Quality System Certification: What Businesses Should Know 

All businesses depend on processes that are designed to ensure consistent quality, meet customer expectations and run operations efficiently. As companies grow, a formalised approach to quality management can become more important.

Quality system certification provides organizations with a way to demonstrate that their management system has been independently assessed against the requirements of an applicable standard.

If you are a business considering certification, knowing the process, what it entails and how to prepare can help to make the journey more structured and effective. 

What Is Quality System Certification?

Quality system certification is an independent evaluation of a quality management system against the requirements of a recognised standard.

One of the most widely used quality management standards is ISO 9001. It provides a framework for organisations to establish and continually improve their quality management systems.

The certification is carried out by an independent certification body and not by ISO itself. In the certification audit the auditors determine whether the management system of the organization meets the applicable requirements in the defined scope.

The scope may include specific products, services, processes, departments or locations, depending upon the activities of the organization. 

Why Do Organizations Pursue Quality System Certification?

Businesses may pursue certification for different operational and commercial reasons.

Demonstrating Commitment to Quality

A structured quality management system can help an organization establish consistent processes and responsibilities. Independent certification provides documented evidence that the system has been assessed against the applicable requirements.

Supporting Customer Requirements

Some customers, contractors, and supply-chain partners may request certification from their suppliers. Having an appropriate certification can therefore support certain business relationships and supplier qualification processes.

Improving Business Processes

Quality management systems encourage organizations to monitor processes, identify issues, establish corrective actions, and evaluate performance. These activities can contribute to more consistent operational management.

Supporting Continual Improvement

A quality management system is not simply about creating documentation. It also involves monitoring performance and identifying opportunities for improvement over time.

How Does Quality System Certification Work?

Although the exact arrangements can vary depending on the organization and certification body, certification generally involves several stages.

1. Select the Appropriate Standard

The organization first identifies the standard applicable to its objectives and activities.

For many organizations, ISO 9001 is the relevant quality management standard. However, the appropriate standard depends on the organization's specific requirements.

2. Define the Certification Scope

The organization determines which activities, products, services, locations, and processes will be included in the management system.

A clearly defined scope helps establish what will be evaluated during the certification audit.

3. Implement the Management System

The organization develops and implements processes that address the requirements of the applicable standard.

This may involve:

• Establishing quality policies and objectives

• Defining roles and responsibilities

• Controlling documented information

• Monitoring processes

• Evaluating risks and opportunities

• Conducting internal audits

• Performing management reviews

• Implementing corrective actions

The exact requirements depend on the selected standard.

4. Conduct an Internal Audit

Before the certification audit, organizations can conduct internal audits to evaluate whether their management system has been implemented effectively.

Internal audits can help identify gaps and provide an opportunity to address issues before the external certification assessment.

5. Certification Audit

An independent certification body conducts the certification audit.

Auditors may review documented information, interview employees, observe processes, and examine objective evidence to determine whether the management system conforms to the applicable requirements.

6. Address Nonconformities

If nonconformities are identified, the organization may need to investigate their causes and implement appropriate corrective actions.

The certification decision is based on the results of the assessment and applicable certification requirements.

Choosing a Certification Body

Selecting an appropriate certification body is an important consideration when pursuing quality system certification.

Organizations can evaluate factors such as:

• Accreditation and applicable certification scope

• Auditor competence

• Relevant industry experience

• Audit methodology

• Certification process

• Transparency of proposals and fees

• Surveillance arrangements

• Recertification requirements

• Certificate verification options

Organizations should also confirm that the certification body can provide certification for the relevant standard and scope.

Maintaining Quality System Certification

Certification should not be considered a one-off activity.

The management systems of certification organisations usually need to be maintained after certification. These can include internal audits, management reviews, process monitoring, corrective actions and continual improvement activities.

In addition, depending on the applicable certification arrangements, surveillance and recertification audits may also be included in the certification cycle.

Ongoing management-system maintenance helps to build quality practices into daily business operations.

Quality System Certification with NACE Certification

Organisations seeking quality system certification should contact NACE Certification to discuss certification needs, scope and applicable standards.

NACE Certification offers conformity assessment and ISO certification services for applicable management system standards. Organisations can check out their requirements and contact NACE to understand the certification process that applies to their activities. 

Learn more about quality system certification and explore certification options for your organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is quality system certification?

Quality system certification is an independent assessment of an organization's quality management system against the requirements of an applicable standard.

Is ISO 9001 a quality system certification standard?

ISO 9001 is a widely used standard for quality management systems. Organizations can seek certification against ISO 9001 through an appropriate certification body.

Is certification mandatory for every business?

No. Certification requirements can depend on the organization's industry, customers, contracts, supply-chain requirements, and other business circumstances.

How long does quality system certification take?

The timeline varies depending on factors such as organization size, scope, complexity, locations, standard, and management-system readiness.

What happens after certification?

Organizations generally need to maintain their management systems and participate in applicable surveillance and recertification activities during the certification cycle.

Conclusion

Quality system certification can offer organisations independent proof that their management system has been assessed against the requirements of a relevant standard.

Preparation plays an important role throughout the process from defining the certification scope and implementing processes to conducting internal audits and completing the certification audit.

Businesses looking to get certified can start their certification journey by assessing their objectives, determining the right standard, defining their scope, and partnering with a suitable certification body. 

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