Certification Services

ISO 18788 Certification

Get certified in Security Operations Management Systems. End-to-end implementation, training, documentation, and certification coordination for private security companies.

Timeline: 3-6 months
Support: Full implementation
Training: Included

What We Deliver

Complete ISO 18788 certification support including gap analysis, SOMS design, documentation, training, internal audits, and certification body coordination.

Gap Analysis Documentation Training Audit Support

What is ISO 18788?

ISO 18788 specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, and managing a Security Operations Management System (SOMS) for private security companies.

Published in 2015, ISO 18788 was developed to formalize best practices for private security companies operating in complex and high-risk environments, particularly where regulatory oversight may be limited. The standard provides a framework for risk-based, accountable, and legally compliant security operations with respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.

Risk Management

Systematic approach to managing security risks in operations across complex and high-risk environments.

Legal Compliance

Framework for compliance across multiple jurisdictions, laws, and regulatory requirements.

Human Rights

Demonstrates respect for human rights and adherence to international humanitarian law principles.

Who Should Get ISO 18788 Certified?

ISO 18788 certification is essential for private security companies and contractors operating in high-risk environments.

Target Organizations

  • Private security companies (PSCs)
  • Security contractors in defense or conflict zones
  • Maritime security providers
  • Infrastructure protection firms
  • Security operations supporting oil & gas, mining, energy sectors
  • Government contractors delivering protective services

Key Benefits of Certification

  • Enhanced credibility in government and defense procurement
  • Competitive advantage in international tenders
  • Reduced liability through proactive risk management
  • Demonstrated compliance with human rights standards
  • Independent third-party verification
  • Best practice alignment and industry recognition

Our ISO 18788 Certification Services

Comprehensive certification services designed to get you audit-ready fast.

📋 Gap Analysis & Planning

Assess your current operations against ISO 18788 requirements and develop a tailored implementation roadmap.

🔧 SOMS Implementation

Design and build your Security Operations Management System with policies, procedures, and operational controls.

📄 Documentation Development

Create audit-ready documentation including SOMS manual, policies, procedures, risk assessments, and forms.

🎓 Training & Awareness

Train your leadership, operations teams, and field personnel on ISO 18788 requirements and your SOMS.

🔎 Internal Audit Support

Conduct pre-certification internal audits to identify gaps and ensure readiness for certification assessment.

✅ Certification Coordination

Connect you with accredited certification bodies and support you through the certification audit process.

Our Implementation Process

A proven 6-phase approach to ISO 18788 certification.

Phase 1: Discovery & Gap Analysis

  • Review existing security operations and management systems
  • Conduct gap assessment against ISO 18788 requirements
  • Identify priority risks and compliance issues
  • Develop implementation roadmap and timeline

Phase 2: SOMS Design

  • Define SOMS scope and boundaries
  • Establish governance structures and roles
  • Design risk management and compliance processes
  • Map operational controls and procedures

Phase 3: Documentation & Policies

  • Develop SOMS manual and policy framework
  • Create operational procedures and work instructions
  • Document risk assessments and treatment plans
  • Build forms, templates, and records systems

Phase 4: Training & Deployment

  • Train leadership and management teams
  • Train operations and field personnel
  • Deploy SOMS across operations and locations
  • Conduct awareness sessions and communications

Phase 5: Internal Audit & Review

  • Conduct internal audit of SOMS implementation
  • Identify and address non-conformances
  • Complete management review of SOMS
  • Finalize evidence and documentation

Phase 6: Certification Support

  • Select and engage accredited certification body
  • Prepare for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
  • Support during certification assessment
  • Address audit findings and achieve certification

ISO 18788 Training

Comprehensive training programs for all organizational levels.

ISO 18788 Foundation

Introduction to Security Operations Management Systems, ISO 18788 requirements, and key concepts.

Duration: 1 day
Audience: All staff

ISO 18788 Internal Auditor

Learn to plan, conduct, and report on internal SOMS audits using ISO 19011 audit principles.

Duration: 2 days
Audience: Internal auditors

ISO 18788 Lead Implementer

Comprehensive training for SOMS implementation, risk management, and certification preparation.

Duration: 3 days
Audience: Project leads

Why Choose AEC for ISO 18788?

🎯 Security Operations Expertise

Deep experience in private security operations, defense contracting, and high-risk environments.

⚡ Fast Implementation

Proven methodology and templates to accelerate your path to certification in 3-6 months.

🌐 Global Experience

Worked with security companies across 50+ countries in conflict zones, maritime, and infrastructure protection.

📊 Audit-Ready Documentation

Industry-tested templates and documentation that auditors expect to see for ISO 18788 compliance.

🤝 Hands-On Support

Direct consultant support throughout implementation, internal audits, and certification process.

✅ High Success Rate

98% first-time certification success rate with accredited certification bodies worldwide.

Ready to Get ISO 18788 Certified?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your certification goals and timeline.