DQS Auditor Profile
DQS (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Zertifizierung von Managementsystemen) is one of the world's leading certification bodies, founded in 1985 in Germany. With operations in over 60 countries, they specialize in management system certifications including ISO 27001, TISAX, and ISO 27701. Their dual accreditation from DAkkS (Germany) and ANAB (US) means their certificates are recognized globally.
DQS has a long-standing reputation for delivering what they call "value-adding audits" — assessments designed to provide genuine improvement insights rather than simply pass/fail outcomes. Their auditors are experienced industry practitioners who bring practical knowledge to the audit process.
What DQS Does Well
- TISAX authority — One of the primary certification bodies for TISAX (automotive information security), working with the German automotive industry.
- Global reach — Offices across Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific with local auditors who understand regional regulations.
- Value-adding audits — Philosophy of providing genuine improvement insights during audits rather than just pass/fail assessments.
Engagement Process
- Inquiry and quotation based on organization size and scope
- Contract and audit planning
- Stage 1 audit (documentation and readiness review)
- Stage 2 audit (on-site implementation assessment)
- Technical review and certification decision
- Certificate issuance and annual surveillance program
Pricing Expectations
DQS offers ISO 27001 certification starting from EUR 10,000 for smaller organizations, with TISAX assessments beginning at EUR 15,000. Multi-site certifications scale with the number of locations and complexity. Their global presence allows for competitive pricing in local markets while maintaining consistent audit quality across regions.
Who Should Choose DQS
Organizations in the automotive supply chain requiring TISAX certification should strongly consider DQS given their authority in this space. They are also an excellent choice for multinational companies needing ISO 27001 certification across multiple countries with a single certification body, and for any organization that values receiving actionable improvement recommendations alongside their certification assessment.