Any organization that wants to achieve a certain level of quality or compliance needs to undergo certification. Certifications have become a common tool for businesses to meet the expectations of clients, partners, and regulators.
In fact, 75% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from businesses that hold recognized certifications. Plus, ISO-certified companies see 20% higher productivity and reduced operational costs.
However, selecting the right certification body is key. It’s about choosing a partner who helps you grow and build trust. So, how do you make sure you’re making the right choice? To help you make an informed decision, here are seven important questions you should ask before hiring a certification body.
What accreditations and Licenses Do you hold?
A certification body checks to see if an organization meets criteria and then gives it a certificate. We have carefully looked at accredited certification bodies to see if they can do fair, high-quality audits. You may be sure that the certifying organization follows standard procedures and best practices in the industry if it is properly accredited.
Before hiring a certification body, make sure to ask about their accreditations and licenses. Look for certifications from respected accreditation bodies such as ISO/IEC 17021 for ISO certifications or specific regional or industry-related accreditations. You should also do your research on the accreditation bodies they are affiliated with.
You want a body that aligns with your industry and certification needs. For example, if you are seeking a certification for food safety, make sure the certification body is accredited by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This will ensure that your certification is recognized and accepted globally.
What Standards and Methodologies Do you Use?
The standards a certification body uses determine the quality and relevance of its certification process. You want to make sure that the body follows internationally recognized standards and methodologies in developing its certification programs.
For example, suppose you are aiming for ISO 9001, ISO 27001, or another industry-specific standard. In that case, you want to ensure that the certification body follows the guidelines and requirements set by these standards. This will guarantee that your organization’s certification is in line with industry best practices and is recognized by other organizations worldwide.
Similarly, If you’re looking to get certified in a specific methodology like Six Sigma or Lean Management, it’s important to choose a certification body that follows the recognized standards for those approaches. This will make sure that your organization’s certification is valuable and trustworthy in the eyes of potential clients and partners.
You also want to ensure their approach aligns with the best practices for your industry and that they stay current with any changes in regulations or standards. A comprehensive and up-to-date methodology will provide you with a reliable certification.
What Is the Audit Process and Timeline?
The audit process is a set of actions that an organization follows to check and make sure that it is following the rules. It involves a thorough examination of processes, procedures, and documentation to ensure they meet the requirements for certification.
When you schedule an audit, the first step is usually a pre-audit assessment. Ask the certification body for a clear breakdown of their audit process. This includes the steps involved, the personnel who will be conducting the audit, and how long the process typically takes. The process information will help you prepare and allocate resources for the audit.
Knowing the timeline helps you manage your expectations and adjust your schedule accordingly. Make certain areas of the business available during specific times for the auditors. A clear understanding of the process also allows you to prepare any necessary documentation or evidence that will be required during the audit.
What is the Scope and Coverage of your Certification?
The certifications come in different types and levels, each with its scope and coverage. You can not assume that one certification will cover all aspects of your business. Therefore, understand the scope and coverage of the specific certification you are pursuing.
The coverage refers to the extent to which the certification will be recognized or accepted by others. For example, some certifications are recognized globally, while others may only be recognized in certain regions or industries. The scope, on the other hand, refers to the specific areas or activities that will be evaluated during the certification process.
Make it clear what the certification covers. For example, does it solely cover quality management systems, and also cover environmental impact, cybersecurity, or employee safety? Individuals or organizations can figure out if a certification is right for them by knowing what it covers.
The scope should also match the intended purpose or application of the certification. For example. A food safety certification might not be useful for a company that mostly sells technology items. Similarly, ISO 27001 is for managing information security, and LEED certification is for construction practices that are good for the environment.
How Experienced are your Auditors and Assessors?
The certification procedure works best when the auditors have a lot of experience and knowledge. When judging how good the auditors and assessors are, here are some things to think about.
Qualification of Auditors
The first step in assessing the experience of auditors is to check their qualifications. Most certification bodies have strict requirements for auditors, including specific education and training in quality management systems and auditing techniques. These could include degrees in engineering, science, or business, as well as specialized certifications in quality auditing.
Industry experience for auditors
Industry experience of auditors is also important in addition to formal education and qualifications. The familiarity with the specific industry and its processes can greatly improve their auditing skills and effectiveness. For instance, an auditor having experience in the automotive business may be better equipped to conduct audits for a car manufacturing company than someone who has never worked in that field before.
Industry experience also provides auditors with valuable insights into the challenges and best practices within a particular sector. This knowledge can help them identify potential risks or areas for improvement during an audit and offer relevant recommendations to enhance the organization’s quality management system.
How do you handle Non-Conformities or Corrective Actions?
Non-conformities, which are deviations from the standard requirements or processes, may be detected during an audit. These must be resolved in a timely and efficient manner to mitigate potential hazards and enhance overall performance. It is imperative to be aware of the certification body’s approach to these matters.
A good certification body will help you find and fix any problems with your processes. Ask them how they help businesses fix problems that don’t follow the rules and whether they give advice on what to do about them.
Here are some key questions to ask.
- What is the process for reporting and addressing non-conformities?
- How quickly are non-conformities expected to be addressed?
- Are there any additional fees or costs associated with addressing non-conformities?
- Does the certification body offer guidance on corrective actions?
- How do they support businesses in implementing these corrective actions?
- Are there any resources or tools provided to assist with the corrective action process?
- Is there a timeline for completing the corrective actions?
- How are follow-up audits conducted to ensure non-conformities have been addressed?
- What measures are in place to prevent the recurrence of non-conformities?
Understanding this process will ensure you aren’t left to figure it out alone and that you can make necessary improvements promptly.
What is the Cost and Post-Certification Support Offered?
Certification is an ongoing process, and it requires resources to maintain. You have to make yourself clear on the cost and post-certification support offered by the certifying body.
The renewal fees, audit costs, and hidden charges are some of the expenses that you should consider. It is essential to know what type of post-certification support is offered by the certifying body. Post-certification support can include ongoing training, access to resources and networks, and assistance with maintaining compliance.
Additionally, understanding the cost and post-certification support will allow you to budget accordingly and make an informed decision on which certification body to choose. Having a certification body that provides continuous support can make a significant difference in maintaining and improving your certification status.
Furthermore, some certification bodies may offer additional services or benefits to their certified individuals. These can include job placement assistance, career advancement opportunities, or access to exclusive events and conferences. These added perks can greatly increase the value of a certification and provide ongoing support for professional growth.
Conclusion
The right certification body can help your business meet the highest standards of quality, security, and compliance. With a reliable partner, you can achieve certification and gain valuable insights to improve your operations and stay competitive in your industry. By asking the right questions about accreditations, audit processes, scope, and post-certification support, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision.
Remember, certification is an ongoing journey of improvement and growth. Take the time to find a certification body that aligns with your goals and helps you navigate the complexities of certification with confidence.
And once you achieve certification, don’t stop there – continue to seek out ways to improve and stay ahead in your industry. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to your certification and network with other certified organizations. Use the resources provided by your certification body to assess and improve your operations continuously.
