Our Process for Certifications & Audits
At Orion, our auditing approach is not a one-way street.
We strive to set and establish mutual goals through an open and transparent process. As a standard practice, we have you meet the auditor in advance to make sure that they are a good fit for your organization. This encourages trust and open two-way communication at all stages of the audit. We also take any feedback very seriously and strive to make sure that your needs are 100% met. As such, not only are our audits extremely thorough, but they also add real value to your organization.
Whether your business needs to implement international standards or establish a plan for an entirely new set of standards for your industry or association, Orion is a fully qualified partner who can help you reach your goals.
The Benefits of Certification
Certification can help you
Certification can help you
Overview of the Certification Process
1. Sign the Agreement
Prior to starting your certification journey, the application must be signed and returned to Orion along with any required deposit.
2. Book Your Audit/ Team Selection
After we have reviewed and accepted your application, our team will reach out to discuss your needs and book a mutually agreeable time with you and your assigned auditor.
3. Perform GAP Audit (optional)
4. Perform Stage 1 Audit: Readiness Review
A Stage 1 audit is typically only needed for management system standards accredited under ISO 17021 such as ISO 9001 / 14001 etc..
A Stage 1 audit is conducted to determine whether your organization is ready to move to Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit) by confirming that:
- The management system addresses all the requirements of the standard.
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The management system has been implemented and the client is ready for the Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit).
Most clients tend to allow two to four weeks between the Stage 1 and Stage 2 to allow time to address any deficiencies.
The following items are reviewed for ISO management system standards accredited under ANAB standards.
- the documented information appears to meet the requirements of the standard;
- review and evaluate site-specific conditions and to discuss the client’s preparedness for stage 2;
- review the client’s status and understanding regarding requirements of the standard, in particular with respect to the identification of key performance or significant aspects, processes, objectives and operation of the management system;
- obtain necessary information regarding the scope of the management system, including: — the client’s site(s); — processes and equipment used; — levels of controls established (particularly in case of multisite clients); — applicable statutory and regulatory requirements;
- review the allocation of resources for stage 2 and agree the details of stage 2 with the client;
- provide a focus for planning stage 2 by gaining a sufficient understanding of the client’s management system and site operations in the context of the management system standard or other normative document;
- evaluate if the internal audits and management reviews are being planned and performed, and that the level of implementation of the management system substantiates that the client is ready for stage 2.
5. Perform Stage 2 Audit: Certification Audit
This audit is conducted to ensure that the processes and the requirements of the standard have been effectively implemented. To do this, our team reviews objective evidence by conducting interviews, observing practices and reviewing documentation such as relevant policies, procedures, work instructions, data and records.
The key deliverables from this stage include:
- An audit report detailing positive aspects, issues for resolution (non-conformances), and areas for improvement.
- A recommendation regarding your registration.
The following items are reviewed for ISO management system standards accredited under ANAB standards.
The purpose of stage 2 is to evaluate the implementation, including effectiveness, of the standards and other requirements. Depending on the standard, industrial sector and other factors, the audit may be on-site or remote.
For ISO management system standards, it shall include the auditing of at least the following:
- information and evidence about conformity to all requirements of the applicable standard or other normative documents;
- performance monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing against key performance objectives and targets (consistent with the expectations in the applicable standard or other normative document);
- the client’s ability and its performance regarding meeting of applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements;
- operational control of the client’s processes;
- internal auditing and management review;
- management responsibility for the client’s policies
6. Certification Review / Certificate
The results from the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits are reviewed to ensure that all Orion accreditation requirements have been met and a proper recommendation made. At this point, approval is given to either certify, seek clarification, or not certify.
Upon successful of our review, a certificate will be issued.
7. Perform Surveillance or Recertification Audit
Certification is based on a 3-year cycle. To maintain your certification, your organization must participate in ongoing audits.
For ANAB-accredited standards, annual audits are required. The first two are surveillance audits and only look at a portion of your system, whereas the third-year review (re-certification) is a more comprehensive audit and looks at your overall system for continued effectiveness.