Six steps, no surprises along the way
From application to recertification, every stage has a clear output, required documents, and an estimated duration.
We review the scope you submit, calculate audit days based on employee count and process complexity, then send a proposal. The figures from this stage form the basis of the contract.
The auditor checks whether the system's documentation is complete and has been in place long enough to assess. Gaps found here can still be closed before stage 2.
On-site verification of actual implementation: staff interviews, process observation, and records review. Findings are presented at the closing meeting on the last day.
A panel not involved in the audit reviews the report and corrective-action evidence. This separation preserves the impartiality of the decision.
The annual visit assesses whether the system is still operating and whether corrective actions have held. The schedule is sent at the start of the cycle so it doesn't clash with production.
A full audit near the end of the three-year cycle, assessing the system's performance across the whole period, not just conditions on the day of the visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from application to certificate issuance?
Typically 2 to 4 months, depending on document readiness and how quickly stage 2 findings are closed.
Can the audit halt production?
No. The auditor schedules visits around your operating hours and samples processes while they're running.
What happens if there's a major finding?
You're given a deadline to submit corrective-action evidence. The certification decision waits until that evidence is received and verified.
Can the scope be expanded mid-cycle?
Yes, through a scope-extension audit scheduled either separately or combined with the next surveillance visit.