Prove how well you truly understand your ISO standard.
An independent, multiple-choice test that certifies your understanding of a specific ISO management system standard, and shows you, domain by domain, where you stand against professionals worldwide.
- ✓Certifies the candidate on their understanding of the respective standard.
- ✓Measures the level of understanding across the eight (8) A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E domains.
- ✓Ranks the candidate's performance in a personalised analytics report.
The standard is changing. Is your understanding current?
ISO 9001:2026 brings a restructured Annex SL, sharper risk-based thinking and new expectations on organizational context and climate. Every certified organization will re-train. Few will verify the training worked. A misconception that survives re-training walks straight into your next audit.
What is an ISTO Test of Understanding?
The ISTO Test is a multiple-choice test aimed at establishing the level of understanding a candidate possesses in respect of a specific ISO management system standard (e.g. ISO 9001:2026). It focuses not only on understanding the requirements of a standard but is also designed to ensure that those who pass the Test have demonstrated a knowledge of the underlying management system principles, respective definitions and the standard's practical implementation.
The ISTO Test of Understanding consists of multiple-choice questions with four (4) possible options, of which only one (1) represents the 'best' option. The ISTO TOU is a Restricted-open-book online test; however, candidates are allowed to refer to an unmarked copy of the respective ISO standard, the only permitted reference material during the test. In an online test, the standard copy is provided in a separate window alongside the test window.
Four options, one best
Each question has a single best answer among four.
Restricted-open-book, online
Taken on the ISTO test portal with in-person invigilation.
Standard in a side window
Refer to an unmarked copy of the standard, the only permitted reference.
Walk away certified.
Pass an ISTO Test of Understanding and you receive an ISTO Certificate of Achievement that certifies your understanding of the standard, recognised by ISO management-system professionals worldwide.
- Certifies your understanding of a specific ISO management system standard.
- Paired with your personalised A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E Analytics Report.
- Shareable with employers, clients and certification bodies.
A report that pinpoints exactly where understanding can be improved.
Your performance is scored across all eight A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E domains and plotted against the entire candidate population. Each coloured band represents 25% of candidates; the gold ring marks where your score lands, so strengths and gaps are obvious at a glance.
- AcActual documentation — an actual requirement related to documentation
- CoConcept — management principles the standard is based on
- CClause reference — the unique clause of a specific requirement
- UUnspecified requirement — a requirement that does not exist
- RRequirement — the actual text of a requirement
- AApplicability — intent and scope of the standard
- TTerminology — terms & definitions used in the standard
- EErroneous documentation — an erroneous requirement related to documentation
I found the ISTO Test to be an excellent diagnostic tool to measure my level of understanding of the standards.
Trusted by global ISO MSS experts over the last 20 years.
Auditors, consultants and responsible persons across industries use ISTO tests to benchmark and prove their understanding.
Three reasons people sit the same test.
Employers verify their teams. Assessment and training bodies verify the people who carry their name. Professionals prove themselves.
For your team
- Verify that ISO training actually worked, before the auditor does
- Audit-ready, externally verifiable evidence of competence
- Group A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E analytics reveal exactly where understanding breaks down
- Re-verify understanding ahead of the ISO 9001:2026 transition
For your credibility
- Benchmark the auditors, tutors and consultants who carry your name
- Independent evidence of competence for accreditation requirements
- Differentiate your training or assessment offering in the market
- Group analytics reveal competence gaps before clients find them
For your career
- A certificate any employer can verify from a unique URL
- A percentile rank against professionals worldwide
- An eight-domain report that shows what to strengthen next
- Independent proof that outlasts any training course
ISTO offers Test of Understanding on the following ISO MSS standards
The tests are available in multiple languages, click on each standard to learn more
ISO/DIS 9001:2025
Quality management systems
Learn moreISO 14001:2026
Environmental management systems
Learn moreISO 22000:2018/Amd. 1:2024
Food safety management systems
Learn moreISO/IEC 27001:2022/Amd. 1:2024
Information security management systems
Learn moreISO 45001:2018/Amd. 1:2024
Occupational health and safety management systems
Learn moreISO 50001:2018/Amd. 1:2024
Energy management systems
Learn moreTest Description and Test Syllabus
Each ISO standard page carries the full test description and syllabus, free to download in every test language.
- 01
Select your ISO standard below.
- 02
Choose Level 1 — Practitioner or Level 2 — Professional.
- 03
Click Test Description or Test Syllabus, then pick your language to download.
