Certification Process
What are the steps in the ISO certification process at KMRA?
ISO certification is an independent assessment process that verifies whether an organization's management system conforms to the requirements of an international standard. At KMRA, auditing and certification activities are conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1, the mandatory documents of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and the applicable requirements of accreditation bodies, ensuring impartiality, transparency, consistency, and reliability throughout the certification process.
The ISO certification process at KMRA consists of the following eight steps:
Step 1. Application & Certification Request
The organization submits information regarding the certification scope, business activities, number of employees, operational sites, and other relevant details. Based on this information, KMRA determines the appropriate certification program according to the organization's size, complexity, and operational characteristics.
Step 2. Application Review
KMRA reviews the certification application, certification scope, applicable standards, and the readiness of the management system to determine the feasibility of the certification process and establish an appropriate audit program.
Step 3. Audit Program & Audit Planning
An audit program and audit plan are developed based on the organization's scope of activities, operational complexity, number of sites, and the applicable standard to ensure a comprehensive and effective audit.
Step 4. Stage 1 Audit
The audit team reviews the management system documentation, evaluates the organization's readiness, and identifies any issues that should be addressed before the certification audit.
Step 5. Stage 2 Audit
The audit team conducts the certification audit through interviews, on-site observations, document and record reviews, and the collection of objective evidence to determine whether the management system conforms to the requirements of the applicable standard.
Step 6. Independent Technical Review & Certification Decision
Upon completion of the audit, the audit file undergoes an independent technical review to ensure impartiality and compliance with certification requirements before a certification decision is made.
Step 7. Certification Issuance
Once the organization has demonstrated conformity with the applicable standard and successfully addressed any nonconformities (where applicable), KMRA issues the certification. The certificate remains valid for the certification cycle, and the certified organization is authorized to use the certification mark in accordance with the applicable certification rules.
Step 8. Surveillance Audits & Recertification
Throughout the certification cycle, KMRA conducts periodic surveillance audits to verify that the management system continues to be effectively maintained and continually improved. At the end of the certification cycle, a recertification audit is conducted to renew the validity of the certification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many steps are included in the ISO certification process?
The ISO certification process at KMRA consists of eight steps: Application & Certification Request, Application Review, Audit Program & Planning, Stage 1 Audit, Stage 2 Audit, Independent Technical Review & Certification Decision, Certification Issuance, and Surveillance Audits & Recertification.
The entire process is conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1, the mandatory documents of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and applicable accreditation requirements to ensure impartiality, transparency, consistency, and reliability throughout the certification process.
2. How long does ISO certification take?
The time required for ISO certification depends on several factors, including the organization's size, number of employees, number of operational sites, certification scope, and the readiness of its management system.
For organizations with a fully implemented management system, the certification process is typically completed within a few weeks after the audit, provided that any identified nonconformities have been effectively addressed. KMRA develops an audit plan tailored to each organization to ensure an efficient certification process.
3. What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits?
The Stage 1 Audit focuses on reviewing the management system documentation, assessing the organization's readiness, and identifying any issues that should be resolved before the certification audit.
The Stage 2 Audit is the formal certification audit conducted on-site. It evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the management system through interviews, on-site observations, document and record reviews, and the collection of objective evidence.
The results of the Stage 2 Audit provide the basis for the certification decision.
4. Are surveillance audits required after certification?
Yes. Following certification, organizations are required to undergo periodic surveillance audits throughout the certification cycle to verify that the management system continues to be effectively maintained, implemented, and continually improved.
Surveillance audits are a mandatory requirement under ISO/IEC 17021-1 and the applicable mandatory documents of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
5. How long is an ISO certificate valid?
An ISO certificate is generally valid for three years, provided that the certified organization successfully completes the required surveillance audits and continues to maintain an effective management system.
Before the end of the three-year certification cycle, a recertification audit is conducted to renew the validity of the certificate.
6. What should an organization prepare before the certification audit?
Before the certification audit, the organization should establish and implement the management system in accordance with the applicable standard, conduct internal audits and management reviews, address any identified nonconformities, and prepare the necessary documented information and objective evidence demonstrating the effective implementation of the management system.
Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth audit process and increases the likelihood of achieving certification during the initial certification audit.
Why Choose KMRA?
KMRA provides independent auditing and certification services in accordance with internationally recognized standards and best practices, supported by a team of experienced auditors and technical experts across a wide range of industries.
Beyond verifying conformity with management system standards, we help organizations identify opportunities for continual improvement, enhance operational performance, meet customer and regulatory requirements, and strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and global supply chains.