Use of Certification Mark Guidelines – Do's & Don'ts
Congratulations! You passed your stage 2 audit and achieved your certification. This achievement is not a simple feat, it signifies your commitment to excellence and adherence to industry standards. Along with your certification you will have received a certificate and a licence to use the Certification Mark for that standard.
So now what? It is time you start unlocking the benefits associated with earning your certification.
What are the benefits of promoting your Certification Mark?
Gain a competitive edge in the market:
Your certification mark will tell the market that you run a quality business. It can differentiate your business from competitors who may not have similar credentials. At times it can be a deciding factor for customers trying to choose between providers.
Improve credibility and trust about your business:
Your certification will act as a third-party endorsement for your business. It will help assure your customers that your business meets certain standards and adheres to best practices in your industry.
Generate positive publicity and improve the reputation of your business.
Gain access to government and other contracts which prefer businesses with certification.
Boost employee and partner confidence in the business and improve retention.
Over the years, we have noticed that many of our clients aren’t maximising the use of their certification marks properly, which is why we decided to compile a list of dos and don’ts to help.
Do:
Publicise the fact that the certification in a particular standard has been granted.
Use the certification mark as evidence of certification.
Check your certificate and audit reports for details of your certification scope.
Carefully review the Use of Certification Mark document.
Access your appropriate certification mark from our secured portal – let us know if you need any assistance.
Don'ts
Use the certification mark where it could suggest certification for areas that are outside certification scope. Don’t for example, display it next to sites or services that have not been assessed and are not included in the scope of the certification.
Make any misleading statement regarding certification for advertising purposes.
Continue to use the Certification mark once the license period expires.
Change the certification mark by using different colours or format or use it against a background that diminishes or breaks it.
Where can you use the Certification Mark?
Now that you understand the dos and don'ts around using the Certification Mark, here are a few places where you can use it:
Websites
Business Cards
Stationary
Promotional materials such as social media posts
Tender documents
Now that we have cleared things up it is time you start telling your customers and partners about your achievement.
Feel free to contact us for any further information!