What does the certification process look like?
Uncomplicated. Reliable. Competent.
This is what we will do when you have just successfully implemented a management system and would like to have it certified through CERTIVATION:
The Contract
In order to make you an attractive offer, we need to know all important aspects relating to the scope of application to be certified.
The Initial Certification
As soon as you have contracted us, we will look at your documents and agree a first appointment in your offices, if you wish. There we will check and determine whether your organisation is ready for a certification audit.
If it is ready, the certification audit will proceed. The audit team will randomly test the implemented management system on the basis of the requirements of the relevant standards. During the final discussion, we will present the results and findings of the audit collected and summarised in the audit report.
The Certificate
The certification authority will check the report according to all norms and requirements and will subsequently issue the certificate. Congratulations! You have successfully carried out your first certification. Our certificates are valid for three years.
The Monitoring Audit
Your management system is subject to a continuous improvement process. In order for the certificate issued by us to retain its validity, your system requires a regular yearly inspection to be carried out. This so-called monitoring audit includes a limited inspection carried out on a random basis.
However, should the certificate’s scope of application need to be changed or expanded during the validity of such, the certification process will be repeated beginning with the evaluation of the management system documentation. The certification audit regarding the widening of the scope of application will be carried out in a standard way.
The Recertification
Prior to the expiry of the validity, together we will plan the recertification audit. The process corresponds to the first certification audit without level 1 audit.
After successful recertification, the validity of your certificate is extended by a further three years under the supervision of the yearly monitoring audit.
Expansion
Should the certificate’s scope of application need to be changed or expanded during the validity period, we will evaluate the relevant changes and will willingly carry out as needed, the certification audit relating to the expansion of the scope of application in order for your certificate to retain its validity.
You can find the complete description in our certification scheme.