How to renew ISO certificate? from jobinwason's blog

To maintain the quality performance, each ISO certified organization should undergo re-certification process. This helps the organization to ensure the continual improvement of its management system.

Don’t burden yourself! The re-certification audit is a simple process and it just needs your effort.  In this article, we let you know the process to renew the ISO certificate.

 Does ISO certificate need to be renewed?

The answer is, yes. The ISO certificate should be renewed once the validity of the initial certification is over. It helps you maintain the quality of products, processes, systems and services.

 What is certification audit?

Before getting into the topic of the re-certification audit, let’s know about ISO certification audit.

·         A certification audit is a conformity assessment of verifying an organization whether it met the requirements of desired ISO criteria. Basically, the certification audit includes 2 stages.

·         In stage 1 audit, the auditors come with a plan to conduct an audit based on a scope submitted by your organization. The auditing process includes the verification of documents, records, files, etc. If there is any non-conformity, the auditing team will provide a deviation report with the audit report. The organization should address the non-conformity before the stage 2 audit.

·         After completing the stage 1 audit, the auditors will schedule a date for the stage 2 audit. It assesses the effective implementation of your management system in compliance with the ISO standard. If the non-conformities are implemented, the certification body will release the ISO certificate.

Certification validity:

The initial certification provided by the certification body is valid for 3 years. This ISO certification enhances your customer confidence in your products, processes and services. It increases your organization’s credibility and helps achieve new business opportunities.

What are surveillance audits?

The validity of the initial certification is 3 years. During this period, the certification body will perform the surveillance audit at the interval of 12 months. This audit does not include stage 1 and stage 2. Also, it helps the organizations to maintain the performance of the management system and the quality of products and services.

When re-certification is performed?

 Re-certification is initiated by the certification body once the three-year validity of the initial certification is over. The processes of re-certification are similar to the initial certification processes.

Process to renew the certificate

By evaluating the organization’s processes every 3 years supports you to provide quality services that consistently meet customer expectations. It enhances the competency of your organization and helps standalone from the competitors. It ensures your organization is in the right path of meeting the desired goals and objectives.

Re-certification audit plan

Before the initial certification’s expiration date is over, the organization needs to apply for re-certification. It gives time and helps you take the necessary actions for the re-certification audit.

Sometimes, the certification body itself will send a notice to the certified organization for the renewal of the initial certification. This advance notice supports the organization to be updated with the certification process. Make a note of previous reports and records to reduce the non-conformities in the re-certification audit.

Implementation and preparation

Ensure the operational processes, products and services are continuing in compliance with the guidelines of certified ISO criteria.

Assessment of previous records

In the re-certification audit, the auditors will also review the past records and documents related to internal audits, corrections, corrective actions, preventive actions, etc.

Reassessment process

The certification body will send an audit team to perform a re-certification audit. They will evaluate, review, and submit the audit report. If there is any area which needs further improvement, the auditors will provide non-conformities and guide you with the effective implementation process.

Make sure your organization is following the best practices and is up-to-date with the latest technologies by renewing your certificate every 3 years.

Visit : iso certification italy