Audit & Certification Services Pty LtdScope Your Certification

Certification process

From application to recertification.

The process separates audit activity from the certification decision and keeps the basis for each decision traceable.

  1. Enquiry and application

    You provide the information needed to understand your organisation, sites, activities, management system, requested scope and use of outsourced processes. We use it to establish competence needs, audit time and a suitable audit programme.

  2. Application review

    Before accepting an application, we confirm that we have the competence and capacity to perform the work, that the proposed certification scope is clear and that any known impartiality concerns can be managed.

  3. Stage 1 audit

    Stage 1 reviews readiness for Stage 2. It considers the management system's documented information, scope, sites, significant aspects or risks, internal audits, management review and the organisation's understanding of the standard. We report areas of concern that could become nonconformities at Stage 2.

  4. Stage 2 audit

    Stage 2 evaluates implementation and effectiveness. The audit team gathers objective evidence through interviews, observation and records, then reports conclusions and any nonconformities.

  5. Corrections and corrective action

    Where nonconformities are raised, the client analyses causes and takes correction and corrective action. We review the response and verify effectiveness as required before a positive initial certification decision can be made.

  6. Independent certification decision

    Competent personnel who were not members of the audit team review the audit information and make the certification decision. A positive outcome results in a certification document that defines the certified scope and locations.

  7. Surveillance

    Surveillance audits monitor continuing conformity during the certification cycle. They sample parts of the management system and consider items such as internal audit, management review, actions on previous findings, complaints, effectiveness and use of certification references.

  8. Recertification

    A recertification audit evaluates continued fulfilment of the standard and the management system's continuing effectiveness before certification expires. Special audits may also be needed to consider a scope extension, significant change or complaint.

Certification status can change. Certification may be maintained, renewed, expanded, reduced, suspended, restored or withdrawn according to the evidence and applicable requirements. Information about a client's certification status will be made available as required.