Accredited Management System Process (AMSP) | Accredify Global

Accredited Management System Process

1. Scope

   This process defines the rules for certification and registration of management systems operated by organizations across all industrial and service sectors. The term “management system” is used throughout.

2. Definitions
   • Applicant: An organization seeking certification and registration of its management system by Accredify Global LLC.
   • Organization: A group of people and facilities with defined responsibilities, authorities, and relationships.
   • Certified/Registered Organization: An organization certified by Accredify Global LLC.
   • Accredify Global: Accredify Global LLC.
   • AB: Accreditation Board.
   • IAF: International Accreditation Forum.
3. Reference

   The certification process is based on compliance with the latest ISO management system certification requirements and AB guidelines.

4. General Rules
   • Certification is granted to organizations demonstrating compliance with ISO standards.
   • Applicants must abide by the rules in force at the time of certification.
   • Revised rules must be adopted by the next renewal cycle.
   • Certification agreements cannot alter requirements.
   • Organizations must sign the Accredify Global Certification Agreement as legal acceptance.
5. Certificate Characteristics
   • Scope: Certificates confirm that the management system complies with the reference standard.
   • Validity: Certificates are valid for 3 years, subject to successful surveillance audits.
   • Conditions: Certificates remain valid if:
     • The management system is maintained.
     • Significant changes (e.g., new site, name change, major process change) are reported.
     • Surveillance audits (max 12-month intervals) are completed.
     • Financial obligations are met.
6. Certification Application
   • Any organization may apply using the official Application Form.
   • Accredify Global reviews information and issues a quotation with scope, entities, activities, and audit time.
   • Pre-audits may be performed (limited to one).
   • Pre-audits may be performed (limited to one).
   • Certification begins upon signed acceptance of the quotation and Certification Agreement.
7. Certification Process
   1. Application Review

   Applications are reviewed, audit schedules confirmed, and audit team members communicated to the applicant. Clients may object to auditors if impartiality concerns exist.

   2. Stage 1 Audit
      • Document review and readiness assessment.
      • Verification of internal audits, management reviews, scope, and regulatory compliance.
      • Findings documented in the Stage 1 Audit Report.
      • Gaps must be addressed before Stage 2.
   3. Stage 2 Audit
      • Full on-site audit to verify implementation and effectiveness.
      • Process approach applied across all levels.
      • Nonconformities documented as Corrective Action Requests (CARs).
      • Client responses required within 2 weeks.
   4. Certification Decision

      The Certification Committee reviews audit files and decides on certification. The decision is final and communicated within 2 working days.

   5. Registration & Publication

      Certificates include standard, scope, validity, client details, Accredify Global logo, AB logo, and Managing Director’s signature.

   6. Surveillance Audits
      • Conducted annually, no more than 12 months apart.
      • Cover nonconformities, complaints, continual improvement, and system changes.
      • May include short-notice or unscheduled audits.
   7. Renewal

      At the end of the 3-year cycle, a renewal audit is performed to ensure system effectiveness and ongoing compliance.

8. Specific Cases
   • Certification Modification: Scope, processes, or sites may be added or removed.
   • Multi-site Certification: Available for organizations with multiple sites.
   • Short-Notice Audits: May occur for complaints, significant changes, or AB requests.
9. Use of Certificate & Logo

   Certified organizations must follow the rules for the use of Accredify Global’s logo and certification mark. Misuse may lead to suspension.

10. Certificate Suspension & Withdrawal
    • Suspension: May occur due to misuse of logos, nonconformities, or unpaid fees.
    • Withdrawal: Issued if issues are unresolved or upon client request.
11. Complaints & Appeals

    Clients may submit complaints or appeals via the official website. All cases are handled impartially as per defined procedures.

12. Confidentiality

    All Accredify Global staff, auditors, and committee members are bound by legally enforceable agreements to maintain client confidentiality. Information is disclosed only with client consent or as required by law or accreditation rules.

13. Impartiality

    Top management ensures impartiality in all certification activities. Accredify Global does not:

    • Provide consultancy or internal audits.
    • Use auditors linked to consultancy activities in the past 2 years.
    • Accept financial or commercial influence that could compromise impartiality.
14. Certification Fees

    Fees are defined in quotations and may vary by scope, size, and complexity.

15. Reference Standards Changes

    Transition to revised ISO standards follows defined AB/IAF timelines.

16. Accreditation Body Oversight

    AB auditors may witness or verify audits at any stage of the certification cycle.

17. Directory of Certified Clients

    A public directory of certified, suspended, and withdrawn clients is maintained on Accredify Global’s website.

18. Public Information

    Accredify Global publishes information on:

    • Audit and certification processes.
    • Certification decisions (granting, suspension, withdrawal).
    • Types of management systems certified.
    • Use of marks and certification references.
    • Complaint and appeal processes.
    • Impartiality policy.