Certification Process

Contact Ubicert to discuss your certification needs. Our team will conduct an initial scoping discussion to understand your organization, applicable standard, and scope of certification.

Complete and submit the formal application form including organizational details, scope of activities, and number of employees.

Ubicert reviews your application for completeness and determines the appropriate audit time in accordance with IAF MD 5.

A formal quotation is issued outlining the certification fees, audit programme, and contractual terms.

A multi-year audit programme is developed in line with ISO 17021-1 requirements, covering Stage 1, Stage 2, Surveillance, and Recertification audits.

The Stage 1 audit (documentation review) evaluates the readiness of your management system for Stage 2. Conducted on-site or remotely.

Any issues identified during Stage 1 must be addressed before proceeding to Stage 2. Typically a minimum 4-week gap is maintained.

The Stage 2 audit (on-site implementation audit) evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of your management system.

Any nonconformities raised during the Stage 2 audit must be addressed through corrective action plans submitted within agreed timescales.

An independent technical review of all audit findings and evidence is conducted by a qualified reviewer, separate from the audit team.

A qualified certification decision maker reviews all information and makes an independent decision to grant, maintain, or deny certification.

Upon a positive certification decision, a formal certificate is issued bearing the Ubicert logo, SANAS accreditation mark, and relevant accreditation information.

A surveillance audit is conducted within 12 months of the initial certification date to monitor continued conformity and system effectiveness.

A second surveillance audit is conducted within 24 months of initial certification to ensure the management system remains effective and compliant.

At the end of the 3-year certification cycle, a full recertification audit is conducted to renew the certificate for another 3 years.