How long does it take to get certified?
It depends on the size of your business, the certification you are pursuing, and how much time you can dedicate. Some customers become audit-ready in as little as 8 days. Others work through it over several weeks at their own pace. Be Certified is designed to be flexible — you can work on it whenever suits you, and your progress is auto-saved so you never lose your work.
Do I need to complete the clauses in order?
No. You can complete clauses in whatever order works best for you. Some customers prefer to start with the areas they know well and tackle the more complex ones later. Others follow the standard clause order from start to finish. The platform tracks your progress regardless of the order you choose.
Can I work on multiple certifications at the same time?
Yes. If you have more than one certification on your account, you can switch between them from your dashboard and work on whichever you like. Many ISO standards share common requirements (particularly around leadership, planning, and performance evaluation), so working on them in parallel can be efficient.
What if I do not know the answer to a clause?
Every clause in Be Certified comes with expert guidance written in plain English. You will see an explanation of what the clause is asking for, why it matters, and examples of what good evidence looks like. You can also use the Check My Answer AI tool to get feedback on your response before submitting. If you are still stuck, invite a colleague who might have the specialist knowledge you need — there is no limit on the number of users.
What is the audit, and how does it work?
The audit is the final step in achieving certification. It is carried out by an independent certification body (not Be Certified) and typically happens in two stages. Stage 1 is a documentation review where the auditor checks your management system is properly set up. Stage 2 is an implementation audit where the auditor checks your processes are working in practice. For more detail, see our article "Preparing for Your Audit".
Who conducts the audit?
You choose your own certification body. Be Certified is an independent platform — we help you prepare for the audit, but the audit itself is carried out by a UKAS-accredited (or equivalent) certification body of your choice. This means you are free to shop around for the best price and service.
What happens if the auditor finds issues?
Non-conformities are areas where your system does not fully meet the standard requirements. Minor non-conformities are common and nothing to worry about — the auditor will give you a timeframe to address them, and you can update your responses and evidence in Be Certified. Major non-conformities require more significant changes before certification can be granted. The platform makes it easy to revisit and update any clause.
How many people can use the platform?
There is no limit. You can add as many team members as you need at no extra cost. This is particularly useful for certifications that require input from different departments. See "Inviting and Managing Team Members" for how to set this up.
Tip: If you are new to ISO certification, start with our "Getting Started with Be Certified" article for a walkthrough of the platform and the recommended first steps.
