Certification
Process
A structured, transparent path from application to certificate — with clear reporting and an independent decision at every stage.
Key stages
The certification process consists of the following key stages:
- Application
- Application / Agreement Review
- Certification Audit (Stage 1)
- Certification Audit (Stage 2)
- Surveillance Audits (1 & 2)
- Re-Certification
Step by step
- 01
Application Submission
The client submits the application form with organization and scope details.
- 02
Application Review
The submitted details are reviewed for completeness, scope clarity, and certification feasibility.
- 03
Quotation and Audit Programme
Audit duration, stage planning, and the commercial proposal are prepared based on the reviewed information.
- 04
Stage 1 Audit
Documentation and preparedness of the management system are reviewed.
- 05
Stage 2 Audit
Implementation and effectiveness of the management system are audited.
- 06
Certification Decision
Audit results and corrective actions are reviewed before certification is granted.
- 07
Surveillance and Recertification
Periodic audits are conducted to maintain certification validity.
Granting, Maintaining & Withdrawing.
How each certification decision is reached, and what happens to a certificate through its lifecycle.
Granting Certification
Follows a two-stage initial audit — Stage 1 is a readiness review, Stage 2 verifies implementation.
We review audit reports and nonconformities (major nonconformities must be closed within 6 months) and confirm that objectives have been met before a decision is made.
The certificate states the scope, the relevant dates, and the standards covered.
Refusing Certification
Follows a two-stage initial audit — Stage 1 is a readiness review, Stage 2 verifies implementation.
We review audit reports and nonconformities (major nonconformities must be closed within 6 months) and confirm that objectives have been met before a decision is made.
The certificate states the scope, the relevant dates, and the standards covered.
Maintaining Certification
Maintained through annual surveillance audits conducted on site, reviewing internal audits, nonconformities, complaints, and overall effectiveness.
Positive conclusions without major issues allow certification to continue.
Renewing Certification
A full on-site audit is carried out before expiry, reviewing overall performance.
If completed early, the new cycle extends from the prior expiry date. Certification can be restored within 6 months post-expiry if activities are finished; otherwise the Stage 2 audit is repeated.
Suspending Certification
Temporary invalidation — typically up to 6 months — for failures such as unmet requirements, denied audits, or at the client's request.
During suspension the client may not use the certification marks.
Restoring Certification
After suspension we verify that the issues have been resolved. Certification is reinstated if corrected; otherwise we proceed to withdrawal or reduction of scope.
Withdrawing Certification
Withdrawal is permanent, and applies where suspension issues remain unresolved, on voluntary request, or after repeated failures.
The client must cease all use of certification references. Records are retained.
Expanding Scope
We review the application — possibly alongside a surveillance audit — and then audit the new areas.
Reducing Scope
Non-conforming parts are excluded from the scope, documents are updated, and the change is notified.