ISO 20252 Certification
About ISO 20252 Certification
Market, opinion and social research is now a global industry, and a growing share of client spend goes to multi-national projects that need consistent, comparable results across regions. ISO 20252 supports that goal by ensuring the research process is carried out to a recognised standard in a verifiable and consistent way.
ISO 20252 is the international standard for quality in market, opinion and social research. The current edition, ISO 20252:2019, is the third edition of the standard and broadened its scope to include insights and data analytics, reflecting how modern research is actually carried out.
In short, ISO 20252 does three things for a research provider:
- Establishes clear terms, definitions, and fundamental service requirements.
- Provides an internationally recognised framework for best practice.
- Applies to any organisation or individual offering market, opinion and social research services.
What ISO 20252:2019 Covers?
ISO 20252:2019 covers the full lifecycle of a research study – from the first contact between the client and the research provider through to the presentation of results. It sets requirements across areas such as:
- Agreeing the project scope and managing the client relationship.
- Designing the research and collecting data, including fieldwork and access panels.
- Processing, analysing, and reporting results, including insights and data analytics.
- Data protection, confidentiality, and the competence and training of research staff.
Benefits of ISO 20252 Certification
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to quality, giving clients confidence in your research.
- Provides consistent, comparable processes – valuable for multi-national and multi-supplier projects.
- Strengthens credibility when bidding for tenders, where certification is often a requirement.
- Reduces errors and rework through standardised, documented processes.
- Supports data protection and ethical handling of respondent information.
- Sets your organisation apart in a competitive research market.
Contact IAS today to learn more about ISO 20252 certification and ISO 20252 certification Audit Procedure, or visit our ISO 20252 certification frequently asked questions.
Also check out our blog on how to get ISO Certification!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 20252?
ISO 20252 is the international standard that sets vocabulary and service requirements for organisations conducting market, opinion and social research, including insights and data analytics. It covers the whole research process, from the initial client brief through to reporting results.
What is the latest version of ISO 20252?
The current edition is ISO 20252:2019, the third edition of the standard. It restructured and technically revised the previous version and expanded the scope to include insights and data analytics. A further revision is in development but has not yet been published.
Who should get ISO 20252 certified?
Any organisation or individual that provides market, opinion or social research services - including agencies, fieldwork providers, panel companies, and in-house research teams - can benefit from ISO 20252 certification.
Why is ISO 20252 important for research providers?
It gives clients independent assurance that your research follows recognised quality processes. This is especially valuable for multi-national projects, competitive tenders, and any situation where data quality and consistency matter.
How long does ISO 20252 certification take?
Timelines depend on the size and readiness of your organisation. The process includes a Stage 1 readiness audit and a Stage 2 effectiveness audit, followed by closure of any non-conformities. IAS calculates the required audit man-days from your application and will give you a clear estimate.
How is ISO 20252 certification maintained?
Certification is maintained through annual surveillance audits across the validity of the certificate, alongside ongoing internal quality control and continual improvement.