A certification audit is the official, independent audit that an organization undergoes from a TÜRKAK-accredited certification body in order to obtain a management system certificate (ISO 9001 Quality, 14001 Environment, 45001 OHS, 27001 Information Security, etc.). Certification is far more than a piece of paper; it is a structural requirement for becoming an approved supplier, participating in tenders, renewing customer contracts and earning sector-wide trust. An audit carried out with the right body and the right preparation is completed with an average success rate of 95%+.
Stages of the Certification Process
ISO management system certification is typically conducted through a two-stage audit process:
- Stage 1 (Documentation Review Audit): A preliminary audit verifying whether the system documentation meets the requirements of the standard. The organization's readiness for certification is assessed.
- Stage 2 (Certification Audit): Auditing the on-site implementation and effectiveness of the system. Production, operational and management processes are verified through sampling.
- Closure of Findings: Closing out identified nonconformities through corrective actions.
- Certificate Issuance: Following a positive audit, the certificate is issued bearing the TÜRKAK and international IAF MLA signatures.
- Annual Surveillance Audits: Partial audits repeated each year throughout the certificate's validity period (3 years).
- Recertification: A comprehensive recertification audit at the end of the 3-year cycle.
Criteria for Selecting a Certification Body
| Criterion | Importance |
|---|---|
| TÜRKAK Accreditation | Primary criterion (mandatory) |
| IAF MLA Signature | International validity |
| Sector Expertise | The auditor's command of your sector |
| Acceptance on Customer Lists | Bodies approved under your contracts |
| Cost | Pricing based on scale and audit scope |
| Audit Flexibility | Flexibility of the on-site audit schedule |
| Customer Service | Communication and documentation turnaround |
Types of Findings
- Major Nonconformity (Major NC): A systematic failure to meet a core requirement of the standard. It prevents the certificate from being issued and must be closed.
- Minor Nonconformity (Minor NC): An isolated, minor nonconformity. The certificate may be issued but the issue is followed up.
- Observation: An improvement suggestion not directly related to the standard.
- Positive Finding: Recording good practices (applied by some bodies).
Obtaining Multiple Certificates Simultaneously
Thanks to the Annex SL structure, standards such as ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 can be certified simultaneously in a single audit by establishing an integrated management system (IMS). This approach delivers an average cost saving of 30-40% and significantly reduces the audit burden.
A certification audit is not about building a system for an organization that has none; it is about proving that an existing system conforms to an international standard. A sound certificate is the natural outcome of a sound management system.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a certification audit take?
Depending on company size, Stage 1 + Stage 2 take 2-5 days in total. The closure of findings can take an additional 4-8 weeks. The overall timeline is around 8-12 weeks.
- Is the certificate valid for 3 years?
Yes, for most ISO standards. A surveillance audit is carried out each year throughout the validity period, with recertification at the end of the third year.
- Can I obtain a certificate from a body without TÜRKAK accreditation?
It is possible, but its value is limited. For international validity, an IAF MLA-signed (TÜRKAK-accredited) certification body should be preferred.
- Is the certificate revoked in the event of a major finding?
A major finding at the initial audit results in the certificate not being issued. If it is closed within the set period, the certificate is issued. After the certificate has been obtained, a major finding may lead to suspension or revocation.