Why any Educational Institute should avail ISO 21001 certification rather than ISO 9001??

The educational sector is a “Special Sector” considering its significant impacts positive or negative over the future of the nation. The performance in educational sector up-gradation is very significant defining the status of the nation in International competition.
The overall ecosystem in educational sector requires systematic framework supported by upgradation in competence of the teaching & also non-teaching staff members across the nation. ISO (International Organization for Standardization” has published a specific standard ISO 21001:2018 for the certification at any educational institute e.g. training institute, school or college.
In past many institutes have implemented a generic standard ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) for operational performance at the institute. After the release of ISO 21001 standard, there is a confusion in most of institutes whether to continue with ISO 9001 or adopt this new standard ISO 21001. We are writing this blog just to offer better clarification with differences noted in ISO 21001 as compared to a generic standard ISO 9001. The highlighting points of differences have been mentioned below to support the decision in choosing the right certification standard for the educational institute.

About ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is a Quality Management System Standard which is generic in nature. i.e. the certification can be availed by any organization, may it be a company like Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., Infosys, Tata Steel etc. or a shop like Shoppers Stop or an educational institute.
The ISO 9001 standard requirements are generic in nature and the number of certified organizations are in few Lakhs.
The standard requirements doesn’t cover the implementation in specific processes of the educational institute. Many times, it becomes a documentation burden rather than performance improvement.
ISO 9001 Certification is very common and doesn’t add value in terms of brand enhancement.
There are more than 200 certification bodies authorised to issue certificates. Many of those certification bodies do not offer even International Traceability.

About ISO 21001

ISO 21001 is an Educational Organization Management System Standard which is developed specifically for an educational institute i.e. School, College or a Training Institute
The standard was developed in year 2018 mainly to focus on performance of educational sector
The ISO 9001 standard requirements are specific to educational institute. The applicable processes are defined and the related requirements are specified.
Implementation of ISO 21001 adds value to the overall functioning of the organization rather than just a documentation. The standard operating procedures and documentations are developed specifically for the processes such as Admission, Academics, Examinations etc.
ISO 21001 is a premium certification as the total count of certifications in India has not reached a mark of 500.
The number of certification bodies authorised to issue certificates are less than 10 & are with genuine International recognition.
ISO 21001 certification adds value to the brand image of an institute for better prospects and future.

Proposed Benefits ISO 21001 – Educational Organization Management System Certification for an educational institute.

• Better operational performance through the streamlining of the processes.
• Competence development in teaching & Non-teaching staff members.
• Process-driven operations rather than person driven.
• Overall Cultural Improvement.
• Premium certification enhances the brand image of the institute.

With versatile industry experience and recognized footprints in the Education sector for the past 23 years, PQSmitra has developed a module with the “Simple & Practical Approach” for hassle-free ISO 21001 certification. The guidance and also hand-holding by the PQSmitra team is well appreciated by its clients. Over the past 2 decades, PQSmitra is continuing to be a leader in ISO consultancy offering the Best in Class services to enhance the brand image of their clients.