How to Choose an
ISO 27001 Registrar
Selecting the right certification body (registrar) is crucial for a smooth ISO 27001 audit experience. Learn what to look for and common pitfalls to avoid.
Selection Criteria
Evaluate potential registrars against these key criteria to make an informed decision.
Accreditation
CriticalEnsure the registrar is accredited by a recognized national accreditation body (e.g., UKAS, ANAB, DAkkS).
- UKAS (UK) - Most globally recognized
- ANAB (USA) - Common for US companies
- DAkkS (Germany) - Strong in EU
- JAS-ANZ (Australia/NZ) - APAC focus
Industry Experience
HighChoose a registrar with auditors who understand your industry and technology stack.
- Ask for auditor CVs and certifications
- Request references from similar companies
- Verify experience with cloud/SaaS
- Check for sector-specific knowledge
Geographic Coverage
MediumConsider where your operations are and whether the registrar can conduct audits efficiently.
- Local auditors reduce travel costs
- Multi-site capabilities if needed
- Remote audit experience (post-COVID)
- Language capabilities for global teams
Pricing & Transparency
HighGet detailed quotes that break down all costs including surveillance audits.
- Stage 1 + Stage 2 audit costs
- Annual surveillance audit fees
- Re-certification costs (Year 3)
- Travel and accommodation
Scheduling & Availability
MediumSome registrars have long lead times. Book early to avoid delays.
- Current wait times for audits
- Flexibility with scheduling changes
- Availability for expedited audits
- Alignment with your timeline
Post-Certification Support
MediumUnderstand what happens after certification and how nonconformities are handled.
- Minor vs. major nonconformity process
- Timeline for corrective actions
- Communication and reporting style
- Certificate maintenance requirements
Top ISO 27001 Registrars
These are some of the most recognized certification bodies for ISO 27001.
| Registrar | HQ |
|---|---|
| BSI Group | UK |
| Bureau Veritas | France |
| SGS | Switzerland |
| TÜV Rheinland | Germany |
| Schellman | USA |
| A-LIGN | USA |
| Coalfire | USA |
| KPMG | Global |
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch out for these warning signs when evaluating certification bodies.
Warning Signs
- 1No accreditation or accreditation from unknown body
- 2Unwilling to provide auditor qualifications
- 3Guarantees certification before the audit
- 4Offers consulting and certification from same entity
- 5Significantly lower pricing than market rates
- 6No clear process for handling nonconformities
Ready to Find Your Registrar?
Browse our directory of accredited ISO 27001 certification bodies or get matched based on your requirements.
Kevin A
Principal Security & GRC Engineer
Kevin is a security engineer turned GRC specialist. He focuses on mapping cloud-native infrastructure (AWS/Azure/GCP) to modern compliance frameworks, ensuring that security controls are both robust and auditor-ready without slowing down development cycles.