The ATLAS Certification process
There are a number of steps that every organisation that wishes to become certified will have to go through. This may seem a little daunting at a first glance, but ATLAS Certification (NT) specialises in guiding its clients through these steps and explain each step along the way.
Broadly, all Certification Bodies will follow the same steps, however significant variation exists in the level of guidance, explanation and support provided. Being a smaller-sized and local service provider, we know and understand our clients and this puts us in a much better position to guide them through the process than any of our large, multinational competitors who only know their clients by their client number.
At ATLAS Certification (NT) we can customise our approach and go at a pace that aligns with your needs and that you are comfortable with.
Need it fast or want to take it slow, just talk to us about what is possible and what your preferences are and we will do what we can to assist you accordingly.
It all starts with simply contacting ATLAS Certification (NT) to discuss your certification needs.
We will need some details about your company (activities, size, location, etc.) to work out an accurate and obligation-free proposal for you.
All you need to do to ‘apply for certification’ is return a signed copy of the Quotation (or complete the online Application Form)
Stage 1 Audit is essentially a GAP Review to determine if you are ready for the Stage 2 Audit (or Certification Audit). The Stage 1 Audit focusses on the key elements of your Management System and gives a broad overview of their alignment with the requirements.
It is important to realise that you cannot ‘fail’ a Stage 1 Audit (or any audit). The outcome is always positive, i.e., you either get confirmation things are looking good and/or you are made aware of areas where your Management System can be further improved.
We will provide you with a report detailing our observations and, where needed, our recommendation to make some adjustments or additions before continuing to the Stage 2 Audit. This will significantly improve your chances of success during the Stage 2 Audit.
Once we have confirmed you are ready for the certification audit, this will be planned in with you.
During the Stage 2 Audit, we will do the following:
- evaluate compliance with the requirements of the Standard(s);
- determine the ability of the Management System to ensure that you can meet relevant requirements;
- evaluate the effectiveness of the Management System to ensure you can meet your objectives; and
- identify opportunities for improvement.
You will receive a report detailing the Stage 2 Audit findings.
This only applies if it cannot be verified that parts of your Management System meet the requirements and/or are not sufficiently implemented in your operations.
You will need to submit a plan detailing your intended Corrective Actions. Depending on the nature of the issue(s) identified you may also need to provide evidence that you have carried out the Corrective Actions.
We will ensure you understand the issues we have identified. This will assist you in determining the best way to address them.
Please remember that it is not uncommon and certainly not ‘failure’ to have a few issues identified that may require some further improvement. With our feedback and explanation, most organisations are able to address issues within a minimal amount of time and usually they consider these actions as an improvement to their business.
The ATLAS Certification Panel will review all collected information and the auditor’s recommendation.
You will always be notified of the certification decision in writing and have the right to appeal any decision made.
Once Certification has formally been granted, you can start using the appropriate ATLAS Certification (NT) Marks* and let people know that you are ISO9001, ISO14001 and/or ISO45001 certified by ATLAS Certification (NT).
Electronic, high resolution images of the appropriate logo’s will be made available to you, along with more detailed requirements for their use, when certification is granted.
*use of the marks is governed by the ATLAS Terms & Conditions. Please refer to these T&C’s (or contact us) to confirm how, when, where the marks can be used.
After certification has been granted, we will conduct regular Surveillance Audits to ensure you continue to meet the requirements.
If all is found to be OK certification will continue without the need for a new certification decision to be made.
If we find that there are some issues that need to be addressed to ensure the Management System continues to comply with the requirements, we will discuss these issues with you. Provided these issues are resolved as required, Certification will continue.
It is very rare that identified issues cannot be resolved as required. However, if this is the case the ATLAS Certification Panel shall review the evidence and make a decision regarding the appropriateness of Certification being continued. The Panel may then decide to suspend your Certification until it is confirmed that the issues have been resolved. (please also refer to our Policy – Suspension, Cancellation & Reduction of Scope.
Re-certification audits normally occur once every 3 years. During the re-certification audit your entire Management System is reviewed for ongoing compliance, maintenance and its effectiveness in achieving its intended outcomes.
The process that follows the re-certification audit is almost identical to that following a Stage 2 Certification Audit, including the certification decision making process and your rights to appeal that decision.
Where no significant issues are identified, Certification will be reissued for another 3 year period and a new Surveillance cycle begins.
