Supportive But Not Certifiable: The Biggest Misconception About ISO 26000 and ISO 31000

Duygu Küçer
May 1
2 min read

Many organizations mistakenly believe that every ISO standard is certifiable simply because it carries the “ISO” label. As a result, they seek certification for ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility) and ISO 31000 (Risk Management). However, this is a critical misunderstanding.

ISO 26000 and ISO 31000 are non-certifiable, supportive guidance standards.They are not designed to be audited or certified by any certification body. If a consultancy offers you a so-called “ISO certificate” for these standards, it is invalid and not officially recognized.

What Do These Standards Provide?

ISO 26000 – Social Responsibility Guidance

This standard provides a framework for organizations aiming to implement corporate social responsibility principles, including ethics, stakeholder relations, environmental impact, and human rights. However, its application cannot be audited or certified; it is purely for internal development and guidance.

ISO 31000 – Risk Management Guidance

This standard offers a structured approach for identifying, evaluating, and managing risk. It helps assess an organization's risk maturity level, but does not include a formal certification process.

Do So-Called Certificates Actually Mean?

Some companies issue "certificates" under the names of ISO 26000 or ISO 31000. These documents:

Are not recognized by ISO
Are not accredited
Hold no validity in formal audits or assessments
May damage your brand’s credibility

For reliable and sustainable management systems, always work with accredited bodies like KingCert, which offer only officially certifiable standards.

Why Can’t These Standards Be Certified?

According to official ISO statements:

These standards lack audit checklists, specific requirements, or measurable criteria
Implementation varies between organizations, making objective assessment impossible
Non-certifiability does not mean they are ineffective — they simply serve a different purpose

How to Use These Standards Effectively

Use them to build internal frameworks with professional consultancy
Integrate them with certifiable systems like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001
Base your internal audits, reports, and sustainability strategies on these standards
Leverage them to enhance stakeholder communication and corporate reputation

Summary:

Topic	ISO 26000	ISO 31000
Can it be certified?	❌ No	❌ No
Is it a guidance standard?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Can it be accredited?	❌ No	❌ No
Is it an official ISO standard?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Warning: Fake Certificates Can Harm Your Brand

Remember: Using invalid documents just to appear “certified” can lead to trust issues during audits and with potential partners. Instead, focus on transparency and verified standards to build long-term credibility.

Final Note

ISO 26000 and ISO 31000 are compasses, not passports.They offer direction, not permission. If you’re looking for certification, choose certifiable ISO standards. But if your goal is to improve corporate responsibility or risk awareness, these two frameworks will guide your journey — just don’t expect a certificate at the end of the road.