ISO Certification Process
STEP 1:– Application
Client's submit the application form.
STEP 2:– Acknowledgement of client’s application
CERTIFICATION BODY office will acknowledge the client's application and request the client to submit the appropriate documentation which addresses the standard, or standards, that certification is being applied for - the documentation required relates typically to policy statements, copies of client procedures and/or sample work instructions.
STEP 3:– Documentation Review
CERTIFICATION BODY auditors formally review the documentation & provide a report to client .If the report is satisfactory, albeit with minor points raised, the Lead Auditor will agree a date(s) for the formal on-site audit to take place.
Where the report is not satisfactory, following the document review, the client will be asked to correct the points raised, prior to the formal on-site audit being arranged.
STEP 4:- Audit
There shall be on site audit to determine whether the systems, described in the documentation, are being followed by the client and that the necessary records are being maintained to demonstrate compliance to the standard(s).
A written report will be produced at the close of the audit and a copy given to the client. Where there are minor non-compliance points raised, the client will need to close out the item(s), prior to registration being recommended; this may mean a limited re-audit of the client's business where major non-compliance points are identified.
Where there are no non-compliance points, certifications will be recommended.
STEP 5:- Office Review
CERTIFICATION BODY office reviews the office report & on successful review, formal certificate is issued. The certification is granted for three years subject to successful surveillance visits.
STEP 6:– Surveillance visits
At each planned period, during three year period the system is surveillance visited and corrective actions are taken by client where necessary.
STEP 7:– Renewal of certificate
After the three-year period has elapsed, a triennial review is conducted to ensure that all is in order for a new certificate, valid for a further three-year period, to be issued. The process then repeats as from step six.