Selecting ISO Registrars
Registrar qualifications are a key consideration. As you research Registrars you will notice that some appear to be very limited in scope just based on their names. Registrars must be accredited in a particular industrial sector in order for them to be able to certify a company in that sector. Some Registrars are accredited in several if not all sectors; others specialize in certain sectors. The best approach to evaluating a Registrar's qualifications for your industrial sector is to contact the Registrar.
After qualifications, price is always a concern. Be sure to evaluate the total cost including expenses, fees and the cost of surveillances.
Probably as important as price, within limits of course, is the overall experience a client gets with a registrar. Important areas to consider are the interpersonal skills of the auditors; the office support and ability to get questions answered; are the audits a value-added experience, will the Registrar work with you, how flexible are they in adjusting dates - how many weeks notice.
And make sure to talk to some of the Registrar's clients and review the Quality Digest articles on Registrars.
Next: What are ISO Auditors?
