An equal pay system ensures that wages are determined based on clear, objective and transparent criteria so that everyone receives the same pay for the same or equivalent work, regardless of gender.
What is equal pay confirmation?
Equal pay confirmation is a confirmation from the Directorate of Equality that the pay system of a company or institution does not discriminate based on gender. It is based on date demonstrating that pay decisions are reasonable and fair.
Equal pay certification was introduced by law in 2017 and is based on the Equal Pay Standard (ÍST 85). It confirms that a company or institution meets the requirements of the standard and demonstrates that they pay equal wages for the same or equivalent work, regardless of gender.
The certification ensures that the pay system is transparent, fair and regularly reviewed by an independent certification body.
By implementing the standard, companies and institutions can establish a system that guarantees pay decisions are based on objective and transparent criteria, free from gender-based discrimination.
The Equal Pay Standard applies to all companies, regardless of size or sector. The standard can be obtained from the Icelandic Standards (Staðlaráð Íslands).
An accredited certification body assesses whether the requirements of the standard are met and then issues equal pay certification, which is valid for three years.
Number of companies and institutions that have obtained equal pay certification: 593
Total number of employees at certified companies and institutions: 122.824
See detailed information in the attached document. Updated April 10, 2026 Additionally see the dashboard here
The following entities hold a temporary license to conduct audits and certify companies’ and institutions’ equal pay systems according to Equal Pay Standard (ÍST 85), under Article 5 of Regulation No. 1030/2017:
BSI Iceland Ltd. (BSI á Íslandi ehf.), part of BSI Group
iCert Certification (iCert ehf.)
Versa Certification (Versa vottun ehf.)
Vottun Ltd. (Vottun hf.)
The Directorate of Equality issues the equal pay symbol to workplaces that have received accredited certification under the Equal Pay Standard (ÍST 85:2012) from a recognized certification body, as defined in Regulation No. 1030/2017. The symbol is awarded once the Directorate of Equality has received the certificate and audit report from the certifying body.
A government working group and labour market stakeholders organized a design competition in autumn 2014 for the equal pay symbol, in collaboration with Iceland Design and Architecture (Hönnunarmiðstöð Íslands). Out of 156 submissions, the design by Sæþór Arnar Ásmundarsson was selected.
In the words of the judging panel:
“The symbol depicts a pie chart, a stamp, runes, and the smiling faces of two different individuals. Its coin‑like shape suggests that those depicted are of equal value. The symbol is internationally applicable, unique, and representative of the initiative.”
Usage rules for the equal pay symbol are included in the annex to Regulation No. 1030/2017.
Equality Plan Approved
The company submits the equality plan for approval through the Directorate of Equality’s service portal.
Action Plan and Status Assessment
Preparation of an action plan for the implementation of an equal pay system.
A status assessment is carried out, including, among other things:
whether an equal pay policy exists and has been introduced,
whether pay decisions are documented and traceable,
whether procedures and responsibilities are clearly defined.
Implementation
Conducting job classification.
Preparing a pay analysis based on job classification.
Ensuring that procedures regarding pay decisions are well documented.
Internal Audit / Pre‑audit An assessment of the status to determine whether all requirements of the Equal Pay Standard are met.
Application for Certification If all requirements are fulfilled, an application is submitted for equal pay certification to an accredited certification body.
Certification Audit The certification body carries out a formal audit to assess whether the company complies with the Equal Pay Standard ÍST 85.
Issuance of Certification The certification body issues a certificate and submits the results to the Directorate of Equality.
Authorization to Use the Equal Pay Symbol The Directorate of Equality grants permission to use the equal pay symbol and publishes the company on its list of certified parties.
