Question 1

What are the benefits of obtaining an ISO certification?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining an ISO certification offers businesses credibility, improved quality management and increased customer satisfaction. It opens doors to new markets, ensures legal compliance and enhances operational efficiency. ISO standards also foster employee engagement, support environmental responsibility and address occupational health, safety, energy and efficiency.

Question 2

What is the difference between accredited and non accredited?

Accepted Answer

Accredited certification bodies undergo formal evaluation by recognised entities such as UKAS(United Kingdom Accreditation Service), ensuring adherence to international standards. Non-accredited bodies lack this external validation, potentially impacting the credibility and acceptance of their certifications.

Question 3

What information do I need to submit to RIQC to obtain a quotation?

Accepted Answer

RIQC needs to understand the scope of operations to determine if it is within RIQC’s Scope of Accreditation. RIQC requires the number of direct and indirect staff within the organisation and the number of geographic locations, to provide an initial overview.

Question 4

How do I need to prepare?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for certification by understanding ISO standard requirements, organising documentation, training employees, conducting internal audits, addressing issues through corrective actions, engaging in management reviews and maintaining good records.

Question 5

How long does it take to achieve certification?

Accepted Answer

The time to achieve certification varies based on factors like the complexity of the organisation, size and the ISO standard pursued. Typically, the process can take several months, involving documentation preparation, internal audits, corrective actions, and RIQC’s assessment.

Question 6

Can I be certified to more than one ISO?

Accepted Answer

Yes, businesses can be certified to multiple ISO standards simultaneously. The ability to pursue and obtain certification for various standards, such as ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50001, demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to quality, environmental, occupational health and safety and energy management.

Question 7

What is the difference between standalone and integrated?

Accepted Answer

Standalone certification involves obtaining certification for individual ISO standards independently. Integrated certification, on the other hand, combines multiple standards into a unified management system, streamlining processes.
Integrated systems enhance efficiency, reduce duplication and demonstrate a holistic commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, safety and energy management.

Question 8

What happens if I fail an audit for certification?

Accepted Answer

If your business fails an audit for certification, it indicates non-compliance with ISO standards. RIQC provides a detailed report highlighting areas of concern. Your business must address identified issues through corrective actions before certification award. This, however, may be subject to the level of non-conformance found as Major corrective actions must be addressed prior to award.

Question 9

How many days are required for an audit and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

This requirement will vary as it is based upon the complexity of the organisation’s operations, locations and number of direct and indirect staff within the business.  Audit time is determined through UKAS mandatory requirements. Costs will be based upon the number of audit days required and a breakdown of preparation, audit duration and report time. This will all be detailed within your quote.

Question 10

Are there any additional fees apart from the initial certification cost?

Accepted Answer

Additional fees may be incurred where close out of any non-conformance is found during certification, re-certification, or surveillance.

Question 11

How long is a certificate valid for?

Accepted Answer

Certificates are valid for three years subject to continued surveillance within that period. After this period, a recertification audit would ensure the next three-year cycle.

Question 12

What kind of support and resources are available after certification?

Accepted Answer

RIQC provides support throughout the certification process and are available to discuss any concerns.  RIQC consider certification to be a working partnership. The RIQC ‘Certification Process’ document is available on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions