Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are answers to some common questions we have been asked about certification with our answers:

Question	BCRM Answer
How long does certification take?	Well, that depends on how well prepared you are and the scope of certification. For a small organisation to get certified fro a single standard, having some (say 50%) of procedures in place for operations, about 4-6 months. This of course depends on having appropriate demonstrable Top Management commitment.
How do I determine how much work needs to be done to get to the level needed for certification?	We undertake a 'Gap Analysis', which compares where you are now in management system terms with where you need to be for certification. This works out the 'gap' and that can be used to determine effort needed, and so elapsed time.
Is it worth downloading a template plan from the internet - will it get me certification?	In honesty - yes it is worth it as it will give you a frame work to work towards with checklists, but you will have to design your management system to fit your business rather than your business to fit the download. It will not assist you, even if you get certification using it, to undertake continuous improvement unless you understand the management standard and the requirements for continuous improvement applied to your business. Doing the minimum to retain certification also has little business value and any competent Auditor will detect this.
Do I need to get my management system certified?	That all depends on your reasons for implementing the management system. If all you are seeking is the effective control of the relevant aspect(s) of your business using the management system(s) then, provided you can satisfy yourself as to the system's effectiveness, the answer is "Not necessarily". If, on the other hand, there are commercial pressures on you to implement the system (usually from customers and clients) then certification against the relevant management system standard(s) is usually a necessity, if only to demonstrate that your system is truly compliant.
How much will certification cost me?	There are too many variables to give a simple and definitive answer to this. There are three different costs to consider: The cost of internal resources to implement, manage and continuously improve the management system(s) being certified; The cost of external resources to get you through certification; The cost of the Certification Body to perform the actual certification audits and manage your certification. Once certified, there are similar costs (though not as much) needed to be considered for maintaining certification. Some factors that will affect the cost include the: size of your scope (employees and sites), complexity of the business activities you undertake; management standard(s) to be certified against; level of preparedness; The choice of Certification Body is also relevant as each has its own scale of charges. Be sure to get a comprehensive quote and ask about ongoing costs of surveillance, not just that for the initial assessment.
How much will BCRM charge me for their services?	Again, that depends on the work to be performed and the services that you require. You will get a good idea of your requirements from a Gap Analysis. BCRM always do a Gap Analysis at a fixed price depending on the scope. We prefer to have a fixed price for the whole project as this shares the risk of delivery with you and the final payment is due only after you receive your certification, though we will work on a time and materials basis if required.
How 'perfect' does my management system have to be?	Firstly - no system is ever prefect, there is always room for improvement. Added to which business direction is constantly changing so the Management Systems constantly need to change to remain aligned. In certification terms, you can have a number of minor non conformances and still pass the audit, but typically a major non conformance will mean that a certificate will not be granted until the major non conformance has been satisfactorily addressed. Minor non conformances do not stop certification so long as the Certification Body is satisfied that you will address it / them and have a plan in place to do that.
What is Certification?	Certification is the process whereby your management system is assessed for compliance with the relevant standard(s) by a Certification Body. Details of the actual certification process are given here