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Educational Organisations Management System Certification

ISO 21001:2018 Certification in the UAE

Accredited ISO 21001 certification for schools, universities, training centres and other educational providers that want to demonstrate effective, learner-focused management.

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  • Accredited by EGAC
  • Quotation within one business day
  • Audits in Arabic or English
Member of Dubai SME
Certificate validity, with annual surveillance audits
3 years
Initial certification audit: Stage 1 and Stage 2
2 stages
Accreditation body, signatory to the IAF MLA
EGAC
From single-site businesses to multi-site groups
Any size
ISO/IEC17021-1Management systemsAccredited
Accreditation

Accredited by EGAC, the Egyptian Accreditation Council

Management System Certification · ISO/IEC 17021-1

ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 22000, ISO 50001 and ISO 21001, audited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and the applicable sector rules: ISO/IEC 17021-2, ISO/IEC 17021-3, ISO/IEC 17021-10, ISO 22003-1, ISO 50003 and ISO/IEC 27006-1.

Accreditation details

Schedule number to be added

Overview

What is ISO 21001:2018?

ISO 21001 specifies the requirements for a management system for educational organisations. It focuses on the interaction between the organisation, its learners and other beneficiaries, and requires educational products and services to be designed and delivered to meet learner needs and applicable requirements.

It applies to any organisation that uses a curriculum to support the development of competence through teaching, learning or research, regardless of its size or method of delivery. Certification confirms that the system conforms to ISO 21001 and is effective in practice.

Accredited certification is independent evidence that your management system conforms to the standard and is effective in practice.

Teacher with pupils working in groups in a classroom
Benefits

The value of ISO 21001 certification

The outcomes organisations most commonly seek from certification.

  • LearnersImprove learner satisfactionA structured approach to learner needs, feedback and outcomes improves the learning experience.
  • RecognitionDemonstrate educational qualityAccredited certification gives learners, parents, sponsors and partners independent assurance.
  • GovernanceStrengthen management and accountabilityDefined responsibilities, objectives and reviews support consistent leadership decisions.
  • InclusionAddress special needs and accessibilityThe standard requires attention to learners with special needs and to equitable access to education.
Applicability

Who ISO 21001 is for

The standard applies to organisations of any size and sector. Certification is particularly valuable if you:

  • Operate schools, colleges or universities
  • Run training centres or professional academies
  • Deliver corporate or online learning programmes
  • Prepare for licensing or quality reviews
Readiness self-assessment

How ready are you for ISO 21001?

Answer six questions to assess your readiness for the certification audit.

  1. The scope and policy of our EOMS are defined and communicated
  2. Risks, opportunities and applicable requirements are identified
  3. Objectives are set, measured and reviewed
  4. The documented information required by the standard is maintained
  5. A complete internal audit has been carried out
  6. Top management has conducted a management review
Requirements

What the standard requires

The requirements are set out in clauses 4 to 10, following the Plan, Do, Check, Act cycle. Auditors will expect to see the following documented information.

Key documented information

  • Scope of the management system
  • Policy and objectives of the educational organisation
  • Design and development of educational products and services
  • Admission, assessment and recognition of learning
  • Learner and beneficiary feedback and satisfaction
  • Competence of educators and staff
  • Internal audit and management review results
Process

The path to ISO 21001 certification

Each stage is planned and confirmed with you in advance.

  1. Step 01

    Application and quotation

    You provide details of your scope, personnel and sites. We determine the audit time and issue a fixed quotation and certification agreement.

    You: complete a short application. We: respond within one business day.

  2. Step 02

    Stage 1 audit

    The audit team reviews your documented information, site conditions and readiness, and confirms the plan for Stage 2.

    You: provide your documentation. We: report any areas of concern.

  3. Step 03

    Stage 2 audit

    The audit team evaluates on site how effectively the management system is implemented.

    You: host the audit. We: present findings at the closing meeting.

  4. Step 04

    Certification decision

    A competent reviewer, independent of the audit team, reviews the audit and makes the certification decision.

    You: address any nonconformities. We: issue your certificate.

  • Year 1Initial certification audit and certificate issued
  • Years 2 and 3Annual surveillance audits maintain certification
  • End of year 3Recertification audit renews the certificate for a new cycle
Cost

What does ISO 21001 certification cost?

The fee is determined mainly by audit time, which is calculated in accordance with IAF MD 5 from the number of personnel, the number of sites and the complexity of your activities. This approach keeps fees consistent and comparable.

  • Number of personnelThe principal factor in determining audit days.
  • Number of sitesAdditional sites may require sampling or separate visits.
  • Scope and complexityDesign, high-risk or regulated activities increase audit time.
  • Integrated systemsAn integrated audit of several standards can reduce total audit time.
Fixed quotation

The full cost of the cycle, confirmed before you commit

Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits. Issue of the certificate. Two annual surveillance audits. No undisclosed charges.

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Integration

Combine standards in one audit programme

ISO 21001 follows the harmonised structure of ISO management system standards, so it can be audited together with other standards.

Already certified?

Transfer your ISO 21001 certificate to GQCL

A valid accredited certificate held with another certification body can be transferred to GQCL after a pre-transfer review, in accordance with IAF MD 2, without restarting your certification cycle.

How Transfers Work
FAQ

Questions about ISO 21001

Which organisations can apply ISO 21001?

Any educational organisation that delivers a curriculum, including schools, universities, vocational and corporate training providers, and organisations offering online or blended learning.

How does ISO 21001 relate to ISO 9001?

ISO 21001 is based on ISO 9001 and follows the same structure, with additional requirements specific to education, such as learner needs, assessment, the recognition of learning and special needs. The two can be audited together.

Does ISO 21001 certification replace licensing or inspection by the education authorities?

No. Certification is voluntary. It complements, but does not replace, the licensing, accreditation or inspection of educational institutions by the competent authorities.

How long does the certification process take?

Once your management system is implemented and has operated long enough to produce records, including a complete internal audit and a management review, the certification process normally takes six to ten weeks from application to certificate. Your quotation sets out the proposed timeline.

How long is the certificate valid?

Three years from the certification decision, subject to satisfactory annual surveillance audits. A recertification audit before expiry renews the certificate for a further three years.

Can GQCL help us implement the standard?

No. As an accredited certification body, GQCL does not provide consultancy on the management systems it certifies, as ISO/IEC 17021-1 requires. We explain the requirements and the certification process clearly, and the Stage 1 audit identifies any areas of concern before Stage 2.

Can the audit be conducted in Arabic?

Yes. Audits, meetings and audit communication can be conducted in Arabic or English, according to your preference.

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