What is ISO Certification?

In the global marketplace, maintaining consistency and quality standards is a must for each and every industry.

As a result, ISO(International Organization for Standardization) develops and researches on a wide range of the standards that range from proprietary, industrial to commercial.

The ISO organization consists of members from more than 150 national standardization bodies from different parts of the world.

Moreover, ISO provides authority to third-party bodies to certify the businesses that utilize international standards and are committed to offer high quality products and services.

These third-party bodies provide your business ISO Certification or an ISO Certificate. This certificate acts as a seal of trust and proof that your organization is working as per the international standards.

Adhering to ISO Standards and achieving ISO Certification is beneficial for every business whether working nationally or internationally.

What is the Validity of ISO Certification?

The validity of ISO Certification depends on a number of factors. Each ISO certification body offers a unique set of services.

Some ISO certifications are valid for three years, however some need to be renewed each year.

Important Note: You must know that regardless of how long your ISO certification is valid, your organization will be subject to regular ISO surveillance audits. The purpose of these audits is to make sure that your quality management systems are still working properly on a yearly basis.

What is an ISO Surveillance Audit?

ISO Surveillance audits are designed to guarantee that an organization continues to meet the standards set by the organization.

Mostly, every year the company requires ISO surveillance to renew the ISO Certificate through ISO Surveillance Audit Procedure.

For example, if you get ISO 9001 Certification the ISO conducts an audit of a firm that it is in compliance with the ISO 9001 standard, which outlines standards for a quality management system (QMS).

An auditor is sent to the firm on a regular basis by the certifying authority to verify that the management system is in operation. A surveillance audit must be conducted at least once a year by the auditor.

Things to Keep in Mind while applying for ISO Surveillance Audit

#1. Auditors also look for small inconsistencies and points of concern found throughout the certification or previous ISO Surveillance Audit.

#2.Fixing any non-conformances should be a priority for every organization.

#3.Surveillance audits assist a company in preparing for its recertification audit, thus it's best not to ignore them.

#4.Organizations must also make audit results transparent to their management team so that they may take into account both the audit results and management review aspects.

#5.A company's policies and procedures must be revised as per ISO Standards in a timely manner to suit the organization's evolving needs.

What happens if you fail an ISO Surveillance audit?

At some point throughout the certification process, it is common for a company to fail an audit. So, You don't need to worry and panic.

The failure of an ISO Surveillance Audit should be seen as an opportunity for your company to enhance its compliance.

If you fail an external ISO audit, you may easily get back on track.

There will be ample opportunity and time to address any problems that are discovered during your audit.

The auditor will be reviewing or again doing ISO Surveillance audit after you have made changes.

The status of your audit will be updated to complaint if the additional evidence in the audit fits the requirements.

ISO Surveillance Audit vs ISO Certification Audit: The Differences

ISO Surveillance Audit

ISO Surveillance audits are different from initial rigorous audits. It is done only to renew the ISO Certification and status of adherence

ISO Certification Audit

ISO Certification Audit is the primary step to get the desired certification. After you successfully qualify ISO Certification Audit, the certificate cycle will begin. The ISO Surveillance Audit is part of the certification cycle.