Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision		Previous revision
articles:what_is_iso_9001_certification [2023/05/15 08:10] – [Initial Audit] rrandallarticles:what_is_iso_9001_certification [2023/05/19 09:07] (current) – [Obtaining a Quote] rrandall
Line 9: Line 9:
   * Non-Accredited CBs operate with complete independence and no oversight. While non-accredited CBs are typically far less expensive than accredited CBs, their credibility is limited to their reputation. The absence of oversight creates a lack of confidence… resulting in a significant risk that certificates issued by those CBs will not be accepted/recognized by customers invoking the requirement for certification.   * Non-Accredited CBs operate with complete independence and no oversight. While non-accredited CBs are typically far less expensive than accredited CBs, their credibility is limited to their reputation. The absence of oversight creates a lack of confidence… resulting in a significant risk that certificates issued by those CBs will not be accepted/recognized by customers invoking the requirement for certification.
  
-===== The ISO 9001 Certification Process =====+===== The Certification Process ===== 
 +==== Obtaining a Quote ==== 
 + 
 +After selecting a few Certification Bodies (CBs), the first step in the certification process is to obtain a formal quotation (covering a 3-year certification period). The CB will require you to provide information that typically includes: 
 +{{ :articles:road-368719_1920.jpg?direct&360|}} 
 +  * The desired “scope” of the certification, including any exclusions (e.g., specific processes, product lines, services) for EACH site covered by the certification (Ref. The free [[https://committee.iso.org/home/tc176/iso-9001-auditing-practices-group.html|ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group]] “[[https://committee.iso.org/files/live/sites/tc176/files/documents/ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group docs/Auditing to ISO 9001 2015/APG-Scope_and_Applicability_Ver2_2020-02.pdf|Guidance on Scope and Applicability]]”) 
 +  * Identification of any “outsourced” or “subcontracted” processes (e.g., heat treating, chemical processing, coating, welding, brazing, destructive or non-destructive testing) 
 +  * The physical address(es) to be covered by the certification (audits of multiple sites may be based on a sampling of the locations rather than 100%) 
 +  * If certifying more than one site, the CB will need to know the “central location” from which the QMS is being administered (typically the HQ) 
 +  * The number of personnel (by Shift) performing quality-related activities covered by the scope of certification at each site (incl. full-time, part-time, contractors & seasonal workers) 
 +  * Language(s) spoken at the sites (which may necessitate a translator). 
 +  * Identification of any quality-related statutory or regulatory requirements applicable to the products and/or services provided (e.g., [[https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_itar_landing|ITAR]]) 
 + 
 +<WRAP center round info 80%> 
 +If you're seeking certification for multiple sites (consisting of separate physical addresses, "virtual" sites, or "temporary" sites) within a single company, ref. IAF MD 1 "[[https://iaf.nu/en/iaf-documents/?cat_id=7|IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization]]" for additional information.  
 +</WRAP> 
 ==== Initial Certification Audit ==== ==== Initial Certification Audit ====
  
-After selecting a few ISO 9001 Certification Bodies (CBs), the first step in the certification process is to obtain a quotation.+The quotation should include a mandatory “Stage 1” audit (sometimes called a “Document Review”), where an auditor will ensure that your company is prepared for the certification audit (Stage 2). This includes but is not limited to, ensuring that you have the required documentation (e.g., scope, quality policy, quality objectives), and have completed at least one full internal audit and one management review. 
 + 
 +The “Stage 2” audit covers the entire QMS that YOU specified in your certification scope. The “Stage 2” audit normally takes place 15-30 days after the “Stage 1” audit… but can be scheduled later than that if you need additional time to finalize implementation.
  
 {{ :articles:certification_process_transp.png?direct&780 |}} {{ :articles:certification_process_transp.png?direct&780 |}}
  
-The above flow chart reflects the "Initial Certification Audit." After that 3-year period, the contract with the CB must be renewed. The following 3-year certification periods begin with a "re-certification" audit followed by two (2) "Surveillance" audits.+The “Stage 2” audit will be followed by annual “Surveillance” audits (coving approx. half the applicable standard) for 2 years. This completes the first 3-year certification cycle. 
 +==== Recertification Audits ==== 
 +After completing the first 3-year cycle, the contract with the CB must be renewed. 
 + 
 +Upon renewing your contract with your CB, a re-assessment will be scheduled and performed covering all of the applicable requirements of the standard. This will be followed by two (2) “Surveillance” audits… and the process repeats.
  
 {{ :articles:3-year_certification_cycle_transp.png?direct&600 |}} {{ :articles:3-year_certification_cycle_transp.png?direct&600 |}}
Line 29: Line 51:
  
 <WRAP center round info 80%> <WRAP center round info 80%>
-The new CB is required to follow the process defined in "[[https://iaf.nu/en/iaf-documents/?cat_id=7|IAF Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems]]".+The new CB is required to follow the process defined in "[[https://iaf.nu/en/iaf-documents/?cat_id=7|IAF MD-1: IAF Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems]]".
 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
 {{page>wiki:pathforward}} {{page>wiki:pathforward}}