How to Get Certified to ISO/IEC 27001
ISO/IEC 27001 certification is a globally recognized way for organizations to demonstrate that information security risks are identified, controlled, and managed systematically. The certification confirms that an organization has implemented an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) to protect sensitive information from threats such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and unauthorized access. This page explains what ISO/IEC 27001 is, how it evolved, how organizations should prepare, the step-by-step certification process, what happens after certification, and the role of an accredited certification body in issuing a credible and internationally accepted certificate.
What Is ISO/IEC 27001?
ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
The standard adopts a risk-based approach to information security, focusing on protecting:
- Confidentiality – information is accessible only to authorized persons
- Integrity – information remains accurate and complete
- Availability – information is accessible when needed
ISO/IEC 27001 applies to organizations of all sizes and industries, including IT services, cloud providers, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and government-related services.
Brief History of ISO/IEC 27001
ISO/IEC 27001 originated from the British Standard BS 7799, developed in the 1990s to address information security management. It was later adopted internationally as ISO/IEC 27001, jointly published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Over time, the standard has evolved to address emerging cybersecurity threats, regulatory expectations, and modern IT environments. The most recent editions align with ISO’s Annex SL structure, making ISO/IEC 27001 compatible with other management system standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Preparation Before ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
Before starting the certification process, organizations should ensure they are adequately prepared. Key preparation activities include:
- Understanding ISO/IEC 27001 requirements and Annex A controls
- Defining the scope of the ISMS (locations, systems, processes, services)
- Identifying internal and external issues affecting information security
- Allocating roles, responsibilities, and resources
- Gaining visible commitment from top management
Proper preparation reduces implementation delays and improves audit outcomes.
How to Get ISO/IEC 27001 Certified
Obtaining ISO/IEC 27001 certification is the most critical part of the journey. The process typically involves eight structured steps, explained below.
- Step 1: Define ISMS Scope and Context
The organization defines which business units, systems, locations, and services are covered under the ISMS. The scope must be clearly documented and aligned with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
- Step 2: Conduct Gap Analysis
A gap analysis compares current practices against ISO/IEC 27001 requirements. This helps identify missing controls, documentation gaps, and improvement areas, forming the basis of an implementation plan.
Step 3: Perform Risk Assessment and Risk Treatment
Organizations must:
- Identify information assets
- Identify threats and vulnerabilities
- Evaluate risks
- Decide risk treatment options
The outcome includes a Risk Treatment Plan and a Statement of Applicability (SoA), which justifies selected Annex A controls.
Step 4: Develop ISMS Documentation
Required documentation typically includes:
- Information Security Policy
- Risk assessment methodology
- Statement of Applicability
- Procedures for access control, incident management, change management, supplier security, etc.
Documentation must reflect actual operations, not just theoretical controls.
Step 5: Implement Security Controls
Selected controls are implemented across:
- Technical areas (encryption, access control, logging)
- Organizational areas (policies, roles, governance)
- Physical areas (facility security, access restrictions)
Controls must operate effectively in daily business activities.
Step 6: Training and Awareness
Employees must be trained on information security responsibilities, secure behavior, incident reporting, and data handling. Awareness programs help build a security-focused culture.
Step 7: Internal Audit and Management Review
Internal audits verify ISMS effectiveness and compliance. Management review ensures leadership evaluates performance, risks, incidents, and improvement opportunities.
Step 8: Certification Audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
- Stage 1 Audit: Review of ISMS documentation and readiness
- Stage 2 Audit: Evaluation of ISMS implementation and effectiveness
Nonconformities must be addressed before certification is granted.
After ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
ISO/IEC 27001 certification is valid for three years, subject to:
- Annual surveillance audits
- Continual improvement of the ISMS
- Full recertification at the end of the cycle
Organizations must monitor risks, update controls, and respond to incidents and changes in business or technology.
Role of the Certification Body
A certification body independently verifies whether an organization’s ISMS complies with ISO/IEC 27001 requirements. Its responsibilities include:
- Conducting impartial audits
- Evaluating evidence objectively
- Issuing certification decisions
- Conducting surveillance and recertification audits
The credibility of the certificate depends heavily on the competence and accreditation of the certification body.
Importance of Choosing an Accredited Certification Body
Accreditation ensures that a certification body operates in accordance with international standards for competence and impartiality.
TNV System Certification Private Limited is accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), a United States–based accreditation body and signatory to the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA).
IAS accreditation confirms that ISO/IEC 27001 certificates issued by TNV are:
- Internationally recognized
- Accepted for tenders, contracts, and regulatory purposes
- Audited under ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements
Choosing an IAS-accredited certification body protects organizations from credibility risks associated with non-accredited certificates.
Who Can Apply for ISO/IEC 27001 Certification?
ISO/IEC 27001 certification is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, sector, or ownership, that manages information assets and wishes to demonstrate effective information security management.
Organizations that can apply include:
- Information technology and IT-enabled service providers
- Software development companies and SaaS providers
- Cloud service providers and data centers
- Financial institutions, fintech companies, and NBFCs
- Healthcare organizations handling patient data
- Manufacturing and engineering organizations
- Educational institutions and research organizations
- Government departments and public-sector entities
- MSMEs, startups, and large enterprises
ISO/IEC 27001 is particularly valuable for organizations handling sensitive customer data, intellectual property, financial information, or regulated information, and for those participating in tenders, outsourcing contracts, or international business engagements.
Documents Required for ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
To achieve ISO/IEC 27001 certification, organizations must maintain documented information demonstrating that the ISMS is effectively implemented and controlled. The key documents and records typically include:
Mandatory Documents
- ISMS scope document
- Information Security Policy
- Risk assessment methodology and risk assessment results
- Risk Treatment Plan
- Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Information security objectives
- Defined roles and responsibilities for information security
Mandatory Records
- Records of competence, training, and awareness
- Asset inventory and classification records
- Incident management and corrective action records
- Internal audit program and audit results
- Management review records
- Monitoring and measurement results related to ISMS performance
Supporting Documents (as applicable)
- Access control procedures
- Change management procedures
- Backup and recovery procedures
- Supplier and third-party security controls
- Business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Documentation should reflect actual operational practices and be kept up to date to support ongoing compliance.
Cost of ISO/IEC 27001 Certification
The cost of ISO/IEC 27001 certification varies depending on several organizational and technical factors. There is no fixed or standard price, as certification effort is calculated based on risk and complexity.
Key Factors Affecting Cost
- Number of employees
- Scope of the ISMS (systems, locations, services)
- Complexity of IT infrastructure and processes
- Industry sector and regulatory requirements
- Number of sites included in certification
- Current maturity of information security controls
Cost Components
- ISMS preparation and implementation (internal or consultant-led)
- Documentation development and training
- Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audit fees
- Annual surveillance audits
- Three-year recertification audit
Organizations should budget for both initial certification and ongoing maintenance costs across the three-year certification cycle.
For accurate budgeting, a customized quotation based on scope, employee count, and operational complexity is recommended rather than relying on generic estimates.