Our Certification Process

Our certification journey begins with a thorough consultation to understand your organisation's specific needs, goals, and current systems. During this phase, we:

• Discuss your organisation's objectives for certification
• Identify the appropriate standard(s) for your needs
• Define the scope of certification
• Assess your organisation's readiness for certification
• Explain the certification process and timeline
• Provide a detailed, transparent quote

This consultation can be conducted in person, via video conference, or by phone, depending on your preference and location.

The initial consultation is an opportunity for you to ask questions, clarify expectations, and gain a clear understanding of the certification journey ahead. There's no obligation to proceed, and we're happy to provide information to help you make an informed decision.

A gap analysis is an optional but highly recommended step that helps identify areas where your current systems and processes may need improvement before formal certification:

• Review of existing documentation against standard requirements
• Assessment of current practices and processes
• Identification of gaps between current state and certification requirements
• Recommendations for addressing identified gaps
• Prioritisation of actions needed before certification audit

This preliminary assessment reduces the risk of issues during formal certification audits and helps you prepare more effectively. It's particularly valuable for organisations new to management system certifications or those transitioning between standards.

Following the gap analysis, you'll receive a detailed report highlighting areas of compliance, areas requiring improvement, and specific recommendations to prepare for certification.

The Stage 1 Audit (sometimes called a "Document Review" or "Readiness Review") is the first formal step in the certification process. During this audit, our auditors:

• Review your management system documentation
• Evaluate your understanding of standard requirements
• Confirm the scope of certification
• Assess the adequacy of internal audits and management reviews
• Verify key policy commitments and objectives
• Identify any areas of concern before the Stage 2 audit

This audit can be conducted either on-site or off-site, depending on the complexity of your management system and organisation.

Following the Stage 1 Audit, you'll receive a report detailing any areas that need addressing before the Stage 2 Audit. The time between Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits allows you to resolve these issues.

The Stage 2 Audit is a comprehensive on-site evaluation of your management system's implementation and effectiveness. During this audit, our auditors:

• Evaluate implementation and effectiveness of management system processes
• Conduct interviews with staff at various levels
• Observe work practices and operational activities
• Review records and documented information
• Verify compliance with legal and statutory requirements
• Assess performance monitoring and measurement
• Evaluate management system effectiveness in achieving objectives

The duration of the Stage 2 Audit depends on your organisation's size, complexity, and scope of certification. We provide a detailed audit plan in advance to ensure minimal disruption to your operations.

Any nonconformities identified during the audit are classified as major or minor, and you'll have the opportunity to implement corrective actions before certification.

Following the Stage 2 Audit, our certification process continues with these crucial steps:

Certification Decision

• Our independent certification committee reviews the audit reports
• Evaluation of any corrective actions for nonconformities
• Verification that all certification requirements have been met
• Final decision on whether to grant certification

Certification Issuance

• Issuance of official certification documents
• Provision of certification marks for use on marketing materials
• Publication of your organisation in certified client directories (with your permission)
• Guidance on proper use of certification marks and claims

Your certification is valid for three years, subject to successful surveillance audits during this period. The certificate clearly states the standard, scope, and validity period of your certification.

To maintain your certification, periodic surveillance audits are conducted throughout the three-year certification cycle:

• Typically scheduled annually (sometimes semi-annually for the first year)
• Focus on selected parts of the management system
• Review of internal audits, management reviews, and corrective actions
• Verification of continued compliance with standard requirements
• Assessment of progress on improvement objectives
• Evaluation of any changes to your organisation or management system

Surveillance audits are less comprehensive than the initial certification audit but play a crucial role in ensuring your management system remains effective and continues to improve.

Any nonconformities identified during surveillance audits must be addressed with appropriate corrective actions to maintain your certification status.

At the end of the three-year certification cycle, a recertification audit is conducted to renew your certification:

• Comprehensive evaluation of the entire management system
• Focus on overall effectiveness and performance improvements
• Assessment of continued relevance and applicability to the scope
• Review of performance over the entire certification cycle
• Evaluation of management commitment to maintaining the system

The recertification audit is similar to the initial Stage 2 Audit but takes into account the performance history and maturity of your management system. Successful recertification results in a new three-year certification cycle.

Planning for recertification should begin several months before the expiry of your current certification to ensure continuity of certification status.