The first step towards your certification begins with submitting an application. This can be conveniently done online via our website or by phone. This step is essential to provide us with all the necessary information for creating a customized offer.
2. Certification Offer
Within 24 hours of receiving your application, we create a tailored offer. This offer provides a clear and transparent overview of the certification costs as well as the expected duration of the process – of course, without any hidden fees.
3. Certification Contract
After accepting our offer, the certification contract is created. This contract governs the entire certification cycle and is signed by both parties – you as the customer and us as the certification body.
4. Pre-Audit (GAP Analysis)
An optional pre-audit allows for an early review of your quality management system for compliance with the requirements of ISO 9001. This is a valuable opportunity to identify and address potential weaknesses before the actual certification audit begins.
5. Certification Audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
The certification audit is divided into two stages:
Stage 1: System Analysis – Our auditors review the system documentation, management review, internal audits, the maturity of the management system, and site conditions. Identified deviations can be corrected before the main audit.
Stage 2: Implementation Audit – In this phase, we evaluate the effectiveness of your management system directly on-site.
6. Certificate Issuance
After successfully completing the certification audit, an independent review is conducted by our PIAQ Certification Committee. Once all requirements are met and the audit results are confirmed, the certificate is officially issued.
7. Surveillance Audit 1
9 to 10 months after the certificate issuance, we conduct the first surveillance audit. The goal is to ensure the continuous compliance of your management system with the standard.
8. Surveillance Audit 2
12 months after the first surveillance audit, the second surveillance audit follows. This also serves to regularly ensure compliance with the standard.
9. Re-Certification Audit
Three years after the initial certification, a re-certification audit is required to extend the validity of your certificate. This audit usually takes place four months before the certificate expires and covers the same scope as the Stage 2 audit.
