When organizations pursue ISO 27001 certification, most of the focus is on building, maintaining, and auditing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). But who makes sure the auditors themselves are qualified and that the certification process is credible? That’s where ISO/IEC 27006 comes in.
This standard governs how certification bodies (CBs) operate when auditing and certifying ISMSs. It ensures that when you see a certificate labeled “ISO 27001 certified,” you can trust the rigor, consistency, and impartiality of the certification process behind it.
Why ISO/IEC 27006 Matters
ISO/IEC 27006 plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and credibility of ISO 27001 certifications. It works hand in hand with two other foundational standards. ISO/IEC 27001, which defines what an Information Security Management System (ISMS) must achieve, and ISO/IEC 17021-1, which establishes the general framework for all management system certification bodies. Building upon these, ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024 (Part 1: General) adds requirements that are specific to ISMS audits and certifications.
In essence, ISO 27006 sets out how certification bodies should operate to ensure trust in their audits and decisions. It requires that auditors be both competent and impartial, with expertise spanning technical systems, information security controls, and risk management. Certification bodies must also plan and scope audits in a consistent, risk-based manner, determine audit durations appropriately, and document their findings thoroughly.
What Is the Main Objective of ISO/IEC 27006?
A key objective of ISO/IEC 27006 is to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain independence throughout the certification process. Certification bodies are expected to have robust procedures to safeguard impartiality, ensuring that audits are fair and objective. The standard also establishes requirements for managing complaints and appeals, providing organizations with clear recourse if they disagree with an audit outcome.
By setting these expectations, ISO/IEC 27006 ensures that every ISO 27001 certification represents a consistent level of rigor and reliability, no matter which certification body issues it. This standard helps maintain the global credibility of the ISO 27001 framework, protecting the integrity of the certification process and building confidence among organizations, customers, and stakeholders.
In practical terms, 27006 ensures that certification bodies:
- Use competent, qualified auditors who understand technical, operational, and risk-management aspects of information security.
- Plan and scope audits appropriately.
- Maintain impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Determine audit duration using consistent, risk-based methods.
- Keep accurate audit records and reports.
- Handle appeals and complaints transparently.
ISO 27006 from 2015 to 2024: A “Limited Revision” with Important Updates
The new ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024, published in March 2024, replaces ISO/IEC 27006:2015 and Amd 1:2020. It’s described as a limited revision, which means that many foundational requirements remain unchanged. Even being a limited revision, several modernizations reflect remote work, flexible audit methods, and alignment with ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
Transition Timeline for ISO/IEC 27006
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) published MD 29:2024, which has set out a timeline of transition deadlines. Entities that maintain ISO 27001 certifications should check with their certification bodies to ensure they have conformed and met the targeted deadlines as outlined.
How Certification Bodies Should Prepare for ISO/IEC 27006
Certification bodies (CBs) have several key responsibilities as they transition to the ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024 standard. First, each CB should conduct a thorough gap analysis comparing its current policies, audit methods, and competence frameworks against the new requirements. This process helps identify where updates are needed and ensures compliance well before the final transition deadline.
Once the gaps are identified, certification bodies must update their internal procedures, audit tools, and training materials to reflect the revised expectations, particularly those related to competence assessment, remote auditing practices, and audit-time calculations. Auditors and reviewers should receive training to ensure they fully understand and can apply the new requirements effectively. Communication with clients will also be critical during this period.
Certification bodies should proactively inform organizations of any potential impacts on audit duration, audit scope, or scheduling. Finally, CBs should engage early with their accreditation bodies to confirm transition timelines, readiness assessments, and approval processes.
In a nutshell, Certification bodies (CBs) should:
- Perform a gap analysis against the new 2024 requirements.
- Revise policies, procedures, and audit tools for competence and remote audits.
- Train auditors and reviewers.
- Communicate with clients about any impacts on audit duration or scope.
- Coordinate with accreditation bodies early for transition readiness.
What ISO/IEC 27006 Means for Certified Organizations
For organizations that are already certified or that are planning to achieve certification under ISO/IEC 27001, the 27006-1:2024 update won’t alter the ISMS requirements themselves. Instead, it affects how certification bodies conduct audits. Most organizations can expect more flexibility in audit arrangements, including an expanded ability to complete parts of the audit remotely. Audit durations may also be adjusted based on factors like the number of staff performing identical roles or the use of contractors within scope.
While these procedural updates primarily impact certification bodies, organizations should take this opportunity to confirm that their auditors are transitioning to the new standard. Reviewing how remote access is managed, ensuring audit evidence is easily shareable, and confirming that internal documentation is current will help streamline upcoming audits. Staying engaged with your certification body ensures your organization’s ISO 27001 certification remains valid throughout the transition.
To recap, for certified or soon-to-be certified organizations:
- Your ISMS obligations under ISO 27001 remain unchanged.
- You may see adjustments in remote audit options, duration, or reporting.
- Confirm your certification body’s readiness and transition timeline.
Why the 2024 Revision to ISO 27006 Strengthens Confidence
Although ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024 does not completely overhaul the certification process, it represents an important evolution in maintaining trust and consistency across the ISO 27001 ecosystem. The standard modernizes audit methods by accommodating hybrid and remote work environments, a reflection of how organizations operate today. It also simplifies requirements for auditors and certification bodies, making the standard more practical to implement while preserving rigor.
Another major benefit of the update is its shift toward evaluating auditor competence based on actual expertise and context rather than fixed experience thresholds. This approach helps certification bodies assign the right auditors to the right types of organizations. The revision also enhances transparency, requiring clear disclosure of how remote methods were used and ensuring that certifications referencing other standards or frameworks do so accurately. By aligning ISMS certification practices with the latest ISO 27001:2022 control framework, ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024 strengthens the reliability, consistency, and global credibility of ISO 27001 certifications.
Although ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024 is not a radical rewrite, it delivers meaningful improvements:
- Adapts to remote and hybrid work.
- Simplifies expectations for auditors and certification bodies.
- Emphasizes competence over credentials.
- Enhances transparency around remote methods and framework references.
- Aligns ISMS certification with ISO 27001:2022.
What the ISO/IEC 27006 Update Means for Your Certification
For most organizations, the 27006 update won’t disrupt certification. It fine-tunes how audits are conducted and how certification bodies operate. By the 2025 transition window, bodies that adapt early will deliver smoother, more transparent, and credible ISO 27001 certifications.
If you have additional questions, I am always happy to discuss this and other ISO questions you may have. Contact me today to learn more about our ISO attestation services.
Rhonda is a Partner at Linford & Co. delivering risk services including service organization control (SOC) engagements, and Internal Audit services (IT and Business process audits). Rhonda has her CPA, CISSP, PMP, and CISA certifications and delivers leading-edge client service. Previously, Rhonda was a Managing Director at Deloitte, and brings a wealth of expertise in the areas of risk management and compliance.