Once you’ve worked through your clauses and uploaded your evidence, the next step is the certification audit itself. This is conducted by an independent certification body (not Be Certified) who will assess whether your management system meets the requirements of the Standard. This guide explains how to use Be Certified to prepare.
Before the Audit
1. Check Your Progress
Start by reviewing your dashboard to make sure every clause has been completed. Look for any clauses that are still marked as in progress or not started — these are gaps that could be flagged by the auditor.
[Screenshot: Dashboard showing all clauses at 100% complete]
2. Run Check My Answer on Key Clauses
If you haven’t already, use the Check My Answer AI tool on your most important or complex responses. This gives you a final quality check and highlights anything that might need strengthening before the auditor reviews it.
3. Review Your Evidence
Make sure all supporting documents are uploaded and correctly linked to the relevant clauses. Check that:
• Documents are current and up to date (not expired or outdated versions)
• Policies have been formally approved and are dated
• Records and logs cover the time period the auditor will be reviewing
• Templates have been fully customised with your business’s details
4. Organise Your Documents
Use the folder structure in Be Certified document storage to organise your evidence logically. Well-organised documentation makes the audit smoother for both you and the auditor.
What to Expect During the Audit
The certification audit is typically conducted in two stages:
Stage 1 — Documentation Review: The auditor reviews your management system documentation to check it meets the requirements of the Standard. This is largely a desk-based exercise. Your Be Certified responses and uploaded evidence will form the core of this review.
Stage 2 — Implementation Audit: The auditor visits your organisation (or conducts a remote assessment) to verify that what you’ve documented is actually being implemented in practice. They’ll interview staff, observe processes, and check records.
How Be Certified Helps You in the Audit
• Your completed clauses provide a clear, structured record of how you meet each requirement of the Standard.
• Your uploaded evidence is organised and easy to present to the auditor.
• The Check My Answer feedback helps ensure your responses are robust before the auditor sees them.
• The expert guidance built into each clause means you’ve been preparing your answers with audit expectations in mind from the start.
Tip: Many Be Certified users find it helpful to print or export their completed clause responses to have on hand during the audit, alongside their uploaded evidence. Ask your auditor in advance what format they prefer.
After the Audit
If the auditor identifies any non-conformities (areas where you don’t yet meet the Standard), you’ll be given the opportunity to address them. You can use Be Certified to update your responses, upload additional evidence, and track your corrective actions.
Once all non-conformities are resolved, the certification body will issue your certificate. Congratulations — you’re certified!
Maintaining Your Certification
Certification isn’t a one-off event. You’ll have surveillance audits (usually annually) and a full recertification audit every three years. Be Certified helps you maintain your management system year-round, so you’re always ready when the next audit comes around. You can update your responses, upload new evidence, and add new certifications to your portfolio at any time.
