ISO Certification

Step 1: Application

Submit an application to a certification body. This includes general information about your company, the standard you wish to be certified against, and the scope of your certification.

Step 2: Pre-Assessment (Optional)

A pre-assessment can identify any weaknesses in your systems or any non-conformities that need to be addressed before the formal assessment.

Step 3: Document Review

The certification body reviews your documentation to ensure it meets the requirements of the standard.

Step 4: Initial Certification Audit

This is conducted in two stages:

• Stage 1: Review of your management system documentation and evaluation of your location and site-specific conditions. This determines your preparedness for Stage 2.
• Stage 2: Evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of your management system. This includes interviews, observation of processes, and review of records.

Step 5: Certification Decision

Based on the audit report, the certification body makes a decision on whether to grant certification.

Step 6: Surveillance Audits

After certification, surveillance audits are conducted periodically (usually annually) to ensure continued compliance with the standard.

Step 7: Recertification

ISO certificates are typically valid for three years. Before expiry, a recertification audit is conducted to renew the certification.