Certification Process

Initial certification

Client submits application for initial certification
Exchange of information between client and certification body
Review of application for Certification
Identification of areas of concern and request for additional information (if applicable)
Development of audit programme
Proposal for certification and confirmation of audit programme
Client and certification body engage in formal arrangements for certification
Initial certification
Select and appoint competent stage 1 audit team
Plan for stage 1 Audit
Perform stage 1 Audit
Resolve stage 1 audit areas of concern (if applicable)
Confirm/appoint competent stage 2 audit team
Plan for stage 2 audit(s)
Perform stage 2 audit(s)
Resolve stage 2 audit areas of concern (if applicable)
Initial certification audit conclusions
Initial certification decision
Granting of initial certification and issuance of certification documents

(First surveillance audit to take place within 12 months of stage 2 audit, then at least annually)

Exchange of information between client and certification body (e.g. change of scope);
Determine if changes to audit programme required
Confirm audit programme and communicate to client
Confirm/appoint competent audit team
Plan for surveillance audit
Perform surveillance audit
Resolve surveillance audit areas of concern (if applicable)
Surveillance audit conclusions
Independent review of certification (if required)
Issuance of certification documents (if applicable)
Recertification

(Recertification activities to be completed before expiry of certification)

Exchange of information between client and certification body (e.g. change of scope);
Determine if changes to audit programme required
Recertification audit planning
Confirm audit programme and communicate to client
Confirm/appoint competent audit team
Plan for recertification audit
Perform recertification audit
Resolve recertification audit areas of concern (if applicable)
Recertification audit conclusions
Recertification decision
Granting of recertification and issuance of certification documents

Client submits application; exchange of information between client and certification body
Review of application for Extension
Identification of areas of concern and request for additional information (if applicable)
Determination of necessary audit activities
Audit performed similar to stage 2 audit
Resolve audit areas of concern (if applicable)
Extension audit conclusions
Decision on extension of certification scope
Granting of extension to certification and issuance of certification documents

Surveillance/recertification/special audit performed
Client fails to meet certification requirements for some parts of the scope of certification
Review and decision on scope of certification reduction
Scope reduction and issuance of certification documents
Suspending the certification
Surveillance/special audit performed
Client fails to meet certification/contractual requirements by solving areas of concern
Decision on suspending certification (maximum 6 months)
Notice on certification suspension

Client fails to meet certification/contractual requirements within the suspension period
Decision on withdrawing certification
Notice on certification withdraw