ISO 21001:2018 specifies requirements for a management system for educational organizations (EOMS) when such an organization:

a) needs to demonstrate its ability to support the acquisition and development of competence through teaching, learning or research;

b) aims to enhance satisfaction of learners, other beneficiaries and staff through the effective application of its EOMS, including processes for improvement of the system and assurance of conformity to the requirements of learners and other beneficiaries.

All requirements of ISO 21001:2018 are generic and intended to be applicable to any organization that uses a curriculum to support the development of competence through teaching, learning or research, regardless of the type, size or method of delivery.

ISO 21001:2018 can be applied to educational organizations within larger organizations whose core business is not education, such as professional training departments.

ISO 21001:2018 does not apply to organizations that only produce or manufacture educational products.