If you download the standard, you will find six principles that guide the governing body:
ISO 38505 requires organizations to demonstrate "Conformance." When you are auditing your data governance framework, you need to present evidence. Unlike Word documents, which can be easily edited and altered, a PDF is a fixed-format file. Converting your governance policies, data flow diagrams, and risk assessments into PDF ensures that the document seen by an auditor is exactly the document you approved.
Here are the safe, professional ways to obtain the document:
| Method | Best for… | Approximate Cost (USD) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | ISO Store | Single, official PDF | ~$150–$200 | | National standards body (e.g., ANSI, BSI, DIN) | Local pricing & support | ~$150–$250 | | Organizational subscription (e.g., ANSI Webstore, Perinorm) | Multiple standards | Varies (annual fee) | | University library (if you are a student) | Academic research | Often free |
Pro Tip: Before buying, check if your organization already has a standards portal or subscription. Many large companies and consulting firms do.
