Certification Process | TPS Xperts Global Certifications

Certification & Audit

Detailed Process Steps

STEP01

Initial Stage

Application & Enquiry

Organisations submit a completed application form detailing their scope of certification, number of employees, sites and any applicable multi-site or complex arrangements.

Complete and submit the TPS Xperts application form
Define the scope of the management system
Confirm number of sites and employees in scope
Receive quotation and audit programme

STEP02

Pre-Audit

Application Review & Contract

TPS Xperts reviews the application to confirm that we have the competence and capacity to undertake the certification, agree the scope, and formalise the certification agreement.

Review of application for completeness and eligibility
Competence assessment — matching auditors to scope
Identification of applicable normative requirements
Certification agreement signed

STEP03

Audit Phase

Stage 1 Audit (Document Review)

The Stage 1 audit evaluates the organisation's readiness for Stage 2. Auditors review the management system documentation, site-specific context and confirm audit scope. Typically conducted on-site or remotely.

Review of management system documentation
Understanding of organisational context and scope
Identification of key risks and significant aspects
Stage 2 audit plan confirmed and agreed
Stage 1 findings communicated in writing

STEP04

Audit Phase

Stage 2 Audit (Implementation Audit)

The Stage 2 audit evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the management system against the relevant ISO standard requirements. Conducted on-site at the client's premises.

On-site evaluation of management system implementation
Interviews with personnel at all levels
Review of records, procedures and objective evidence
Verification of conformity with standard requirements
Opening and closing meetings with management
Nonconformities raised and documented

STEP05

Decision Stage

Certification Decision

A qualified certification decision-maker — independent of the audit team — reviews the audit findings and determines whether to grant, maintain, renew, suspend or withdraw certification.

Independent review of audit report and findings
Verification that nonconformities are adequately closed
Certification granted where conformity is demonstrated
Certificate issued with defined scope, valid for 3 years

STEP06

Ongoing

Surveillance Audits

Surveillance audits are conducted at least annually (in years 1 and 2 of the certification cycle) to confirm the certified management system continues to meet standard requirements and demonstrate continual improvement.

Annual surveillance audits in years 1 and 2
Review of corrective actions from previous audits
Focus on key processes, objectives and performance indicators
Maintenance of certification confirmed or suspended as appropriate

STEP07

Renewal

Recertification

Prior to the expiry of the 3-year certification cycle, a full recertification audit is conducted to evaluate continued conformity and renewed commitment to the management system standard.

Full recertification audit before certificate expiry
Evaluation of overall system performance over the cycle
Review of changes to the organisation and its context
New 3-year certificate issued upon successful recertification

Certification Cycle

Duration

3 Years

Per certification cycle

Year 1 Initial Certification

Year 2 1st Surveillance

Year 3 2nd Surveillance

Year 4 Recertification

Start Your Application

Ready to begin? Download our application form or contact us to discuss your certification requirements.

Download Application Form Contact Us

Governing Standard

ISO/IEC 17021-1

Requirements for certification bodies

Our certification process is fully compliant with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and all applicable IAF Mandatory Documents governing the certification of management systems.

Appeals & Complaints

Your Rights Are Protected

TPS Xperts operates formal, documented procedures for handling appeals and complaints. These procedures ensure that any concerns are addressed objectively, transparently and in a timely manner.

Appeals Process

An appeal is a request by an applicant or certified client to reconsider a decision made by TPS Xperts relating to their desired certification status.

Appeal Steps

Submit written appeal within 30 days of decision

Acknowledgement within 5 working days

Independent review by personnel not involved in original decision

Final decision communicated in writing within 30 days

Complaints Process

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction — from an applicant, certified client or third party — about TPS Xperts' activities or a certified client's management system.

Complaint Steps

Submit complaint in writing to info@tpsxpert.com

Acknowledgement and initial assessment within 5 working days

Investigation by personnel independent of the subject

Resolution and response within 45 days

Certification Status

Suspension, Withdrawal & Scope Reduction

Suspension of Certification

Certification may be suspended when a certified client fails to meet certification requirements, fails to submit corrective actions within agreed timelines, or voluntarily requests suspension.

Suspension is communicated formally. The certified client retains a defined period to demonstrate corrective action. Public register is updated accordingly.

Withdrawal of Certification

Certification is withdrawn when corrective actions following suspension are not achieved within the defined period, or when a certified client formally requests withdrawal of their certification.

Upon withdrawal, the client must cease use of the certification mark and all references to holding certification for the withdrawn scope.

Scope Reduction

Where a certified client cannot demonstrate continued conformity across the full certified scope, the scope of certification may be reduced to exclude areas where requirements are not met.

Scope reduction procedures follow a defined process ensuring clients are informed and public records are updated to reflect the revised scope.

The Certification Process

7 Stages to Certification