The Dark Side of ISO Consultants: Are They Really Helping Your Business?

When it comes to achieving ISO certification, most companies feel like they need to bring in an ISO consultant to navigate the complex requirements.

After all, who wouldn’t want an expert to guide them through the process?

But after working in this industry for a while, I’ve started to question whether these consultants are truly worth the investment or if businesses are getting more than they bargained for — often in the wrong way.

Are We Too Dependent on ISO Consultants?

Let’s face it, the ISO standards can seem intimidating. I’ve seen countless businesses, especially smaller ones, assume they can’t possibly achieve certification without outside help.

But here’s the thing: ISO standards are meant to be accessible.

They’re written so that companies of all sizes can understand and implement them.

With the right resources and some determination, many businesses could handle the process internally.

The truth is, a lot of what ISO consultants do is available in the public domain or through affordable training — if you know where to look.

Is the Cost of ISO Consultants Justified?

I’ve seen companies shell out tens of thousands of dollars for ISO consulting services.

These fees can be crippling, especially for small businesses. And what are they really paying for? Sometimes, it’s hard to tell.

There’s a growing sense that some consultants are charging exorbitant rates for services that might not be necessary or that companies could manage on their own with the right guidance.

Since we started CertBetter, we’ve seen businesses quickly find and shortlist the best ISO consultants who are transparent about their fees and even explore alternatives that might cost less but deliver more value.

The Conflict of Interest Problem

Here’s something that really bothers me: some consultants also act as auditors.

When the same person who helped a company get ready for an audit is also the one doing the audit, can we really trust the results?

This conflict of interest is a serious issue in the industry. It undermines the credibility of the certification process and raises questions about the value of the certification itself.

Are ISO Consultants Really Adding Value?

One of the most troubling things about being a certification auditor that I’ve noticed is that some consultants seem more focused on getting companies through the certification audit than on helping them genuinely improve their processes.

It’s almost as if passing the audit is the major goal, rather than improving business operations.

This “check-the-box” mentality is dangerous. It can lead to a superficial understanding of ISO standards, where the certification doesn’t reflect real improvements in quality or efficiency.

At CertBetter, we aim to connect businesses with ISO consultants who are committed to impactful systems, not just a quick certification and off they go.

Moving Forward: Do We Really Need ISO Consultants?

So, where does this leave us? I think it’s time we start rethinking the role of ISO consultants.

Businesses should think again about how they find a consultant who really adds value at a fair price before deciding to hire someone who makes things worse. In my previous article, I have written a guide on how to select the best and right ISO consultant.

Conclusion

ISO consultants can be extremely beneficial to any business, but they are not always the silver bullet they are marketed to be. It is critical to approach the certification process with your eyes wide open, knowing what you need and what you are getting. By doing so, you can ensure that your ISO certification investment is more than just a cost, but also a step toward real, meaningful business improvement.

Let me know what's on your mind in the comment section.