Termns & Conditions

This document describes the processes for pre-certification and post-certification pertaining to IAF (International Accreditation Forum) accredited and non-accredited certifications offered by Accredium Certifications.

I. Pre-Certification Process  
The pre-certification stage encompasses all actions taken by an organization prior to the actual decision regarding certification.

A. Initial Inquiry and Application  
Inquiry: The client reaches out to Accredium Certifications, indicating their interest in securing a particular management system certification (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001).

Information Gathering: Accredium Certifications gathers preliminary details about the client's organization, such as:

Legal name and address  

Scope of activities  

Number of employees  

Preferred standard(s) for certification  

Any available management system documentation  

Quotation & Agreement:

Using the information collected, Accredium Certifications develops a comprehensive proposal (quotation) detailing the audit scope, duration, fees, and terms and conditions.

The quotation will clearly indicate whether the certification is IAF accredited or non-accredited, as this influences the level of audit rigor, recognition, and pricing.

Once the quotation is accepted, a formal contract or agreement is executed between the client and Accredium Certifications.

B. Stage 1 Audit (Document Review & Readiness Assessment)  
The Stage 1 audit serves as an initial evaluation to determine the client’s preparedness for the Stage 2 audit.

Purpose:

To examine the client’s management system documentation (e.g., manual, procedures, policies) to confirm it meets the requirements of the selected standard.  

To assess the client’s site-specific circumstances and gain an understanding of the management system's scope.  

To evaluate the client’s readiness for the Stage 2 audit and identify any potential issues or non-conformities that must be addressed.  

To finalise the audit scope and agree upon the Stage 2 audit plan.  

Methodology:  

Mainly consists of a document review, typically performed off-site, though it may include a brief on-site visit.  

Engagement with key personnel responsible for the management system.  

Outcome:  

A report summarising findings, including any non-conformities or observations.  

A recommendation regarding the client’s readiness to advance to Stage 2. If significant non-conformities are identified, the client must rectify them before the Stage 2 audit can take place.

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C. Stage 2 Audit (On-site Assessment)  
The Stage 2 audit represents a thorough on-site evaluation of how effectively the client's management system has been implemented.

Purpose:  

To assess the implementation and efficacy of the client's management system in fulfilling the requirements of the selected standard.  

To evaluate the client's operational controls, processes, and performance in relation to the criteria of the standard.  

To verify that the management system is consistently applied throughout the organization's scope.  

To ensure compliance with relevant statutory and regulatory obligations.  

Methodology:  

An on-site audit performed by a team of qualified auditors.  

This includes discussions with personnel at all levels, observation of activities, examination of records, and evidence sampling.  

For IAF Accredited Certifications: The audit methodology is strictly aligned with the standards outlined in ISO/IEC 17021-1 (Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems) as well as specific IAF mandatory documents. The planning, duration, and auditor qualifications are closely monitored to guarantee impartiality and technical skill.  

For Non-Accredited Certifications: Although it follows the essential principles of the standard, the audit may allow for more flexibility in terms of duration and specific procedural compliance in comparison to IAF standards. The primary aim remains to validate the effectiveness of the system against the standard.  

Outcome:  

An audit report that outlines the findings, including significant and minor non-conformities, observations, and potential areas for improvement.  

The client receives a specified timeframe (e.g., 90 days for major non-conformities) to present a corrective action plan alongside proof of implementation for any identified non-conformities.  

Accredium Certifications evaluates the corrective measures. If deemed satisfactory, the audit process advances to the certification decision stage.

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II. Post-Certification Phase  
Following the granting of certification, the focus shifts to maintaining and re-validating the certification throughout its validity period.

A. Certification Decision  
Audit Findings Review: An independent decision-maker at Accredium Certifications, who was not involved with the audit team, examines the full audit report, including how any non-conformities have been addressed.

Decision Recommendation: A choice is made based on this review to either approve, deny, or delay the certification.

For IAF Accredited Certifications: This decision-making process is well-structured and thoroughly documented, ensuring neutrality and compliance with the requirements of the accreditation body.

For Non-Accredited Certifications: While the decision process remains thorough, it might have slightly less rigorous documentation compared to that of IAF.

B. Certificate Issuance  
Issuance: After receiving a positive certification decision, Accredium Certifications provides the official certificate to the client.

Validity: Certificates are generally valid for a period of three years from the issuance date.

For IAF Accredited Certifications: The certificate will feature the logos of both Accredium Certifications and the respective accreditation body (e.g., JAS-ANZ, UAF, etc.), indicating its international acceptance.

For Non-Accredited Certifications: The certificate will display only the logo of Accredium Certifications. Although it represents compliance with the standard, it does not offer the same level of international acknowledgment as an IAF accredited certificate.

C. Surveillance Audits  
To uphold the certification's validity, annual surveillance audits are performed.

Frequency: Typically, one surveillance audit is carried out in each of the two years following the initial certification audit.

Purpose: 

To verify that the client's management system continues to meet the standard's requirements.

To confirm the effectiveness of corrective actions related to previous non-conformities.

To evaluate the client’s ongoing performance and efforts towards continuous improvement.

To review any modifications made to the management system or its scope.

Methodology: Similar to Stage 2, but shorter in duration, concentrating on particular aspects of the management system.

Outcome: An audit report with findings. Not addressing non-conformities identified in surveillance audits may result in the suspension or revocation of the certificate.

D. Re-certification Audit  
Prior to the expiration of the three-year certificate, a re-certification audit is conducted.

Timing: This audit is typically performed 3-6 months before the certificate is set to expire.

Purpose: To verify that the conformity and effectiveness of the entire management system are maintained throughout the three-year certification period. This audit is comprehensive and closely mirrors the initial Stage 2 audit in scope.

Outcome: Upon successfully completing the audit and addressing any identified non-conformities, a new certificate will be issued for another three-year term.

E. Suspension, Withdrawal, or Reduction of Scope  
Accredium Certifications retains the authority to suspend, withdraw, or decrease the scope of certification under particular circumstances:

Suspension:  

Inability to resolve non-conformities within the agreed time frame.

Failure to facilitate surveillance or re-certification audits.

Improper use of the certification mark or logo.

Significant alterations to the management system or organization that affect conformity.

Withdrawal:  

Inability to rectify issues leading to suspension within a designated timeframe.

Client-initiated request for withdrawal.

Halting operations within the certified scope.

Reduction of Scope:  

Client request to limit the scope.

Inability to maintain conformity for specific parts of the certified scope.

F. Use of Certification Marks and Logos  
Clients are allowed to utilize the marks and logos of Accredium Certifications on their promotional materials, websites, and stationery, subject to strict guidelines:

IAF Accredited Certifications: Clients are permitted to display both the Accredium Certifications logo and the logo of the accreditation body, following specific size, color, and placement regulations. Utilizing the accreditation body's logo signifies global recognition through the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA).

Non-Accredited Certifications: Clients may only use the Accredium Certifications logo. They are explicitly forbidden from suggesting that the certification is accredited or using any logos from accreditation bodies.

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