ISO plain language standard
On this page
- Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines
- Part 2 and on
- Implementing the standard
- History of the standard
The International Plain Language Federation initiated a project to create a plain language standard through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Plain language experts decided to do the standard through ISO for two reasons:
- the credibility of ISO, with a network of 174 national standards bodies and more than 22,500 standards
- the credibility of being developed with input and support from many plain language experts around the world
A plain language standard provides a clear understanding of what plain language is and how you can achieve it.
Before the standard was published, there were no universally agreed-on principles for creating plain language documents or for determining whether something is plain. This made it difficult for people writing and designing documents to assess the quality of their processes and their documents. Having an international standard means that everyone can now work from the same understanding.
Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines
In 2023, ISO published the plain language standard called ISO 24495-1:2023 Plain language — Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines.
These 4 four principles in the standard give details on what methods you can use to write a plain language document:
- Readers get what they need (relevant)
- Readers can easily find what they need (findable)
- Readers can easily understand what they find (understandable)
- Readers can easily use the information (usable)
Based on research and consensus
Part 1 of the standard is based on empirical evidence and on the definition of plain language that experts adopted in 2014. In addition, it was created using ISO’s well-regarded consensus model. Experts from 25 countries (representing 19 languages) drafted and approved the standard. Because of all of this work that was done together, plain language practitioners around the world support this standard.
The other parts to the standard were written using the same model.
We’ve published a bibliography of some of the research that the standard is based on.
Works in most languages
The standard is not just for English, nor is it just for ISO’s other two official languages, French and Russian. In fact, the standard is language neutral. So it works in most languages and across all sectors.
50 plain language experts from 25 countries drafted and approved the standard (representing 19 languages). Through the commenting practice used in the ISO consensus model, they were able to make sure every part of the standard works in their languages.
Some countries will localize the standard, to add information that’s specific to a language or to a country. Countries may also develop best practices to reflect what works within their own language, such as sentence length.
More than just words
The guidance in the standard includes many plain language practices that are not word related. The ISO standard has roughly 485 ideas. These cover a variety of language issues (such as the content’s structure, findability, understandability, and usability) but only 7% focus on word choice. We came to this conclusion by analyzing the words and ideas in the standard.
And the guidance that does relate to words is high level, so it’s not specific to any one language. For example, the standard talks about using culturally relevant language, using words that your readers know, and using clear sentences.
Part 2 and on
ISO is developing more parts to its plain language standard, notably parts on legal writing, science writing, and document design. It’s also developing a part that will enable an organization to certify that it “uses plain language systematically in its operations.”
In addition, ISO is developing a separate plain language standard focused on a notation system for the charts and tables in business reports. This standard is based on a widely used system developed by IBCS.
Implementing the standard
To help you follow the standard and apply it to your documents, the Federation has created some resources, such as testimonials, case studies, and other supporting documents.
Certification
The current standard is for guidance only and is not for certification. We’ve established a Certification Committee that’s exploring options about this topic.
Testimonials
We’ve collected testimonials from people who are using the standard in real-world situations. If you have a testimonial you’d like us to publish, email it to chair@iplfederation.org.
Case studies
Many people ask for real-world examples that show how plain language works. We’re publishing some plain language case studies from around the world. These outline how various organizations have successfully used the ISO standard as part of a plain language project.
- Australia: Australia Taxation Office — useful tips for using their new website
- Australia: Primary aldosteronism explained
- Canada: Guidance on alcohol and health
If you have a case study you’d like us to publish, follow the case study guide below and then email it to chair@iplfederation.org.
Case study guide
Our detailed case study guide gives you a straightforward, step-by-step approach to start your plain language initiative.
Creating case studies: a step-by-step guide
Supporting documents
Supporting documents are not published by ISO but they can help you implement the ISO plain language standard, both the general principles in Part 1 and more detailed provisions in other parts.
For those in the healthcare sector, we’ve published a guide on how to implement the ISO plain language standard. It’s called Clear communication for better health.
The Pattern Library will help implement a new part of the standard dealing with document design. That part is currently being developed by the ISO plain language team.
Countries can endorse, adopt or sell the standard
A country’s standards body that is a member of ISO can either endorse the standard (just say they agree with the standard as it is), or they can adopt the standard as a national standard for their country.
Some countries choose to just refer to ISO standards rather than endorse or adopt them. Those countries often sell ISO standards that they have not endorsed or adopted.
National standards bodies around the world are translating, localizing and adopting the plain language standard. Within 2 years of its publication, 14 translated it and 21 countries had adopted it or were selling it.
Get involved
If you want to learn more about how your country can adopt the standard, or how to join the team advocating for adopting and using the standard, read these short guidance documents:
- How ISO works: an overview and how you can be involved
- Guide to adopting the ISO plain language standard
- Checklist for adopting the ISO plain language standard
You can also join the localization and implementation committee: message us through the contact form at the bottom of this page.
History
Plain language practitioners began formally discussing options for creating an international standard in 2007. Read about how the ISO plain language standard was developed.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the ISO standard, the Federation’s work on the standard, or how the standard can help your organization, please contact us using the form below.