cERTIFICATION PROCESS

Preliminary Evaluation (Click Here to Submit Form)
The first step in the certification process is a preliminary evaluation to determine IAF scope within which the client's operations fall for QCS's Certification Program. This step also ensures that the appropriate audit resources will be assigned.
 

Quotation
QCS will issue a quotation based on the information obtained via the preliminary evaluation. The quote will detail each step of the certification process. For initial Certification 2 stage audit is carried out.

Application/ Contract

Upon accepting the quotation, the client submits to QCS an application for certification. This document and related amendments will serve as a contract for services to be rendered. The contract period is 3 years for single site certifications and 3-5 years for corporate certifications.

Pre-Audit
Depending on the standard, this may be an optional activity, carried out towards the end of the implementation process. The client may request a pre-audit of the management system. The pre-audit allows the QCS audit team the opportunity to familiarize itself with the client's operations and to provide feedback that may minimize the risk of major non-conformities during the certification audit. Result is Pre Audit are not considered for certification audit.

Assignment of Auditors
Upon endorsing the contract, QCS will assign a Lead Auditor and a technical expert, as may be required for the client's specific industrial sector. QCS assigns auditors based IASASIA codes accredited certificates

Manual / Document Review
Prior to 1st stage certification audit the client will provide QCS a controlled copy of its management system manual (or equivalent documentation) along with its primary procedures. These documents will be reviewed and feedback will be provided to the client prior to the certification audit. Such review and onsite visit would be dealt as 1st stage audit for new / certification clients.

Certification Audit
The certification audit ( 2nd stage audit) is conducted by QCS America/QCS India approved auditors for approved audit man-days. At its conclusion depending on the results of the audit, the Lead Auditor recommends to the QCS Certification Board that the site(s) be certified under the applicable standard. The audit team may request corrective action, which must be verified prior to making a certification recommendation.

Registration
Once the certification board makes a favorable decision, QCS would proceed to include the site (s) in a list of Certified Companies.

Surveillance Audits
At least once per year, QCS would assess the site for ongoing compliance with the applicable standard.
Client status is suspended , if surveillance audit is not completed within 12 months period from last audit.