Agreed certification scope and criteria
Define the boundary and intended outcome for this part of the engagement.
SUPPORT SERVICE / MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Certification Readiness Support for practical progress.
A pre-assessment readiness review to help an organisation understand its preparedness before approaching an independent certification body.
01 / Service overview
Understand the need. Shape the support.
Implementation records, audits and open actions
Connect the activity to the organisation's actual processes and applicable requirements.
Readiness considerations before independent assessment
Turn observations into practical actions that can be owned and reviewed.
A pre-assessment readiness review to help an organisation understand its preparedness before approaching an independent certification body. The exact scope, deliverables, responsibilities and timing should be agreed after understanding the organisation’s context and intended outcomes.
The engagement should be proportionate to the organisation's context, selected framework, activities and available resources. Scope, deliverables and responsibilities are agreed before work begins.
02 / What this support can address
Focused on practical outcomes.
The areas below help frame the engagement. Exact activities depend on the agreed scope, organisational context and evidence available.
Readiness criteria
Clarify intended scope, requirements and assessment stages.
Evidence review
Check whether documented and operational evidence is available.
Open-item tracking
Identify unresolved issues and assign action owners.
Assessment preparation
Understand preparation activities and interfaces with the certification body.
03 / Typical engagement
A clear, proportionate process.
A typical sequence is outlined here. Activities, timing and deliverables are tailored and confirmed for each engagement.
Confirm scope and objectives
Confirm the intended certification standard, scope, locations and applicable scheme requirements.
Review current arrangements
Review implementation evidence, internal audit results, management review and corrective-action status.
Plan and carry out the work
Identify unresolved issues and clarify what evidence or process improvements may be needed.
Evaluate results and actions
Agree a readiness action plan and support closure of agreed actions.
Maintain and improve
Explain the independent certification process and the organisation’s responsibilities during assessment.
04 / Scope and responsibilities
Keep roles clear.
What this service does — and does not do.
Readiness support is advisory and based on the agreed review scope. The certification body remains independent and controls its audit programme and certification decision. No consultant can guarantee a successful outcome.
Any applicable certification, accreditation, validation or verification decision remains with the relevant independent body. The organisation remains accountable for its own management system and operational decisions.
05 / Frequently asked questions
Certification Readiness Support, explained.
Answers to common questions about the scope and practical use of this support service.
What does readiness mean?
It means reviewing whether the system appears prepared for independent assessment within the agreed scope.
Can you decide if we will be certified?
No. Only the independent certification body makes the certification decision.
When should support begin?
Usually after relevant processes have been implemented and evidence is available for review.
Does it replace internal audit?
No. Internal audit and management review are separate system activities where required.
DISCUSS THE SCOPE
Start with the work your organisation needs.
Review the standards catalogue or discuss the support required for your management system.