What actually happens during certification?
An audit is one stage, not the entire process
This category explains the roles of the auditor, technical reviewer and decision-maker, accreditation principles, impartiality, audit preparation and practical management of nonconformities.
From enquiry to decision
Preparing for an audit, the audit itself and its outcome
Separate roles strengthen the process's credibility
Mechanisms that make certification credible
Accreditation covers a defined scope, not a body's entire service offering
When assessing a process's status, check the current accreditation scope and the specific scheme. Recognition by a scheme owner and accreditation are separate mechanisms.
WHAT DETERMINES AUDIT QUALITY
A finding needs evidence and a decision needs a clear basis
An audit is not a search for individual documents. Its purpose is to check whether the system described by the organisation works in practice and whether appropriate evidence demonstrates this.
SCOPE
Before the audit, clearly define the scheme, sites, processes, products, materials and additional modules. The right scope is essential to assessing the right evidence.
AUDIT EVIDENCE
Evidence can include a document, production record, invoice, weighing record, certificate, laboratory report, system record, process observation or verified information from an interview.
SAMPLING
An audit does not involve checking every document from the entire year. Representative samples are selected, but the organisation must demonstrate that the system works throughout the certification scope.
NONCONFORMITY
A nonconformity should identify a requirement, evidence and a specific gap. It is neither a penalty nor a general opinion about the organisation.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Addressing the immediate effect alone may be insufficient. Depending on the case, cause analysis, action to prevent recurrence and evidence of effective implementation may be needed.
REVIEW AND DECISION
Where the relevant scheme requires it, the audit is followed by separate technical review and certification decision stages. Finishing the audit visit is not the same as issuing a certificate.
RELATED AREAS
Credibility depends on competence and independence
The audit is only one part of the overall system. Also check the body's formal status, staff competence and impartiality arrangements.
Want to prepare your organisation for an independent assessment?
Start with the right scope, source data and evidence that genuinely reflects the process.