JASANZ Certification (or Accreditation): How To Guide

JASANZ Certification Explained

JASANZ Certification can be a requirement for many tenders and contracts (especially for large companies or government works). These certifications can include:

• AS/NZS ISO 45001 Safety Management Systems,

• AS/NZS ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, and

• AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.

The process can seem complicated and daunting, however investing in these systems can be vital for many organisations to "break into" these more lucrative markets.

The terms "JASANZ Certification" and "JASANZ Accreditation" are used interchangeable.

JASANZ Certification vs ISO Certification

Normally, people talk about getting "ISO Certified" – however this is slang (even our consultants call it ISO Certification!). ISO and JASANZ are best described as:

• ISO refers to the organisation that publishes the standards (e.g. they wrote the standards AS/NZS ISO 45001, 14001 and 9001 – and many others).

• JASANZ stands for the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand. They are the accreditation body that grants certification.

When people say, "ISO Certification" they are normally referring to "JASANZ Certification" (or accreditation).

Are There Different Types of Certification?

Yes. But be careful when using other types of certifications as these typically don't hold as much weight as true JASANZ certification.

One example is Exemplar Certification. This is a certification granted by an auditor who is registered with Exemplar Global. This can be useful in some circumstances. However, be sure to check with your client what type of certification they require, as often they will require true JASANZ Certification.

How Does My Business Get JASANZ Certification?

We have an in-depth guide on how to get certified here:

What is ISO 45001 Certification and How Do I Get Certified?

The overall process is described below.

* With yearly surveillance audits and 3-yearly re-certification audits.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs can usually be broken down into 2 parts:

1. Cost for system development, implementation and consultation (usually $7,000 – $15,000)

2. Cost for third-party audit and certification (usually $5,000 – $15,000)

Costs vary depending on:

• The industry you work in (high risk industries typically cost more to certify)

• Number of staff (FTE)

• Numbers of sites / facilities

• Which certifications you want (e.g. just 45001, or 45001 + 9001 + 14001)

Typically, small and medium-sized businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 for the entire process.

What is the Audit Process?

The audits may sound scary, but they are usually the easy bit. We tell our clients that the hard bit is getting ready for audit. Before the audit, we work with clients to ensure the system is compliant and that documentation and records are in place to help the auditor collect the evidence they need.

Audit time is when you can sit back and admire the system! There are always corrective actions that need to be closed out, however usually they are minor.

Finding a JASANZ Accredited Certification Body

Once you've prepared your management system for certification, the next critical step is to select a JASANZ-accredited certification body. These are independent organisations that JASANZ has formally recognised as competent to audit and issue certifications against various ISO standards. Using an accredited body ensures the credibility and international acceptance of your certification.

You can find a list of all accredited certification bodies directly on the JASANZ website. Their online directory allows you to search by standard (e.g., ISO 45001), industry sector, and geographical location. It's advisable to obtain quotes from several certification bodies to compare services, lead times, and pricing. Ensure they are accredited for the specific standard(s) relevant to your business needs.

Did You Know?

The Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) was established on October 30, 1991, through a historic treaty between Australia and New Zealand. This made JASANZ the first trans-Tasman institution of its kind, aimed at strengthening the trading relationship between the two countries.

Initially focused on quality management systems, JASANZ has since expanded its accreditation services to cover a wide range of sectors, including health, environment, and product certification.

Need a hand?

Spire Safety offers ISO 45001 certification support — building the system, running the internal audit and getting you ready for the certification body. Get in touch to talk it through.