Test Language Availability
| ISO Standard | Title | Test of Understanding(Level 1 & Level 2) | Mock Test(Level 1 & Level 2) | Free Trial Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO/DIS 9001:2025 | Quality management systems | English | English | English, Español, Français, Portuguese, Chinese (HK), Chinese (PRC), Chinese (TW) |
| ISO 14001:2015/Amd 1:2024 | Environmental management systems | English | English | English, Español, Français, Portuguese, Chinese (HK), Chinese (PRC), Chinese (TW) |
| ISO 22000:2018/Amd 1:2024 | Food safety management systems | English | English | English, Español, Français, Portuguese, Chinese (HK), Chinese (PRC), Chinese (TW) |
| ISO/IEC 27001:2022/Amd 1:2024 | Information security management systems | English | English | English, Español, Français, Portuguese, Chinese (HK), Chinese (PRC), Chinese (TW) |
| ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024 | Occupational health and safety management systems | English | English | English, Español, Français, Portuguese, Chinese (HK), Chinese (PRC), Chinese (TW) |
| ISO 50001:2018/Amd 1:2024 | Energy management systems | English | English | English, Español, Français, Portuguese, Chinese (HK), Chinese (PRC), Chinese (TW) |
ISO/DIS 9001:2025
Quality management systems
ISO 14001:2015/Amd 1:2024
Environmental management systems
ISO 22000:2018/Amd 1:2024
Food safety management systems
ISO/IEC 27001:2022/Amd 1:2024
Information security management systems
ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024
Occupational health and safety management systems
ISO 50001:2018/Amd 1:2024
Energy management systems
What the test offers, and what you receive
Choose how you start
From a free taste of the format to full certification. Pick the step that fits where you are.
Free Trial Test
Free
See the real test format before you commit.
- A short set of real questions
- Instant familiarity with the interface
- No certificate or report
Mock Test
Level 1 — Practitioner
£70
Rehearse the Level 1 test, fully remote.
- Practice under real timing
- Fully remote and online
- A great pre-test warm-up
Mock Test
Level 2 — Professional
£100
Rehearse the harder Level 2 test.
- Scenario-based questions
- Fully remote and online
- A great pre-test warm-up
Test of Understanding
Level 1 — Practitioner
£250
Certify your understanding as a practitioner.
- 120 minutes · 80 questions
- Pass 60% · Distinction 80%
- Certificate + A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E report
Test of Understanding
Level 2 — Professional
£400
The comprehensive test for professionals.
- 180 minutes · 120 questions
- Pass 70% · Distinction 85%
- Certificate + A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E report
Testing five or more people?
Volume registration on a single invoice, plus group A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E analytics across your cohort. See training effectiveness at a glance.
We currently offer two levels of ISTO Tests for taking. The Level 1 test assesses a candidate's understanding of the basic principles and requirements of an ISO management system standard (MSS). The Level 2 is a comprehensive test that covers principles, requirements, and the implementation in various scenarios and business sectors.
Level 1: the fundamental test to show you have an understanding to be a system follower and user of the standard.
Level 2: the test offered for professionals, ranging from auditors, consultants and responsible persons.
| Level 1Practitioner | Level 2Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Test fee | £250 | £400 |
| Level Definition | Practitioner | Professional |
| Perspective | System follower | System developer, implementer |
| Time allowed | 120 minutes | 180 minutes |
| No. of questions | 80 | 120 |
| Pass criteriaCandidates who meet the Pass criteria will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement | 60% | 70% |
| Distinction criteriaCandidates who meet the Distinction criteria will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement with Distinction | 80% | 85% |
| A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E AnalysisAll candidates will receive a report indicating their level of understanding and relative ranking in each of the eight (8) domains in the star diagram | ✓ Report included | ✓ Report included |
| Mock test fee | £70 | £100 |
Test fee
£250
£400
Level Definition
Practitioner
Professional
Perspective
System follower
System developer, implementer
Time allowed
120 minutes
180 minutes
No. of questions
80
120
Pass criteria
Candidates who meet the Pass criteria will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement
60%
70%
Distinction criteria
Candidates who meet the Distinction criteria will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement with Distinction
80%
85%
A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E Analysis
All candidates will receive a report indicating their level of understanding and relative ranking in each of the eight (8) domains in the star diagram
✓ Report included
✓ Report included
Mock test fee
£70
£100
Frequently asked.
Everything you need before you book your first test of understanding.
Try Free Trial TestWhat is an ISTO Test?+
A multiple-choice test establishing the level of understanding a candidate possesses for a specific ISO management system standard (e.g. ISO 9001:2026). It tests not just the requirements, but the underlying management-system principles, definitions, and practical implementation.
How is it scored?+
Your answers are scored across all eight A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E domains and ranked against the candidate population. Each coloured band in your report represents 25% of candidates, and a gold ring marks where your own score lands on each domain.
What do I receive?+
Two things: an ISTO Certificate of Achievement that certifies your understanding of the standard and is verifiable externally via a unique URL, plus a personalised A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E Analytics Report scoring all eight domains against the candidate population.
How do I prepare?+
Start with the free trial test and the Mock Test Page to get familiar with the format. Choose Level 1 — Practitioner if you follow or use the standard, or Level 2 — Professional if you are an auditor, consultant or responsible person needing the comprehensive assessment.
Where can I take the test?+
ISTO Tests are conducted online with in-person invigilation at the locations of our Global Partners and at the offices of our Corporate Partners. Remote testing with a lockdown browser and human invigilation is coming soon.
Can we book tests for a group of employees?+
Yes. Teams register through a single enquiry, one invoice, coordinated test sessions with our Global Partners, and group analytics across the cohort. Email info@isto.ch and we’ll set it up.
Can the A·C·C·U·R·A·T·E report validate our training?+
That’s one of its main uses. The eight-domain scores show precisely what your people understood, and what they didn’t, making before/after training comparisons and audit-ready evidence of training effectiveness straightforward.