Certification bodies audit the systems and products of other organisations and issue certificates; they are themselves under the audit of an accreditation body. This two-tier structure makes one point critical in the documents they produce: the scope of the certificate.
Two-tier audit
The body both audits and is audited. The structure has two tiers. The documents reflect this structure.
Accreditation documents
The body's own authority is shown by an accreditation certificate. The document carries scope information. It is carried over exactly.
Certificate texts
The certificates issued are short, formulaic texts. Every field carries a piece of information. No field is left blank.
Scope statement
Which activity the certificate covers is written expressly. The wording is limiting. It is not broadened.
The risk of scope broadening
Broader wording gives the impression of an authority that was not granted. This puts both the body and the client at risk. Fidelity is absolute.
References to standards
The certificate states the standard under which it was issued. Number and version are preserved. The basis is carried over.
Standard version
The year in a standard shows its version. If the year is dropped, an old version may be assumed. The field is preserved.
Validity period
Certificates are issued for a set term and renewed. The dates are carried over exactly. A check is made.
Audit reports
Audits before and after certification generate reports. The reports carry a list of findings. The structure is preserved.
Nonconformity findings
Findings are classified by degree of severity. The classes are not mixed up. The distinction is preserved.
Corrective action requests
The actions to be taken on findings and their time limits are defined. The dates are stated. The fields are verified.
Surveillance audits
Interim audits are made during the term of the certificate. Each audit generates a report. The cycle is regular.
Suspension and withdrawal
A certificate may be suspended or withdrawn. These decisions are notified in writing. The text is formulaic.
Foreign clients
Certificates issued to clients abroad are also drawn up in the target language. The two texts are kept equivalent. Consistency is sought.
International recognition
Recognition of a certificate abroad depends on the accreditation chain. The chain is visible in the document. The entry is carried over.
Mutual recognition arrangements
Agreements between accreditation bodies secure recognition. The texts are formal in nature. Expertise is sought.
Procedures and instructions
The body's own internal procedures are audited too. The texts describe processes. The scope is defined.
Impartiality declarations
There are texts on the body's impartiality. The wording is formulaic. It is carried over exactly.
Auditor competence records
The competence of those who conduct the audit is shown by records. The documents carry personal data. Access is restricted.
The decisive role of the scope wording
In these documents the value of the certificate lies in the scope line; a broadening or narrowing made in that line directly changes which work the company holding the document can take on. For this reason the scope section goes through a separate review layer. The decision is confirmed with the body.
Limits of liability
What is described here is for information purposes and does not replace a certification or technical opinion. Assessment belongs to the competent bodies. The limit is stated.