Standards Comparison

    EN 1090

    Mandatory
    2009

    European standard for steel/aluminium structural execution and CE marking

    VS

    ISO 21001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for educational organizations management systems

    Quick Verdict

    EN 1090 mandates CE marking for structural steel/aluminium via FPC and execution classes in construction, while ISO 21001 provides voluntary EOMS certification for educational organizations. Fabricators ensure market access; educators enhance learner outcomes and quality.

    Structural Metalwork

    EN 1090

    EN 1090 Execution of steel and aluminium structures

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Enables mandatory CE marking via FPC certification
    • Risk-based Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4) scaling
    • Welding quality aligned with ISO 3834 requirements
    • Full material traceability and constituent controls
    • Technical execution rules for steel and aluminium
    Educational Management

    ISO 21001

    ISO 21001: Educational organizations management systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Learner-centered processes and special needs support
    • Annex SL structure for ISO integration
    • Risk-based planning and objectives
    • Curriculum design and assessment controls
    • Data protection and continual improvement

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    EN 1090 Details

    What It Is

    EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for execution and conformity assessment of structural steel and aluminium components. It supports CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) with a risk-based approach via Execution Classes (EXC1-EXC4).

    Key Components

    • **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment and Factory Production Control (FPC) certification.
    • **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution, welding, tolerances, inspection.
    • Core: Traceability, welding coordination (ISO 3834), NDT, DoP issuance; certified by Notified Bodies with surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandatory for EU market access with CE marking.
    • Reduces liability, ensures quality, enables high-risk projects.
    • Builds trust, cuts rework, supports competitiveness via certified capability.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: gap analysis, FPC build, personnel training, NB certification (3-12 months). Applies to fabricators in construction; involves audits, welding quals, digital traceability.

    ISO 21001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 21001:2025 is the international standard titled Educational organizations — Management systems for educational organizations (EOMS) — Requirements with guidance for use. It provides a certifiable framework for Educational Organization Management Systems (EOMS), focusing on learner-centered quality management. Applicable to any curriculum-based education provider, it uses the Annex SL High-Level Structure and PDCA cycle with risk-based thinking.

    Key Components

    • 10 clauses mirroring ISO 9001: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Education-specific elements: learner needs, curriculum design, assessment integrity, data protection, accessibility.
    • 11 principles including learner focus, ethical conduct, equity.
    • Certification via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enhances learner satisfaction, retention, outcomes.
    • Meets regulatory/accreditation needs, manages risks like data breaches.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge via global recognition.
    • Drives efficiency, continuous improvement.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits. Suits all sizes/industries; 12-24 months typical. Requires leadership commitment, templates like VET21001.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    EN 1090
    Execution and conformity of steel/aluminium structures
    ISO 21001
    Management systems for educational organizations

    Industry

    EN 1090
    Construction, fabrication, steel/aluminium sectors, EEA
    ISO 21001
    Education, training, all learning providers worldwide

    Nature

    EN 1090
    Harmonized standard, mandatory CE marking under CPR
    ISO 21001
    Voluntary management system certification standard

    Testing

    EN 1090
    FPC certification, ITT/ITC, notified body surveillance
    ISO 21001
    Internal audits, management review, certification body audits

    Penalties

    EN 1090
    Market exclusion, legal liability, certificate withdrawal
    ISO 21001
    Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about EN 1090 and ISO 21001

    EN 1090 FAQ

    ISO 21001 FAQ

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