Certification Process
Regardless of the particular program selected, TQCSI has an established method of assessing management systems to formal third party certification. TQCSI applies simple, effective applications and interpretations within the following framework:
1 – Introduction Interview
Contact TQCSI Philippines have a clear understanding of the requirements and conditions of certification.
For large organizations, or those with diverse operations, it may be desirable at this stage for TQCSI to visit and view your Organization’s operations and services.
Once the necessary information has been solicited, you will be given a firm quotation for the certification services with all costs explained and no hidden charges to worry about.
2 – Application
Once you decide to accept TQCSI for certification, you should complete the Application Form and forward it to TQCSI (Philippines).
On receipt of the application, you will receive an acknowledgment which, in itself, may be used to demonstrate to your customers that you have made a firm commitment to proceed to third party certification. A proposed time frame for the certification will then be agreed upon.
3 – Stage 1 Audit, Document Review
When your Policy Manual or equivalent document(s) has been completed, you may contact TQCSI (Philippines) to arrange for a Document Review. The Review will determine the Manual’s/documents’ conformance with the Management System Standard, and will identify the discrepancies that require correction before the Pre-Audit and/or System Audit can be conducted. You will be provided with a written report detailing any areas requiring attention.
4 – Pre-Audit
You may opt to undergo a Pre-Audit to preview your Organization’s preparedness for the System Audit. While this service will not review every function of the system, many organizations have found this beneficial in highlighting any major discrepancies prior to the more formal assessment.
5 – Stage 2 Audit, System Audit or Certification Audit
When you have assessed that your system is operating as documented, effective operation within your system has developed a viable history of performance, and you have addressed the issues identified by the Document Review or Pre-Audit, the formal System Audit can be arranged.
If a minor non-conformance is found during the System Audit, you will be required to provide an Action Plan to address the relevant issues.
If a major non-conformance is found, you will be required to take appropriate action to rectify the problems and thereafter, the relevant issues will be re-audited by TQCSI Auditor.
6 – Certification, Issuance of Certificates
Provided that your Management Systems demonstrate compliance to the Standard, and recognized non-conformances have been corrected, or there is an agreed satisfactory Action Plan in place, your Organization will be recommended for certification. The recommendation will then be submitted to the TQCSI Certification Approval Panel for ratification.
You will be asked to sign a TMLA (Trade Mark License Agreement), which explains your responsibilities and the responsibilities of TQCSI to ensure your system remains compliant following certification. It will specify the scope and any limitations to, or exclusions from, the certification. Your Certificate of Registration will then be issued, normally within five days of certification approval.
You may then use the TQCSI Certification Marks and other approved marks for promotional and identification purposes. The TQCSI Certification Mark highlights your commitment to continuously improve your Organization’s processes in accordance with international and/or industry-specific standards. TQCSI Rules of Certification contain the guidelines for the use of these marks.
7 – Surveillance Audits
TQCSI conducts regular surveillance audits that are scheduled to conform with your availability.
Normally once or twice per year (depending on the size of your Organization) within two years, the TQCSI Auditor will check your system to ensure its continued conformance with the Standard and your own documented management system. The frequency and length of these Surveillance Audits are determined by international guidelines.
Should non-conformances be recognized during these audits you will be required to implement corrective actions within a time frame determined by you and the Auditor. Continued failure to correct the non-conformances may result in suspension of the certification.
8 – Triennial Assessment / Re-Certification Assessment
On the third anniversary of your original certification, you will be required to undergo a reassessment similar to that of the initial System Audit. This requirement is designed to ensure that the entire system continually conform with the Standard. On successful completion of the Triennial Assessment you will receive a new Certificate of Registration with three years validity, subject to the conduct of annual or semi-annual surveillance audits for 2 years.
Our Assurance to Your Certification
At TQCSI we strive to retain simplicity in the audit and certification process and set the highest priority on client requirements in a partnership relationship. The implementation of this method and philosophy is what sets TQCSI apart from the others who, too often, demonstrate bureaucracy, require additional overheads and prove to be, both, difficult to achieve and expensive.
TQCSI provides a reputable, honest and credible certification. We maintain the highest standards upon which you and your customers can rely.
TQCSI employs carefully selected and qualified auditors who have had extensive business experience, and who understand business demands.
We add value to our clients’ certification which strengthens our partnership and grows our reputation as the most professional certification body in the world.