The certification process

This is a guide to all the major steps in the certification process.

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First Steps - Setting up the Certification Contract

• The provider contacts QISMET for initial discussion regarding applying for QISMET certification.
• QISMET asks the provider to complete a profile for the organisation.
• On the basis of the information provided on the organisation profile QISMET will design an audit process which is tailored to the provider and produce a quote to carry out the certification accordingly.
• Both parties reach agreement on the scope of the audit and the fee for carrying out the certification and sign the contract which sets out the terms for carrying out the certification and the agreed fee.
• Click here to find to see QISMET's pricing structure for carrying out certifications.

Next Steps - Completing self-assessment and making a formal application for certification

• The provider carries out a self-assessment to see whether it meets the Standard against which it is seeking certification.
• When the provider is confident that it can meet all the requirements of the Standard it will complete QISMET's formal certification application, submit the required desk top review documents and pay the agreed fee stated in the signed contract.
• When successful payment of the fee is completed QISMET will assign an auditor (or auditors) to carry out the tailored audit, which is based upon the agreed scope , and will inform the named contact given by the provider.
• The  lead auditor will liaise with the named contact to agree a date(s) for the site visit.

Carrying out the audit

• The  lead auditor will then liaise with the provider's named contact to discuss the desk top review documents and make all necessary arrangements for the audit site visit, including who they wish to interview and what documents they would like to see.  A programme for the visit is agreed.
• The audit site visit takes place and compliance with the requirements of the Standard is ascertained.
• On completion of the site visit the  lead auditor will inform the named contact if the provider has successfully met the Standard and whether they will recommend (or otherwise) that the provider be certificated by QISMET. The auditor(s) complete an audit workbook which records the evidence they have seen which demonstrates to them whether each requirement has or has not been met. The lead auditor also produces a formal report of their findings which is sent to the provider and must be signed off by the named contact.
• In situations where not all the requirements have been met the lead auditor agrees an improvement plan with the organisation which addresses the issues raised. The provider will have a set period of time in which to carry out the agreed improvements. At the end of this period the lead auditor will review how the improvement plan has been carried out. If they are then satisfied that the actions taken by the provider now demonstrate that it meets all the requirements, they will sign off the improvement plan and recommend that the provider is certificated by QISMET.

Certification of a Provider

• The  lead auditor then submits copies of the audit workbook, signed audit report and signed off improvement plan to QISMET, along with their recommendation to certificate (or otherwise) the provider.
• QISMET's Assessment Panel reviews all documentation submitted by the lead auditor and each member will indicated whether they approve (or otherwise) the lead auditor's recommendation.
• The provider will then be informed of the final decision.
• Where certification is approved the provider will be sent a QISMET Certificate which is valid for three years from the date of approval.

Eighteen Month 'Check-up'

Eighteen months into the three year certification period the same auditor(s), wherever possible, will conduct a further audit site visit to check whether the provider is still meeting the requirements of the Standard. Improvements may be required at this stage to ensure continued certification.