or testimonials can be helpful. Some forums or professional networks (even Reddit or LinkedIn groups) can provide candid feedback.
4. Industry expertise and Scope: Check if the certifier has auditors skilled in your sector or technology. Many certifiers list the sectors they cover. If you are in a specialized field (healthcare or finance), you may prefer a certifier who understands relevant regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS alignment with ISO 27001.
5. Pricing: Pricing models can vary. Request quotes and compare the total cost and how it’s structured: is it a fixed fee or based on auditor day rates? Reputable bodies will usually calculate audit days based on the mandatory IAF guidelines (which factor in employee count, complexity, risk, etc.) and be transparent about it

In summary, accreditation, experience, expertise, reputation, transparency, and fit are the pillars of choosing the right ISO 27001 certification partner. 

Cost of getting ISO 27001 certified

One of the most common questions companies have is about the cost of getting ISO 27001 certified. The truth is that costs can vary widely based on several factors. 

Size of the company

The size of your organization is a major factor – larger organizations require more audit days so that they will pay more. The number of locations and the scope of your ISMS (which parts of the business are included) also matter. Complexity and risk level play a role: a high-risk industry (say, a bank or a healthcare company) might incur additional audit time because controls are more extensive​. 

If you get certified to multiple standards together (for example, ISO 27001 + ISO 27701 for privacy), the combined audit will cost more (though usually less than doing them separately). 

Also, the chosen certification body can influence cost—each has its day rate and fee structure, which can range based on overhead and branding. For instance, some top-tier certifiers might charge a premium, whereas smaller local firms might be slightly more affordable. That said, most reputable certifiers are in a similar ballpark for equivalent services.

Audits

Certification is typically a multi-stage audit: Stage 1 (readiness review) and Stage 2 (certification audit). The price is often quoted on auditor days. Small companies may need only a few days; larger ones need many more. According to one industry estimate, the audit can range from around $5,000 to $35,000​.

A small company (for example, under 50 employees) might see 3–6 audit days, which could be roughly $5k—$10k in audit fees​. This aligns with typical auditor day rates of about $1,500 per day (though it varies by region)​. 

Importantly, certification isn’t a one-time audit—it’s a three-year cycle. After the initial certification audit, there are typically annual surveillance audits in the second and third years and then a re-certification audit in the third year (or the beginning of the fourth year) to renew the cycle. Surveillance audits are shorter (often 1/3 of the effort of the initial audit each year). 

Preparation and implementation 

These often exceed the audit fees themselves. Before you call the certifier, your organization might spend money on training, tools, or consultants to prepare for ISO 27001. This can vary drastically. If you handle everything in-house with existing staff, direct costs might be low (perhaps just the purchase of standards, some training materials, etc.).

To give rough numbers, some startups might get ready with minimal outside cost (especially if using an internal champion and some free resources). On the other hand, a company that is starting from scratch on policies and needs external help could spend $10,000–$60,000 on preparation. 

A tip: when budgeting, also consider indirect costs. Your team will spend time writing policies, training, and hosting the auditors. There’s a productivity cost to that. But think of it as an investment in maturity. Many companies find that after achieving ISO 27001, a lot of security tasks become more streamlined (because you have defined processes) – which can offset some internal costs long term.

Conclusion

ISO 27001 certification is a significant undertaking that brings equally substantial rewards. The compliance journey to ISO 27001 involves careful preparation, choosing the correct certifier, and investing time and resources.  

If you’re considering ISO 27001 certification, start with a gap analysis or informal audit to see where you stand. Talk to a few certification bodies for quotes and advice. Engage your team by explaining the benefits – not just the certificate on the wall, but the tangible improvements to how you protect data. 

FAQS

What is the renewal process for ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certificates are valid for three years from the date of initial certification, subject to successful ongoing audits​. The certification cycle works like this: in Year 1, you undergo the full certification audit (Stages 1 & 2). Upon success, you receive the certificate. Then, Year 2 and Year 3 require surveillance audits (often one day or a few days each year, depending on size) to ensure you maintain the ISMS.

Is ISO 27001 only for IT companies, or what industries can benefit from it?

ISO 27001 is industry-agnostic – any organization that handles information (virtually everyone) can benefit from its framework. It was initially popular in IT and tech companies (and indeed, it remains almost a de facto requirement for cloud service providers and SaaS companies today, but it has spread across finance, healthcare, government, manufacturing, education, and more.

Will ISO 27001 certification ensure I never have a security breach?

Not necessarily – while ISO 27001 significantly strengthens your security posture, it cannot guarantee that you’ll never experience a security incident. No standard or certification can. What ISO 27001 does is ensure you have a systematic process for risk management: you identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, implement a robust set of controls (from access management to encryption to incident response), and continuously monitor and improve these controls.