The path to ISO certification begins with the establishment of a system that meets the requirements of the desired ISO standard. Companies must ensure that all standard requirements are fully met.
After successfully establishing the management system, the next step is to apply to a certification body, such as PIAQ. Once the certification application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a quote or a certification contract.
With the contract confirmation, the initial certification process begins, starting with a Stage 1 audit. This audit includes a document review and serves to determine the company's readiness for certification. The site conditions are checked, and a decision is made as to whether the Stage 2 audit – the actual certification audit – can be carried out.
During the Stage 2 audit, it is verified on-site whether the company fully complies with the standard requirements. Upon successful completion, the company receives a certificate valid for three years, which is maintained through annual surveillance audits.
The first surveillance audit ensures that the system requirements continue to be met. This is followed by the second surveillance audit, the duration of which – like the first – is approximately one-third of the duration of the initial certification audit.
Approximately four months before the certification expires, the company decides whether to extend the certification for another three years or terminate it.
For detailed information on the individual standards:
