To maintain the quality performance, each ISO
certified organization should undergo re-certification process. This helps the
organization to ensure the continual improvement of its management system.
Don’t burden yourself! The re-certification audit
is a simple process and it just needs your effort. In this article, we
let you know the process to renew the ISO certificate.
Does ISO certificate need to be renewed?
The answer is, yes. The ISO certificate should be
renewed once the validity of the initial certification is over. It helps you
maintain the quality of products, processes, systems and services.
What is certification audit?
Before getting into the topic of the
re-certification audit, let’s know about ISO certification audit.
·
A certification audit is a conformity
assessment of verifying an organization whether it met the requirements of
desired ISO criteria. Basically, the certification audit includes 2 stages.
·
In stage 1 audit, the auditors come
with a plan to conduct an audit based on a scope submitted by your
organization. The auditing process includes the verification of documents,
records, files, etc. If there is any non-conformity, the auditing team will
provide a deviation report with the audit report. The organization should
address the non-conformity before the stage 2 audit.
·
After completing the stage 1 audit,
the auditors will schedule a date for the stage 2 audit. It assesses the
effective implementation of your management system in compliance with the ISO standard.
If the non-conformities are implemented, the certification body will release
the ISO certificate.
Certification validity:
The initial certification provided by the
certification body is valid for 3 years. This ISO certification enhances your
customer confidence in your products, processes and services. It increases your
organization’s credibility and helps achieve new business opportunities.
What are surveillance audits?
The validity of the initial certification is 3
years. During this period, the certification body will perform the surveillance
audit at the interval of 12 months. This audit does not include stage 1 and
stage 2. Also, it helps the organizations to maintain the performance of the
management system and the quality of products and services.
When re-certification is performed?
Re-certification is initiated by the certification body once the
three-year validity of the initial certification is over. The processes of
re-certification are similar to the initial certification processes.
Process to renew the certificate
By evaluating the organization’s processes every 3
years supports you to provide quality services that consistently meet customer
expectations. It enhances the competency of your organization and helps
standalone from the competitors. It ensures your organization is in the right
path of meeting the desired goals and objectives.
Before the initial certification’s expiration date
is over, the organization needs to apply for re-certification. It gives time
and helps you take the necessary actions for the re-certification audit.
Sometimes, the certification body itself will send
a notice to the certified organization for the renewal of the initial
certification. This advance notice supports the organization to be updated with
the certification process. Make a note of previous reports and records to
reduce the non-conformities in the re-certification audit.
Ensure the operational processes, products and
services are continuing in compliance with the guidelines of certified ISO
criteria.
In the re-certification audit, the auditors will
also review the past records and documents related to internal audits,
corrections, corrective actions, preventive actions, etc.
The certification body will send an audit team to
perform a re-certification audit. They will evaluate, review, and submit the
audit report. If there is any area which needs further improvement, the
auditors will provide non-conformities and guide you with the effective
implementation process.
Make sure your organization is following the best
practices and is up-to-date with the latest technologies by renewing your
certificate every 3 years.
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