ISO 26000 cannot be certified
ISO 26000 is a guidance document, not a certifiable standard. There is no accredited "ISO 26000 certification" — be careful of anyone who offers it. You can still use it to improve, and the cost calculator will estimate that implementation work.
What ISO 26000 is
ISO 26000 gives guidance on social responsibility: human rights, fair labor, the environment, ethical operating practices, consumers and community. It helps an organization understand what responsible behavior looks like and how to build it in.
Here is the key point: ISO 26000 cannot be certified. It is a guidance document, not a requirements standard. Any company or auditor offering "ISO 26000 certification" is misrepresenting it. Be cautious of anyone who does.
In the US it is used to shape ESG and corporate responsibility programs, and often paired with reporting frameworks like GRI. You use it to improve; you do not get a certificate.
How to get certified
- Review the seven core subjects of the guidance against your operations.
- Identify where your biggest social and environmental responsibilities lie.
- Set commitments and build them into policy and day-to-day decisions.
- Report progress using a recognized framework if you want external credibility.
- Use the cost calculator on this site to budget the implementation work, not a certificate.
Always use an accredited certification body
In the US, look for a body accredited by ANAB. An accredited certificate is the one customers, regulators and buyers actually trust — and you can confirm any certificate through IAF CertSearch.
How much ISO 26000 costs
There is no audit fee, because there is no certification. Your only cost is the internal work and any consulting help.
The calculator on this site shows an implementation estimate only for this standard.
If a provider quotes you for "ISO 26000 certification", treat it as a warning sign.
Estimate implementation cost →