ISO Certification Process​

Step 1: Application and Initial Enquiry: The certification process begins with the submission of an application or initial enquiry by the organisation. At this stage, relevant information is collected, including the organisation’s scope of activities, size, locations, and the management system standard(s) for which certification is sought. This information enables an initial understanding of the organisation and forms the basis for planning the assessment.

Step 2: Application Review and Audit Planning: The application is formally reviewed to confirm its completeness and suitability for certification assessment. Based on this review, an audit programme is developed, taking into consideration the scope of certification, organisational structure, operational complexity, and applicable standard requirements. Audit objectives, timelines, and resources are defined during this phase.

Step 3: Stage 1 Assessment (Readiness Review): The Stage 1 assessment involves a review of the organisation’s documented management system to evaluate its readiness for the certification audit. This stage includes an assessment of the organisation’s understanding of the applicable standard, key processes, and system structure, as well as the identification of areas requiring further development prior to the Stage 2 assessment.

Step 4: Stage 2 Assessment (Certification Assessment): The Stage 2 assessment consists of an on-site or remote evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of the management system. Auditors review processes, records, and operational practices to determine alignment with the requirements of the relevant ISO standard. Assessment findings are documented and formally communicated to the organisation.

Step 5: Review of Findings and Corrective Actions: Where findings are identified during the assessment, the organisation is provided with an opportunity to address them. Evidence of corrective actions is reviewed to confirm that the identified issues have been appropriately resolved within the agreed timeframe.

Step 6: Certification Decision: Following completion of the assessment process and review of corrective actions, an independent certification decision is made based on objective evidence. Certification is granted where the requirements of the applicable management system standard are satisfactorily met.

Step 7: Issuance of Certificate: Upon a positive certification decision, an ISO management system certificate is issued. The certificate confirms conformity with the applicable standard for the defined scope and certification validity period.

Step 8: Surveillance and Ongoing Assessment: To maintain certification, periodic surveillance assessments are conducted throughout the certification cycle. These assessments verify the continued effective operation of the management system and its ongoing alignment with the applicable standard requirements.

Recertification: Prior to the expiry of the certification cycle, a recertification assessment is conducted to confirm continued conformity and ongoing improvement of the management system.