Clear answers.
From the start.

It is an independent assessment of an organisation’s management system against the requirements of a selected standard. The audit reviews evidence about how the system is planned, implemented and maintained.

Certification assesses an organisation’s management system. Accreditation assesses a certification body’s competence and impartiality for defined standards, sectors and scopes.

It depends on the system the organisation wants to manage. ISO 9001 concerns quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management, and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety. Confirm the current edition and applicability before making an enquiry.

There is no single timeline for every organisation. The standard, scope, headcount, locations, shifts and complexity of activities affect audit effort and scheduling.

No. Certification assesses a management system within its declared scope. It does not replace permits, inspections or legal obligations that apply to a product or service.

Accreditation scope may depend on the standard, sector, activities and locations. Ask for confirmation of the current scope for the requested certification and check the details shown on the certificate.

Send the certificate number, organisation name and standard to the official contact address and ask for its current status. Avoid including sensitive personal data in the initial message.

The requested standard, activities, products or services, locations and approximate headcount. Include the proposed certified scope if you already know it.