Comparison
Certification body vs. consultant
Only one of these can certify you. Know which is which before you sign.
| Certification body | Consultant | |
| Role | Independent auditor | Implementation advisor |
| Can issue ISO 42001 certificate | Yes | No |
| Typical work | Stage 1 + Stage 2 audits, surveillance | Gap assessment, AIMS build, training |
| Independence | Must stay independent of your implementation | Works inside your team |
| Red flag | Also selling you implementation | Promising to ‘certify’ you themselves |
The directory labels every firm’s role. Never let the firm that built your AIMS be the firm that audits it.