At CI International Certification, we provide a clear and streamlined process to help organizations achieve ISO certification with confidence. Our approach ensures compliance with international standards while promoting continual improvement and operational excellence.
APPLICATION
The application stage is the initial step in the ISO certification process. You are required to complete the Questionnaire Form in full and ensuring it is signed and dated by an authorized representative of your organization. This allows us to understand your business scope, operations and the readiness of your management system for audit. Based on this information, we will prepare a suitable certification plan and provide a quotation.
QUOTATION
Following the review of your completed application, we will prepare a formal quotation based on the scope of certification, the complexity of your organization’s operations and applicable audit duration as per IAF guidelines. The quotation outlines the proposed certification plan, audit stages, associated fees and terms and conditions of certification service.
ACCEPTANCE
Upon receiving the formal quotation, you are requested to review the proposed certification scope, audit plan, fees and terms of service. To proceed, please confirm your acceptance by signing and returning the quotation along with any required documentation. Your acceptance establishes a formal agreement between your organization and CI International Certification, enabling us to initiate the planning and scheduling of your Stage 1 audit.
- STAGE 1 / DOCUMENT REVIEW
The Stage 1 Audit is the first step of the ISO certification assessment and focuses on a thorough review of your organization’s documented management system. The objective is to determine whether your documentation is aligned with the requirements of the applicable ISO standard and to evaluate your readiness for the Stage 2 (certification) audit.
During this stage, the auditor will examine key documents, including quality manual, policies and objective, SOPs, proceed maps, etc. This review allows the Certification Body to identify any documentation gaps or areas needing improvement. It also confirms that the system has been developed and implemented sufficiently to proceed to the next stage.
A report will be issued at the end of Stage 1, outlining observations and recommendations to support effective preparation for the Stage 2 audit.
- STAGE 2 / IMPLEMENTATION AUDIT
The Stage 2 Audit is the main assessment in the ISO certification process. It focuses on evaluating how effectively your organization has implemented its management system and whether it complies with all applicable requirements of the relevant ISO standard.
- During this on-site audit, our auditors will:
- Review the implementation of documented procedures
- Verify compliance with standard requirements
- Interview personnel across relevant departments
- Observe operational processes and practices
- Examine records and objective evidence of conformity
The goal of Stage 2 is to confirm that your management system is effectively operating, maintained, and capable of achieving your organization’s stated objectives. Upon completion, a detailed audit report will be provided, highlighting findings, any nonconformities (if present) and the overall recommendation for certification.
CERTIFICATION GRANTING
Following the successful completion of the Stage 2 Audit and the closure of any identified nonconformities, the audit findings are submitted for an independent technical review. This review ensures that all certification requirements have been fulfilled in accordance with the relevant ISO standard.
Upon approval, a formal certificate of conformity will be issued to your organization. This certificate is valid for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory results from scheduled surveillance audits conducted throughout the certification cycle.
YEARLY SURVEILLANCE AUDIT
A surveillance audit is a yearly review to ensure your organization continues to meet ISO requirements. It is less detailed than the initial certification audit but still checks important parts of your management system.
During the audit, we evaluate the effectiveness of your ongoing implementation, internal audits, management reviews, corrective actions, and overall system maintenance. The goal is to confirm that your management system remains effective and that continual improvement is being maintained.
Surveillance audits are done once a year during the three-year certification cycle to maintain the validity and trust of your ISO certification.
RECERTIFICATION AUDIT
The recertification audit takes place every three years to renew your ISO certification. It checks whether your management system still meets ISO requirements and is working effectively.
This audit is more detailed than the yearly surveillance audits and reviews how your system has been maintained and improved. If everything is in order, a new certificate will be issued for another three years.
