ISO 21001 is the international standard for managing educational organizations. It helps educational institutions and organizations of all types and sizes manage their processes in a systematic way to consistently and effectively improve the education and services they provide.
The latest edition of ISO 21001 was published in 2018. A later edition (with the publication year 2025) is currently under review by the concerned authority. In such a scenario, educational organizations are eligible for certification to ISO 21001:2018.
IRQS (Indian Register Quality Systems), an NABCB accredited certification body of more than 25 years of experience and over 5,000 clients worldwide, has an impartial certification process for ISO 21001. It does not provide consulting services.
Purchase an overpriced Prospectus.
Read “world class” a dozen times.
Every school wants to stand out. Every school claims to provide an educational experience beyond the books. Every school shows off their happy students, holding test tubes at dangerous angles.
By the end of it all, the only thing you know for sure is you know nothing new.
Once my cousin and I toured six colleges together. After the first couple, we could pretty much tell the campuses apart. By the fourth campus, they were interchangeable. We may have developed a sixth sense for campuses with fountains in the lobby. I may also have gotten lost twice, attempting to find the campus cafeteria.
Education is full of unsubstantiated claims. With ISO 21001 certification, schools can help instill confidence in learners and their stakeholders by providing a reliable means of validating their educational management system.
Why is an ISO Standard Specific to Education Necessary?
The need for the standard is motivated by the education industry’s desire to use EQMS and enhance management of learning processes. ISO 21001 is comparable to ISO 9001, which covers management systems. The difference is in the type of processes managed.
While ISO 9001 is applicable to all industries, ISO 21001, models specific requirements of the education service industry. Some requirements include:
- Curriculum development and review
- The integrity of assessment
- Satisfaction of learners and feedback
- Meeting the needs of learners with special requirements
- Protecting vulnerable learners
The standard ultimately is concerned with the interests of the service user and poses the query, is the service user of the institution served?
The switch to quality service in education has been dramatically heightened and acknowledged. The following data illustrates reasons for adoption of the standard.
Rapid Increase in Adoption
ISO 21001 was released in 2018. From 2018 to 2023, an estimated 36,000 organizations adopted the standard. Traditionally, changes in university policies and standards take longer.
The standard has attributed positive service improvements in learning, employment and service offerings. Among other improvements, there has been 25% improvement in learner retention and a 15% improvement in employment of vocational graduates in the EU. These positive outcomes have heightened the appeal of the standard.
India Is Also Updating Its Education System
India, like many other countries, has used the disruptions caused by COVID-19 to transform its education system. The National Education Policy 2020 emphasized learning outcomes and set new standards for teacher training and accreditation.
Online education surged in India after 2020, and in 2023, the Indian Parliament passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which requires organizations to implement cybersecurity frameworks for the protection of personal data.
These recent developments in the Indian education system promote the implementation of systems and offer an opportunity for schools and colleges to differentiate themselves in the region through internationally benchmarked offerings.
What has been observed is that education institutions seeking certification are moving away from a compliance-only mindset. Rather, they are empowering and educating their staff and leaders, and equipping their learning offerings with promising benefits for their customers.
Current Status of the Revision of ISO 21001
ISO 21001:2018 is the most recently published standard. Thus, it is the standard to which education institutions seek certification.
During the last revision cycle of standards within the ISO framework, it was recognized that numerous changes had occurred within the education sector, and, hence, new versions of standards were published. Given the recently published revision of ISO 9001 (2026), it can be anticipated that a similar approach would be applied to ISO 21001 (2026).
While education institutions may continue to implement the requirements of ISO 21001:2018, it can be expected that in due course they will be required to implement the revisions to the standard.
Monitor the development process and, finally, perform a gap analysis on the latest edition.
It’s important to understand that published documentation for revised versions of ISO standards contains numerous gaps that take time to fill. Transitions are expected and are normal.
Certification of education and training institutions against the requirements of the previous edition of ISO 21001 is often delayed while waiting on the new edition. This is a business decision. The truth is, education and training institutions, having already implemented many of the standards to meet requirements of the 2018 edition, are better prepared than they think.
Revision Focus Areas
Learner Centricity
The review strengthened focus in learner centricity, which makes sense considering the customer is also the product. Expect further demand on education and training institutions to gather feedback and take action to address it.
Inclusive Education
Different learning environments and support systems are already required to be in place. Be prepared for increased demand and focus on this area. What supports are in place and do they work?
