📝 Audit Processes
TUV United Arabia conducts ISO certification audits in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and IAF guidelines, ensuring impartiality, transparency, and technical competence throughout the full certification lifecycle.
📌 1. Application and Contract Review
- Client submits application with relevant scope and details.
- Audit scope and applicable standards are evaluated.
- Proposal issued and certification agreement signed.
🗂️ 2. Audit Planning
- Audit team assigned based on technical and sector competence.
- Audit plan prepared and shared with the client.
- Schedule and logistics confirmed in advance.
🔍 3. Stage 1 Audit – Readiness Review
- Review of documents, policies, and scope alignment.
- Assessment of implementation readiness.
- Identification of gaps before Stage 2 audit.
✅ 4. Stage 2 Audit – Certification Audit
- On-site audit of system effectiveness and conformity.
- Evidence collection through interviews and observation.
- Documentation of findings (NCs, observations, OFIs).
📄 5. Audit Report and Certification Decision
- Comprehensive audit report finalized and reviewed independently.
- Certification decision made by authorized personnel.
- Certificate issued upon successful compliance.
🔄 6. Surveillance Audits
- Conducted annually starting after the first year of certification.
- Focus on continual improvement and key process performance.
- Ensures ongoing conformity with applicable standards.
♻️ 7. Recertification Audit
- Conducted before the end of the 3-year cycle.
- Full system evaluation for continuity and compliance.
- New certificate issued if requirements are maintained.
🚨 8. Special Audits (As Required)
- Triggered by major changes, complaints, or scope expansions.
- Ensures certification remains valid and credible.
- May also follow up on suspension or withdrawal conditions.
TUV United Arabia upholds confidentiality, impartiality, and competence at every step of the certification process, in full alignment with ISO/IEC 17021-1 and applicable accreditation requirements.
📄 Certification Process Transparency
In accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, Clause 8.1.1, TUV United Arabia ensures that all processes related to certification decisions are publicly available, clearly defined, and applied consistently across all geographic areas of operation.
These processes include the granting, refusal, maintenance, renewal, suspension, restoration, and withdrawal of certification, as well as the expansion or reduction of the scope of certification. Our procedures are guided by principles of impartiality, competence, and transparency to maintain trust in the certification process.
For complete details on the decision-making process, please refer to our official Certification Procedure document below.