Four stages. One certificate.

Our certification process is transparent, fixed-fee, and designed around your timeline.

1
Week 0–1

Free Gap Analysis

We review your current management system against your target standard. This can be done on-site or remotely, and typically takes 1–2 days.

What happens

  • On-site or remote review
  • Benchmark vs target standard
  • Written gap analysis report
  • Prioritised action plan

What you get

  • Free written gap report
  • Fixed-fee quote (full 3-year cycle)
  • No obligation to proceed
  • Reply within 1 business day
2
Week 1–6

Documentation & Readiness

Your dedicated lead auditor guides you through the documentation you need. You'll have a named point of contact for every question.

What happens

  • Documentation templates provided
  • Readiness review before Stage 1
  • Named lead auditor on every call
  • Pre-audit check against standard

Support included

  • Unlimited email support
  • Document review by your auditor
  • No additional fees for support
  • Ready for Stage 1 sign-off
3
Week 6–10

Stage 1 & Stage 2 Audit

Stage 1 is a readiness review — we confirm your system is ready for a full audit. Stage 2 is the certification audit itself. Both can be on-site or remote.

Stage 1 — Readiness

  • Readiness review
  • Documentation check
  • Typically 1 day
  • Confirms you're ready for Stage 2

Stage 2 — Certification

  • Full certification audit
  • Verbal outcome at closing meeting
  • Written audit report in 5 days
  • Findings log with corrective actions
4
Week 10–12

Certificate Issued

Once any minor findings are closed, your certificate is issued as a verifiable PDF with a QR code. It's valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits included.

What's included

  • Digital certificate with QR verification
  • Valid for 3 years from issue date
  • Annual surveillance audits included
  • Recertification audit at end of year 3

Ongoing support

  • Same lead auditor for the full cycle
  • Use of the QICS certification mark
  • Free certificate updates if reissued
  • Priority support for any queries
What's Included

Every certification includes

One fixed fee covers the entire 3-year cycle — nothing is billed hourly, nothing is left out.

Free Gap Analysis

We review your current system before you commit — so you know exactly what's needed.

Dedicated Lead Auditor

One named auditor owns your file from start to finish. No handoffs, no new faces.

Documentation Templates

Ready-to-use templates for policies, procedures and records — saving weeks of work.

Surveillance Audits

Annual surveillance audits in years 1 and 2 — all included in the fixed fee.

Fixed-Fee Pricing

One quote, agreed upfront. No hourly billing, no scope-creep invoices.

QR-Verified Certificate

Digital certificate with a QR code — verifiable instantly on our public verify page.

FAQ

Process — Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about how the certification process works.

Most organisations complete certification in 6–12 weeks from first call. The Fast Track option compresses this to as little as 6 weeks for smaller businesses with simpler scopes.
Stage 1 is a readiness review — we confirm your management system is complete and ready for a full audit. Stage 2 is the actual certification audit where we check that your system is being followed in practice.
Yes. Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 can be fully remote or hybrid, and produce the same certificate. Fully remote audits are recognised under IAF rules and can save significant time and travel cost.
Minor findings are normal. You'll receive a findings log with clear corrective actions. Once those are addressed — usually within 2–4 weeks — your certificate is issued. Major findings may require a short follow-up audit.
Surveillance audits are shorter annual checks (in years 1 and 2) to confirm your system is still being maintained. They're included in your fixed fee, so there are no surprise bills.
At the end of year 3, a recertification audit is conducted to renew your certificate for another 3 years. Recertification is included in your original fixed fee.

Ready to begin Stage 1?

Request your free gap analysis and we'll send a fixed-fee quote within one business day.