Application

Information about the applicant organization is gathered through client information for certification. Details such as scope of certification, manpower, statutory & regulatory requirements, processes not applicable, processes and product information are critical inputs for the certification process.

Application Review

The submitted Client information is reviewed to ensure the adequacy of the information for submitting the proposal and subsequent provision of certification services. The ability and competence to perform the certification is decided by DMQ considering its accreditation scope. DMQ shall submit the proposal for certification services for initial assessment and 2 surveillance audits for the 3 years period along with certification agreement and conditions for certification.

Proposal & Agreement

The commercial proposal is submitted to the client providing information on a number of audit Man days required for each stage of the audit process and associated professional charges. Upon acceptance of terms and condition stated in the proposal and condition for certification, a certification agreement is signed with the Client.

Initial Certification Assessment

Initial certification Assessment is conducted to evaluate the implemented management system and assess the maturity of the system to issue the Certificate of Compliance. The initial assessment is conducted in two stages as per the requirement of ISO 17021-1.

Stage I Audit: Conducted to assess the management system planning, validate the information provided in the client information for certification, required logistics and planning for Stage II assessment

Stage II Audit: Verify compliance of the management systems to the planned arrangements and decide on the recommendation for certification based on assessment output.

Assessment report shall be provided to the client along with audit observations if any. The client is responsible to plan for adequate corrective actions for audit observations along with a revision to system documents if required. Client shall communicate the corrective actions to DMQ prior to stage II assessment. The output of stage 1 assessment and nature of observations may have an impact on stage II assessment schedule. Inadequate and ineffective corrective actions for stage 1 assessment may lead to major non-conformances in during stage II assessment.

Stage II Audit

Stage II audit is conducted to evaluate the effective implementation of the Management System. Inform the audit team nomination and audit programme in advance. Conduct opening meeting to explain audit methodology. Verify effective implementation of the Management System for adequacy to the scope of certification by examining personnel, policies, procedure, and records on a sample basis against the contractual standard. Stage II audit is carried us as per the checklist. Record Nonconformance and classify as major or minor. Conduct closing meeting and explain audit findings, recommendations and revision to the scope of certifications if required. Provide a copy of the audit report with recommendations. Review the suitability of surveillance frequency and/or man-days based on the audit findings. Review corrective actions provided by the client for all the non-conformance reports by follow up auditor documentation verification.

Review Assessment Report and Issue of Certificate of Compliance

Review of audit reports by DMQ certification decision committee. Impartiality shall be maintained during such reviews. Resolutions of clarifications in the audit reports if any prior to approval of recommendations.
Issue certificate of compliance valid for 3 years from the date of approval by the certification decision committee.
Issue instructions on the use of quality marks and accreditation mark

Surveillance Audit

Conduct surveillance audit at an agreed frequency to assess continued implementation of Management System to meet the planned arrangements. Verify use of Quality mark and accreditation mark as per DMQ instructions. Provide recommendations on the continuation of certification.

Re-certification Audit

Conduct re-certification audit prior to the certification period for continuation of certificate of compliance and subsequently followed up by Surveillance audits as per the accepted proposal. Re-certification audit shall be completed before the validity of the previous certificate of compliance.