Client submits application
Client submits application for initial certification.
Certification Process
A clear route from certification enquiry to audit, decision, surveillance and re-certification.
QAICPL follows a structured third-party audit and certification process designed to confirm scope, appoint competent auditors, conduct stage audits and maintain confidence throughout the certification cycle.
Certification cycle
3 years
Initial certification is followed by ongoing surveillance activities and re-certification before expiry.
Our Services
Management system certification services available from QAICPL.
Select the management system standard relevant to your organisation and share your certification scope when making an enquiry.
Certification standards
Available management system programmes
ISO 9001Quality Management System
ISO 14001Environmental Management System
ISO 45001Occupational Health & Safety Management System
ISO 20000IT Service Management System
ISO 22000Food Safety Management System
ISO 22301Business Continuity Management System
ISO 27001Information Security Management System
ISO 41001Facility Management System
ISO 50001Energy Management System
ISO 55001Assets Management System
Typical process flow
Typical process flow for third-party audit and certification process
The reference flowchart from the previous QAIC site is preserved below. Select the image to enlarge it.
Flowchart text version
Initial certification steps
Exchange of information
Exchange of information between client and certification body.
Application review
Review of application for certification.
Areas of concern
Identification of areas of concern and request for additional information, if applicable.
Audit programme
Development of audit programme.
Proposal and confirmation
Proposal for certification and confirmation of audit programme.
Formal arrangement
Client and certification body engage in formal arrangement for certification.
Initial certification
Initial certification activities proceed through stage one audit, stage two audit, certification decision and issuance of Certificate of Registration.
Initial certification
Stage one and stage two audit path
01
Select and appoint competent stage one audit team.
02
Plan for stage one audit.
03
Perform stage one audit.
04
Resolve stage one audit areas of concern, if applicable.
05
Confirm and appoint stage two audit team.
06
Plan for stage two audit.
07
Perform stage two audit(s).
08
Resolve stage two audit areas of concern, if applicable.
09
Prepare initial certification audit documents.
10
Make initial certification decision.
11
Grant initial certification and issue Certificate of Registration.
After certification
Surveillance and re-certification keep the certificate cycle active.
Ongoing activity is planned across the three-year certification cycle, including surveillance audits and re-certification before expiry.
Surveillance audits
The first surveillance audit is to be conducted within 12 months from the initial certification date. Two surveillance audits are normally conducted annually over two years.
Audit programme confirmation
QAICPL exchanges information with the client, such as changes of scope, to determine whether changes to the audit programme are required.
Surveillance conclusion
The surveillance audit is planned, performed and reviewed. Any surveillance audit areas of concern are resolved if applicable before conclusion.
Re-certification
Re-certification activities are completed before certificate expiry, followed by re-certification audit planning, audit performance, resolution of concerns, audit conclusion, re-certification decision and issuance of Certificate of Registration.
Transition and special audit notes
Transition to the latest revision of a standard, such as ISO 9001:2015, may be carried out during a surveillance or re-certification audit.
Reactivation of certification due to suspension, or expansion or reduction of certification scope, may require special or re-certification audit activity.
Ready to begin?
Share your organisation scope, standard, location, headcount and target timeline so QAICPL can guide the right next step in the certification process.
Start an enquiry