Certification rules
How the certification scheme is intended to operate.
A serious certification proposition needs visible rules. These draft rules explain how scope is defined, how findings are handled and when certificates may be issued, suspended, withdrawn or allowed to expire.
Core principles
- No certificate should be issued without evidence.
- Scope should be precise and tied to the activities reviewed.
- Certificates should be time-limited and subject to ongoing review.
- Major nonconformities should be resolved before issue.
- Suspended, withdrawn and expired statuses should be shown clearly in the register.
Typical certification cycle
- Requirement review and scope definition
- Document review and audit planning
- Audit activity and findings
- Corrective-action closure where needed
- Certification decision
- Annual surveillance or review activity
- Recertification before expiry