Management system certification is an independent confirmation that your system meets the requirements of a recognized standard. We audit your system, make an impartial certification decision, and keep your certificate under surveillance for its three-year cycle.
The certification journey
What Management System Certification Is
A management system is the set of policies, processes and records an organization uses to achieve its objectives, for example on quality, safety, the environment or information security. Certification means a competent, independent body has audited that system against a standard and found objective evidence that it conforms. Certification is not a one-off inspection. It is a cycle that checks your system keeps working over time.
The Three-Year Certification Cycle
| Year | Audit | Purpose | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Stage 1 audit | Review documentation, scope, readiness and audit planning | Stage 1 report; go/no-go for Stage 2 |
| 0 | Stage 2 audit | Evaluate implementation and effectiveness on site | Audit report; nonconformities, if any |
| 0 | Certification decision | Independent review of audit evidence | Certificate valid for three years |
| 1 | Surveillance audit 1 | Confirm continued conformity; sample processes | Certificate maintained |
| 2 | Surveillance audit 2 | As above, covering remaining processes | Certificate maintained |
| 3 | Recertification audit | Full reassessment before expiry | New three-year certificate |
The first surveillance audit is due within 12 months of the certification decision.
Our Certification Services
- Initial Certification: the full route to your first certificate.
- Stage 1 Audit: documentation and readiness review.
- Stage 2 Audit: on-site evaluation of implementation.
- Surveillance Audits: annual checks that keep your certificate valid.
- Recertification: full reassessment every three years.
- Transfer Certification: move a valid certificate to USGSR.
- Integrated Management Systems: one combined audit programme for several standards.
How the Process Works
- Application. Tell us your standard(s), scope of activities, sites and headcount.
- Audit time and proposal. We calculate audit days from our documented rules and send a written proposal.
- Agreement. You sign the certification agreement and we appoint a competent audit team.
- Stage 1. We review your documented information and confirm readiness for Stage 2.
- Stage 2. We interview people, observe activities and examine records on site, or remotely where permitted.
- Corrective action. You correct any nonconformities and provide evidence within the agreed timeframe.
- Certification decision. A competent person who was not on the audit team reviews the file and decides.
- Certificate and listing. We issue your certificate and add it to our public verification system.
What Determines Audit Time and Cost
- The number of people working under the management system, including contractors.
- The number of sites, and whether processes are repeated across them.
- The complexity and risk of your activities.
- The standard(s), and whether audits are integrated.
- Shift work, temporary sites and outsourced processes.
We do not shorten audit time to win work. Audit time follows our documented rules, so every client in the same situation is treated the same way.
What You Need Before Stage 1
- A defined scope and boundaries for the management system.
- Documented information required by the standard (policy, objectives, processes, records).
- At least one completed internal audit and management review.
- Records that show the system has been operating long enough to be evaluated.
Nonconformities and Certification Decisions
| Finding | Meaning | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Major nonconformity | A requirement is not met, or there is doubt that the system can achieve its intended results | Corrected and verified before certification; may need a follow-up visit |
| Minor nonconformity | A requirement is partly not met, without affecting the system’s ability to achieve its results | Accepted correction and action plan; verified at the next audit |
| Opportunity for improvement | An observation, not a nonconformity | Optional to act on |
Auditors report findings. They do not tell you how to fix them, because that would be consultancy.
Accredited, Non-Accredited and Compliance Certification
Certification routes differ by standard. Each standard page states whether certification is within our USIAS accreditation scope, non-accredited, or a compliance certification against published requirements.
Already Certified Elsewhere?
Organizations with a valid certificate can usually transfer to USGSR without restarting the cycle. We review the current certificate, recent audit reports and the status of any open nonconformities. Then we decide whether a transfer audit is needed.
Get a Clear Certification Route
Send us your standard, scope, sites and headcount. We will reply with the audit days, timeline and a written proposal. Request Certification
FAQ
How long does ISO certification take?
Once your system is implemented and producing records, Stage 1 and Stage 2 can usually be completed within a few weeks to a few months, depending on scheduling and any corrective actions.
How long is an ISO certificate valid?
Three years, provided surveillance audits are completed on time and the system continues to conform.
What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2?
Stage 1 checks documentation and readiness. Stage 2 evaluates whether the system is implemented and effective in practice.
Can you help us write our procedures?
No. As a certification body we cannot provide consultancy to organizations we certify. We can explain requirements in general terms and offer training that is open to everyone.
What happens if we fail an audit?
There is no pass or fail score. If nonconformities are found, you correct them and we verify the correction before a certification decision is made.