Frequently Asked Questions

ISO certification is a formal recognition that an organisation complies with specific international standards set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). It demonstrates adherence to best practices in areas such as quality, security, and environmental management.

The timeframe for ISO certification depends on factors such as the organisation’s size, complexity, and readiness. Generally, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

1. Understanding the relevant ISO standard requirements.
2. Developing and implementing a management system.
3. Conducting internal audits and management reviews.
4. Engaging West Assured for an external audit.
5. Addressing any nonconformities identified.
6. Receiving certification upon successful audit completion.

Hiring a consultant is not mandatory, but it can be helpful. A consultant provides expert guidance, streamlines the process, and ensures compliance with ISO requirements.

An ISO Certificate is valid for 3 years. However, the certification is subject to: Annual surveillance audits in Year 1 and Year 2, to confirm continued compliance and a Recertification audit in Year 3 to renew the certificate for another cycle.

Failing an ISO audit does not mean automatic disqualification. Organisations are given an opportunity to address nonconformities through corrective actions. Once issues are resolved, certification can still be achieved.

Yes, an organisation can lose its certification if it fails to comply with standard requirements, does not maintain its management system, does not pass surveillance audits, or is in breach of the certification body terms and conditions.

Yes, ISO certification is internationally recognised, making it beneficial for organisations that operate globally or want to enhance credibility in international markets.

No. The CB and its auditor must be independent and impartial when assessing your system.

The certification services of West Assured are carried out systematically, in line with the documented policies, procedures and methodologies, working with our clients to develop their businesses and to help them achieve real commercial benefit from their management system investment. Our aim is to partner with clients to ensure that their path to certification is easily understandable from the outset, meets their expectations and delivers more than just an assessment and a Certificate.

The certification varies based on a number of factors, including audit duration, business size, risk and how close you are to meeting requirements when you start implementing the system.

You should also expect to pay for copies of the standard, any process changes that are necessary to meet requirements and employee training, if necessary.

The best way to find out how much certification will cost your organisation is to request a quote from us by contacting us at sales@westassured.ie