Certification Process
A clear professional journey separating the audit from the certification decision while keeping the organization responsible for its system.
Application
The organization provides standard, scope, employees, sites and current certification where applicable.
Application & scope review
Service capability, activity, sites, category and applicable requirements are reviewed.
Quotation & contract
Scope, arrangements and duration are agreed before the audit begins.
Audit planning
A competent team is selected and the plan, sites and timing are confirmed.
Stage 1 audit
Readiness, documentation and context are reviewed and Stage 2 is planned where applicable.
Stage 2 audit
Implementation, effectiveness and evidence are evaluated within the agreed scope.
Nonconformity closure
The organization submits corrections, cause analysis and corrective action within required timeframes.
Technical review & decision
Evidence is independently reviewed before a certification decision is made.
Certificate issuance
The certificate is issued when requirements are met, showing standard, scope and sites under applicable rules.
Surveillance & recertification
Surveillance and recertification audits follow the applicable certification cycle.
Why do timing and cost vary between organizations?
Organization size
Employee count and workforce distribution.
Sites
Number of sites and process similarity.
Scope complexity
Products, services, processes and interfaces.
Risk profile
Sector and regulatory or operational risk.
Existing certification
Transfer, expiry and certification history where applicable.
Scheme rules
Category and programme-specific requirements.
Start with a clear certification scope
Share your organization and requested service details so the scope can be reviewed before quotation.