Perfect Cert. has developed global certification processes that adhere to professional standards and international regulations. When you reach out to us, we will explain the key steps and procedures involved in our certifications, along with your rights and responsibilities when applying for management systems and personnel certifications. Additionally, Perfect Cert. is committed to maintaining a clear and transparent payment structure and performance evaluation process for all our employees.

Certification Process:

Perfect Cert. works closely with you to design a customized certification program that suits your organization's context, unique requirements and goals. This includes deciding which management systems to assess and the scope of sites to audit.

1. Pre-audit

The pre-audit is an optional assessment that reviews your management system against the specific requirements of the certification standard you are pursuing. Perfect Cert. delivers a detailed report outlining its findings.

2. Stage I audit

Perfect Cert. conducts an initial audit to assess your readiness for the Stage II audit. This includes reviewing factors such as your understanding of the standard's requirements, the general overview of the procedures, the scope of your management system, and the effectiveness of your internal audit processes.

3. Stage II audit

The auditor / audit team reviews your management system and delivers a detailed report of findings, including nonconformities, observations and potential areas for improvement where relevant. Upon receiving the audit outcome, you will have a limited amount of time to implement corrective actions in the case of any non-conformities.

4. Initial certification decision

After completion of all necessary audits, Perfect Cert. conducts an impartial review of the findings and decides whether the certificate will be granted.

5. Surveillance

Surveillance audits (1st and 2nd) shall be conducted at least once a calendar year, except in recertification years. The date of the first surveillance audit following initial certification shall occur within 12 months of the certification decision date.

6. Recertification

Every three years, a complete reassessment is carried out to confirm continued compliance with the standard. The recertification audit shall be completed before the expiry of the existing Certificate of Compliance. Careful scheduling of the recertification audit is crucial to avoiding lapses in certification.

7. Special audit

Some standards require an on-site “special audit” to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions for major non-conformities or it can be conducted in case of the significant changes in the organization’s management system, customers complaints, suspension or termination of certification.

8. Suspension, withdrawal cancellation or restoration of the Certificate of Compliance

Perfect Cert. has the right to suspend, withdraw, reduce, extend, or cancel the Certificate of Compliance at any time, providing written notice to the client. If such actions are necessary, the client will be fully informed and given an opportunity to take corrective action before a final decision is made. Unannounced visits may be conducted to follow up on clients whose certification has been suspended. Suspension will be lifted, and certification restored once non-conformities are satisfactorily addressed and Perfect Cert. verifies the compliance of the client’s management system.

Certification Process Steps:

Your certification process begins with your first interaction with us and continues even after you receive your certificate. Understanding each step will help you prepare effectively.

1. Quotation: We provide a personalized quote for your certification program based on your organization’s specific needs.

2. Contract Agreement: Signing the contract initiates the key phases of the certification process.

3. Invoicing: After the audit is completed, you will receive an invoice for the services provided.

4. Transfer Process: In case of transitioning from another certification body to Perfect Cert., our project managers assist you in completing the transfer

5. Audit Preparation: In this phase, our team collaborates with you to create a suitable audit schedule. Managing audit timing effectively is crucial to ensuring smooth certification continuity and avoiding premature completion of the audit cycle.

6. Audit: The main certification event takes place during the audit. Our auditors visit your site to assess how effectively your organization’s management systems are implemented.

7. Audit Report: After the audit, you’ll receive a comprehensive report from the lead auditor that includes findings and any identified non-conformities. A draft report will be provided shortly after the audit, and the final version will be delivered once non-conformities are addressed.

8. Non-conformity Closure: You will have a set period to implement corrective actions for any non-conformities. Typically, non-conformities must be resolved within 90 days of the audit completion.

9. Certification Decision: Once all non-conformities are corrected, a final report is submitted to a qualified certification decision-maker, who will issue the certification decision, provided everything is in order. Your certificate will be delivered within 30 days after all non-conformities are closed, and no later than 120 days following the audit.

10. Surveillance: Initial certification is followed by two annual surveillance audits, where our auditors verify that your organization continues to meet the requirements of the standard. We collaborate with you to schedule these audits to ensure continuous certification.

11. Recertification: After the first three-year certification cycle, the process continues with a recertification audit, beginning the next three-year cycle.

Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems: Eligibility for Transfer:

- Only valid certificates (not suspended or withdrawn) are eligible.

- Certificates accredited by an IAF or Regional MLA signatory can be transferred.

Step 1: Pre-Transfer Review

- The accepting Certification Body conducts a thorough document review to ensure:

- The certified activities fall within the accredited scope.

- The issuing Certification Body is accredited for the relevant management system and scope.

- The reasons for seeking the transfer are valid.

- The applying site(s) have a valid accredited certificate, which includes:

a) Authenticity, duration, and scope of certification.

b) Accreditation scope.

c) Last audit and surveillance reports.

d) Documentation of complaints and actions taken.

e) Current status in the certification cycle and any relevant regulatory engagements.

f) Any outstanding non-conformities must be resolved with the issuing Certification Body before the transfer. If not, the accepting Certification Body will address them.

Step 2: Transfer Visit

A transfer visit is required if:

- The information provided by the transferring client or issuing body is inadequate.

- There are unresolved major non-conformities. The visit can be a conference call, on-site visit, or a meeting at the accepting Certification Body’s office to clarify issues from the pre-transfer review.

Step 3: Transfer Audit

If issues remain unresolved after the Pre-Transfer Review and Transfer Visit, a transfer audit is conducted to focus on those specific issues.

Step 4: Transfer Decision

- If no issues remain, a positive transfer decision is made, and the certificate is issued.

- The certificate’s date is based on the previous cycle or the transfer audit date, if applicable.

- No surveillance or recertification audits can take place until the transfer decision is made.

- Once the certificate is issued, the accepting Certification Body informs the issuing Certification Body.