Skip to content

The certification process

Use of certification marks

Certification by DNV to international or national standards demonstrates your commitment to continual improvement and sustainable business performance. This achievement is more than a ticket-to-trade. Communicating your commitment in the market can help build stakeholder trust and brand confidence.

Companies achieving DNV certification are entitled to use the applicable certification mark(s). The mark is designed specifically for the purpose of visually and clearly communicating your achievement to the market. The certification mark can be used in various ways, from digital applications to marketing material and company buildings.

Typical example of the look and feel for DNV's management system certification mark:

DNV cert mark


There are certain limitations for use of the certification mark for management system certification standards. One important condition is to avoid using the mark in a way that could indicate that the product or service provided is certified. The above mark is therefore not allowed to be used on

  • Product and product packaging (including accompanying information)
  • Certificates, statements of conformity, reports etc. as an output from services provided by the certificate holder (e.g. testing and calibration activities, inspections, assessments etc.)

DNV has established guidelines and rules for use of its certification marks. It is distributed in our online eCertMark platform together with applicable marks for certified customers. Customers always have the latest applicable marks and guidance on the correct use of the marks.

Use of the DNV inscription – an alternative to the mark

AAn alternative to the use of the certification mark is to use the inscription. It can in general be applied where the certification mark can be applied. However, the inscription is additionally allowed to be used where the mark has its restrictions as listed above, except on products.

Conditions and guidance for use of the inscription is covered as part of the DNV guidance document found in the eCertMark application enabled for customers.

Typical example of the management system inscription:

cert mark inscription