Certification continuity
After certification: surveillance, recertification and transfer
Initial certification is followed by annual surveillance and recertification after three years under the commercial cycle described by InterConformity. Transfer to another certification body is a separate assessment based on the existing certificate and supporting information.
A cycle you can plan for
- Start: initial audit, review and certification decision.
- First year: the planned surveillance audit.
- Second year: the next surveillance audit.
- End of the three-year cycle: recertification, planned before the certificate expires.
Actual dates are established in the audit programme and agreed documents. Keep the certificate, annexes, reports and scheduling correspondence together.
What to maintain between audits
The management system continues to operate between visits. Maintain records of results, identified problems, reviews and actions. Responsibilities should remain clear as people or activities change.
In a later assessment, connecting an identified issue with the action taken helps explain progress. A list of measures without owners, deadlines or evidence of completion is difficult to evaluate.
Changes to discuss with the certification body
Communicate matters such as relocation, additional operating sites, new activities, significant restructuring or a change in legal name. They may affect the scope, documentation or assessment planning.
When a new edition of a standard is published, discuss transition arrangements with the issuing body. Publication of an edition and the deadline applicable to your certificate need to be considered separately.
Requesting a certificate transfer
Provide the current certificate, annexes, standard, scope and information about the most recent assessment and next due date. Explain the reason for your request and any changes in the organisation.
Do not assume that a change of certification body is automatic or that the initial-certification fee applies. The team reviews the information and establishes the route and proposal for the case.
Budgeting for continuity
The pricing grid separates initial certification from annual surveillance. The calculator combines initial certification and two surveillance audits for the first cycle; recertification is priced separately. Contact the team before the relevant date in your documents to plan the next stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is surveillance the same as recertification?
No. They are separate stages. Surveillance is annual, while recertification is planned at the end of the three-year cycle.
Does the initial-certification price automatically apply to transfers?
No. Transfers are reviewed using the existing certificate and supporting information, with a proposal for the specific situation.
Sources and updates
Prepared by InterConformity. Pricing is taken from our commercial grid; information about standards refers to the sources below. Confirm the scope and edition in the proposal for your organisation.
Your next step
How does this apply to your business?
Tell us about your activities, team and target standard. Let’s clarify the steps and proposal.