ISO/IEC 17021-1
ISO/IEC 17021-1 establishes principles and requirements for organizations that audit and certify management systems, ensuring competence, consistency, and impartiality in certification activities.
Explore the structure of the accreditation standard here.
Phases
Phase 1: Certification Scope(s)
Define the certification scope(s), including management system standards, sectors, and technical areas to be accredited, aligned with market needs and organizational capabilities.
Phase 2: Gap Assessment and Governance
Conduct a gap assessment against ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements and establish the governance structure, including impartiality mechanisms, roles, and personnel responsible for certification activities.
Phase 3: Process and Scheme Development
Develop certification processes, including application review, audit program management, audit methodology, and certification decision-making, ensuring consistency and competence across all activities.
Phase 4: Preliminary Application for Accreditation
Prepare and submit the preliminary application to initiate accreditation, confirming the certification scope, governance structure, and availability of initial documented information.
Phase 5: Process Establishment and Documentation
Establish or enhance certification processes aligned with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and business needs and develop documented information to ensure consistent implementation and availability of objective evidence.
Phase 6: Operations and Performance Evaluation
Implement certification activities, evaluate auditor competence and performance, conduct internal audits and management review, and ensure personnel are trained to perform certification functions effectively.
Phase 7: Initial Application for Accreditation
Compile and submit the full application, including required documentation and objective evidence, ensuring clear traceability to ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements and readiness for assessment.
Note: The defined phases are subject to adjustment based on the existence, current state, and maturity of the management system aligned with ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements.
In addition, we provide ongoing support on a quarterly, biannual, or annual basis to maintain the management system in line with ISO/IEC 17021-1, ensuring continued conformity and successful surveillance or reaccreditation assessments, as applicable.
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