Digital Education
The use of technology in education is becoming more prevalent. It also creates new risks, i.e. what happens if the system fails or is hacked? Risk is increase if sensitive student data is processed or maintained on the system. How does an education or training institution ensure risk do not materialize?
Other Areas
How can adaptability be incorporated into education and training? What if the teacher goes on maternity leave? What if a support system or learning support environment fails? Risk based thinking is applicable to educational systems as well. What risks are present and how can education and training systems be more resilient?
Who is Eligible for ISO 21001?
This standard is applicable to any and all entities that design, deliver or support learning. Thus, it can be said to cover the entire gamut of education and training, such as:
- Pre-schools and primary schools
- Secondary and senior secondary schools
- Colleges and universities which wish to prepare themselves for systemwide and/or international recognition
- Coaching institutes
- Training institutes
- Online training and teaching institutes
- Institutions which offer vocational training and other skill based training
- Corporate training and learning units located within business or industrial houses
Size is immaterial. Even a small unit with a single campus can develop a good EOMS.
Why IRQS is in a Unique Position for Obtaining ISO 21001
Many organizations will sell a school, college or university an ISO 21001 certificate. However, the number of organizations that will tell schools and universities the truth will always remain few. It is this truth that IRQS has focused on.
A Heritage Built on Independent Assurance
As part of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), IRQS has built a client base of over 5,000 clients spread across more than 50 countries in the last 25 years. Like IRS, IRQS has built its name and reputation on independent assessments.
NABCB’s Accreditation is Relevant
Being accredited by NABCB and several other international accreditation bodies strengthens IRQS’s position in the market. This is particularly relevant for educational units that have or want to develop links with the international community.
No Consultancy is Our Policy
Institutions should understand that IRQS does not write an organization’s manuals. IRQS focuses on impartiality and does not grade its own work.
This assessment process has quickly developed a reputation as rigorous yet structured, adding confidence to clients without crossing the line into consultancy. One client described IRQS as “transparent,” while another client stated, “There are numerous areas of strength in the institution and IRQS highlighted these. Full neutrality was retained.”
A Two Stage Audit that Evaluates Operational Reality
IRQS’s approach is considered and systematic.
- The first stage of the process involves a desktop review of the submitted information and systems design.
- The second stage of the process involves an on-site visit to validate the operation of the reviewed systems and to observe the processes in a training/teaching, service delivery and/or administrative work environment.
Annual Surveillance Audits are conducted prior to recertification to evaluate continued compliance. Most of our clients meet the requirements for certification within 6 months from the time they engaged our services.
Combined Audits to Save Time
Educational institutions operate multiple systems; IRQS can help clients evaluate ISO 21001 in combination with other Management Systems e.g.:
- Quality (ISO 9001)
- Environment (ISO 14001)
- Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001)
- Energy (ISO 5001) Management Systems
IRQS also offers Campus Sustainability and Energy Sustainability audits.
Spanning India and Beyond
Besides our offices in India, IRQS also has representative offices in U.K., the Netherlands, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Qatar.
In summary, IRQS’s Independence, Accreditation and Reach means it is able to serve a wide range of institutions.
Questions Institutions Often Ask
Is ISO 21001:2018 still in effect, with an update currently in progress?
Yes. Until a new edition of this International Standard is released, ISO 21001:2018 is the latest edition. During a transition period, certificates that are issued against this edition will remain valid.
How does ISO 21001 compare to ISO 9001?
As with other management system standards, the standards for the education sector establish requirements for management systems and may include requirements that are similar to or the same as those in ISO 9001. However, the requirements for various management systems may not be identical.
How long will it take IRQS to certify our organization?
Generally, the time to complete the certification process is between three to six months. This period may be longer, especially for institutions with large branch campuses.
Does IRQS complete the development of an EOMS for institutions?
No. IRQS audits and certifies systems, which means the assessment is objective and impartial.
Prove “World Class” Status through Independent Audit
Markets will continue to use the term “world class.” That’s unavoidable. What we can control is the basis for that claim.
Employers, learners, and governments want to see an organization has the right management systems for its education and training provision. An employer wishing to demonstrate this could pursue ISO 21001.
A revision of the standard is planned in the near future, and schools and training organizations who initiate improvement processes and modifications to their quality systems now will be in a better position to adapt to the changes.
So what’s the next action?
- Have your current processes audited against ISO 21001:2018
- Brief the leadership and training teams on the requirements of the standard
- Choose an accreditation body for the certification process
Get Started
Find out more about ISO 21001 from IRQS
Visit IRQS to learn more about education and training, including certification and other services.
The lobby fountain is nice. A certified management system behind it is even better.
