FAQs
If you are new to ACA Intercert or have a question, you can find quick answers to questions our clients have previously asked here.
Certification Related Questions
The audit scope generally includes a description of the physical locations, organizational units, activities, and processes that are to be covered by the assessment audit.
What is ISO 50001?
Find out more about ISO 50001 here →
What will we do for you?
ACA provides third-party assessment services in relation to certain ISO management system standards. For more information, please Contact Us
How long will it take to become certified?
That would depend on the standard in question and your commitment to the task; on average, it can take between three and nine months to achieve certification.
Do we have to appoint a Quality Manager?
No, however, we would recommend you appoint an individual or individuals with responsibility over the maintenance of your management system.
Audit Related Question
What is a certification audit?
A certification audit involves the review of your management system documentation to ensure it meets the requirements of the standard and your own requirements, followed by an assessment of the evidence that your organisation is following the processes, policies, and procedures covered by the scope of the particular ISO management system standard.
Is an annual assessment mandatory?
Not necessarily, an assessment has to be conducted at least annually, so you could have more than one assessment in a calendar year. ACA Intercert audits their clients annually.
What is a re-assessment?
If your ISO management system has not been assessed regularly, then you may require re-assessment. This will involve a full review of your management system, similar to that carried out during an initial certification audit.
What is a surveillance assessment?
What is Gap Analysis?
A GAP Analysis is an assessment undertaken at the start of the implementation of an ISO standard to establish how compliant an organisation is with that particular standard. If you’d like further information on this topic, simply contact us, and one of our representatives will be in touch.
Can I fail an assessment?
You fail an assessment if you receive any non-conformances. A non-conformance is the failure to fulfil a requirement. The Auditor is looking for evidence of conformity during your assessment. If they are unable to find it, they would raise a non-conformance.
Is remote auditing an option?
Remote auditing can play a part in the assessment process. For further clarification on whether a remote assessment audit would suit your situation, please Contact Us
What is a 'Scope' of certification?
The audit scope generally includes a description of the physical locations, organizational units, activities, and processes that are to be covered by the assessment audit.
How long does it take to receive my certificate?
If you have passed your assessment audit and paid your invoice, your certificate can be issued to you within ten working days of your audit assessment date.
Legal Related Questions
Do I need to grant access to all my records during an audit?
Your Auditor will ask you to provide evidence of conformity during an audit. If this has to involve confidential records, we are able to sign a confidentiality agreement if you so wish.
How do you maintain confidentiality?
Anything seen during your audit will remain confidential. If you have any concerns, we can sign a confidentiality agreement if you so wish.
Non-Conformance questions
What happens if I have non-conformances?
You will be given a period of time to rectify your non-conformances, depending on the classification. Once the non-conformance has been cleared, you can be issued your certificate.
Why is a non-conformance raised?
A non-conformance is raised when there is evidence that a process, policy or procedure related to the management system has not been followed.
Finance Related questions
How much does certification cost?
It will depend on the standard to be audited and the size and complexity of the audit to be conducted. Please Contact Us
Post Certification questions
How long will my certification last?
Certificates issued by ACA will generally expire after 12 months from the date of the audit.
What happens if I forget to book my surveillance audit?
Don’t worry, our team of Client Co-Ordinators will contact you in good time to book your audit and ensure that you can continue your certification.
