Six Steps to Certification

Management systems certification by a third-party registrar such as Intertek, can be accomplished in six steps.

Certification by an independent third-party certification body, such as Intertek, confirms that your management system complies with the appropriate standard. Intertek works very hard to ensure that its clients benefit from their certification, both internally (with improved processes) and externally (with increased market visibility).

The path to certification consists of six steps - and Intertek's professionals will be there to guide you every step of the way.

1. Commitment Once you've selected Intertek as your certification body, you'll be assigned a lead auditor to guide you through the entire process. Our network of professionals will help you receive the personal and insightful service you deserve.
    
2. Pre-assessment This step is optional, but it can be extremely helpful in identifying potential problem areas and improving the likelihood of achieving certification on your first attempt. It's a small investment that can pay dividends later, by saving the time and money required to perform a second audit. Performed during the review of your documentation and management system's implementation, this step also helps to familiarize employees with the process for your formal assessment.
    
3. Stage I audit
   At this stage, your lead auditor will confirm that your management system has been designed to conform with the requirements of the standard and achieve the organization's policy objectives. During this audit, our team will evaluate the capability of the management system to manage compliance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. At the end of the audit, you will be informed of the results of Stage I. If the results are acceptable, you will receive confirmation for proceeding with the Stage II audit. You will also be given a predetermined amount of time to correct any non-conformities found.
    
4. Stage II audit
   Your assessment team, supervised by your lead auditor, will review your management system in the least disruptive manner possible. The objectives of the audit are to confirm that the management system conforms with all the requirements of the standard, and that your organization has effectively implemented the system so it can achieve the organization's policy objectives. You will be given a predetermined amount of time to correct any nonconformities found.
    
5. Certification The moment of truth. At this point, your company has achieved its certification and will appear in Intertek's Certified Companies Directory and other industry directories. When you receive your certificate, you'll gain the customer confidence your certification affords.
    
6. Follow-up evaluations
   Regular annual or semi-annual surveillance visits (performed according to your preference), followed by triennial re-assessments, ensure ongoing conformity.