Skip to main content

Certification Process

Certification Process

Why Certification is Required

Getting certification of your management system demonstrates your commitment to comply with the requirements of any internationally recognized management system. A third-party assessment from RICI’s experienced auditors will help ensure this objective. It will assist in maintaining sustainable business performance and independently assess compliance with applicable requirements.

Is My Organization Ready for Certification?

Before approaching RICI, ensure that your organization has implemented a suitable management system for at least 3 months to ensure its effectiveness. A system based on international standards for quality, environment, occupational health, and safety must be established in most cases.

Key Steps in the Certification Process

1. Initial Inquiry

Provide key information about your organization, such as name, address, number of employees, the scope of certification, and the applicable standard. RICI’s Sales and Marketing team will send you a proposal based on this information.

2. Documentation Review (Optional)

We offer a review of your management system documentation. If selected, a report summarizing the review findings will be provided.

3. Stage I Audit

The Stage I audit includes reviewing your management system documentation and some key implementation areas to assess readiness for the Stage II audit. A report will be provided with findings and areas to address before proceeding.

4. Stage II Audit

The Stage II audit assesses your management system’s compliance with the requirements of the selected standard(s). This includes interviews, document reviews, and system observations. Any non-conformities must be closed within an agreed timeline.

5. Certification Decision and Issuance of the Certificate

After closing any audit findings, a certification decision will be made, and the certificate will be issued and sent to the organization within 1-2 weeks.

6. Surveillance Audits

Each certificate has a 3-year life cycle with two annual surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance and improvement.

7. Re-certification Audit

After three years, a re-certification audit will be conducted to evaluate the maturity and improvements of the system. A new certification cycle begins afterward.

Important Note:

Ensure your management system has been fully implemented and operational for at least 3 months before the Stage I audit for effective assessment and certification readiness.