ISO Certification Process
Step-by-step roadmap from initial application, audit assessments, to certificate issuance and surveillance.
How the ISO Certification Cycle Works
The flowchart on the right outlines the official path from your initial inquiry to final certificate dispatch and maintenance. Below is the detailed explanation for each phase:
Inquiry, Application & Quotation
Submit your query and fill out the official ISO Application Form detailing your scope and sites.
- Client submits inquiry and completed Application Form.
- QEHS Management evaluates scope and prepares formal Quotation.
- Client approves quotation, signs agreement, and pays fee to initiate audit scheduling.
Stage-I Audit (Readiness & Documentation Review)
Auditors review management system documents and verify site operational readiness.
- Auditor prepares and issues Stage-I Audit Plan.
- On-site or remote review of quality manuals, procedures, and statutory compliance.
- If Discrepancy (NC) is found: Client resolves findings and submits evidence for re-verification before Stage-II.
Stage-II Audit (Implementation Assessment)
Full on-site audit evaluating effective implementation of system processes against ISO requirements.
- Auditor issues Stage-II Audit Plan and conducts comprehensive site assessment.
- Auditor gathers objective evidence, interviews key personnel, and checks process performance.
- If Discrepancy (NC) is found: Client clears non-conformities within specified timeframe for re-verification.
Decision, Draft Verification & ISO Certificate Issuance
Independent technical decision followed by draft review and official accredited certificate dispatch.
- Audit report reviewed by independent Certification Committee.
- Draft certificate provided to client for verification of details.
- Official accredited ISO certificate issued (valid for 3 years) with hard copy dispatched.
Annual Surveillance & 3-Year Re-Certification
Ongoing system maintenance via annual surveillance audits and 3-year cycle renewal.
- Surveillance Audit I (Year 1) & Surveillance Audit II (Year 2) to maintain active status.
- Special Audit (Optional) conducted if major scope or structural changes occur.
- Complete Re-Certification audit conducted at end of Year 3 cycle.
Certification Process Map
Detailed Certification Stages
Our audit process is structured into 5 clear phases to ensure full compliance without disrupting daily operations.
Application & Scope Review
Submit the official ISO application form detailing scope, sites, and headcount to receive a formal quotation & audit schedule.
Stage 1 Audit (Readiness Review)
Documentation review and operational assessment to ensure system adequacy prior to full on-site evaluation.
Stage 2 Audit (Implementation)
Detailed on-site audit evaluating operational implementation against applicable ISO standard requirements.
Decision & Certificate Issuance
Independent technical review, non-conformity clearance, draft certificate verification, and 3-year accredited certificate dispatch.
Surveillance & Re-Certification
Annual Surveillance Audits in Year 1 & Year 2 to maintain active status, followed by Re-Certification in Year 3.
Ready to begin your ISO Certification journey?
Get in touch with our team to receive your customized audit plan and quotation.