Certification Process

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  The Certification Audit consists of the following steps:  

Step 1: Stage 1 Audit

• Gain an understanding of the Organization’s Management System (s) and site operations in the context of the applicable standard (s)
• Obtain necessary information regarding the scope of the Management System (s)
• Conduct a site tour to understand the Organization’s operations and processes    
• Evaluate if the internal audits and management reviews are being planned and performed
• Evaluate if the level of implementation of the Management System (s) is sufficient for the Organization to proceed to Stage 2 

Step 2: Stage 2 Audit

• The purpose of Stage 2 Audit is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Organizations’ Management System (s).
• The audit will be conducted on-site covering at least the following:
• Conformity to all requirements of the applicable standard (s)
• The Organization’s ability to conform to the applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements
• The Organization’s ability to meet their key performance objectives and targets 
• The duration of the Stage 2 Audit will depends upon various factors such as scope, size, number of sites and complexity of the Organization’s operations. 

Upon successful conclusion of Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits, the QSC America Audit Team will communicate the audit findings to the Organization that may require actions to be taken within a certain timeframe. The Audit Team will review actions taken and submit the Audit Report with appropriate recommendations to the QSC America Audit Review Team.  

  QSC America Audit Review Team will review and present the Audit Report to the QSC America Certification Committee. The QSC America Certification Committee will take a final decision on granting and issuance of the Management System Certificate (s), subject to successful annual surveillance audits.  

  QSC America will conduct annual surveillance audits to verify if the Organization continues to satisfy the requirements of the applicable Management System Standard (s). The Audit Team will submit the Audit Report including actions taken by the Organization, if any, to the QSC America Audit Review Team. QSC America Audit Review Team will review and present the Audit Report to the QSC America Certification Committee for a decision on retention of the Management System Certificate (s).  

  QSC America will conduct Re-certification Audits once in 3 years, if the Organization desires to renew their Management System Certificate (s). Organizations are requested to complete the application and follow the same process as outlined above for certification.