The benefits of obtaining ISO certification are plenty and include the following:

• Ensures a disciplined approach to operating security processes controls.
• Demonstrates compliance with legal, regulatory or contractual demands.
• Builds confidence with customers, helping to win and retain business.
• Enhances reputation and brand value.

The above procedure can be adopted for an ISO audit instead of certification. The ISO/IEC 27001 certification involves a three-stage audit process:
Stage 1 is a preliminary, informal review of the ISMS, for example checking the existence and completeness of key documentation such as the organization's information security policy, Statement of Applicability (SoA) and Risk Treatment Plan (RTP). This stage serves to familiarize the auditors with the organization and vice versa.

Stage 2 is a more detailed and formal compliance audit, independently testing the ISMS against the requirements specified in ISO/IEC 27001. The auditors will seek evidence to confirm that the management system has been properly designed and implemented, and is in fact in operation (for example by confirming that a security committee or similar management body meets regularly to oversee the ISMS). Certification audits are usually conducted by ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditors. Passing this stage results in the ISMS being certified compliant with ISO/IEC 27001.

Stage 3 involves follow-up reviews or audits to confirm that the organization remains in compliance with the standard. Certification maintenance requires periodic re-assessment audits to confirm that the ISMS continues to operate as specified and intended. These should happen at least annually but are often conducted more frequently, particularly in the early stages of having an ISMS.