The process of ISO certification in Oman can be roughly divided into a number of key steps that are followed. The following is a high-level view of the standard processes:
1. ISO Requirements Explained
– Standard Selection: Figure out which ISO standard(s) apply to your organization activities. Some of your most common would be ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and the upcoming, ISO450001 release with occupational health & safety, or even an industry-specific standard like Food Safety –ISO22000.
Find an accredited certification body which has presence in Oman and offers the standard you want to get certified — Check here list of Certification Bodies.
2. Preparation and Planning
Start by Conducting a Gap Analysis – Compare your current practices to the requirements listed in ISO standard.
– Develop an Implementation Plan: Prepare a detailed action plan to bridge the gaps. She will tell you the exact phases for implementation and provide a 90 day roadmap to build your own plan.
Training and Awareness- Train employees on the ISO certification in Oman as well as their importance of adherence. Require all staff that have any responsibility for meeting the certification requirements to be aware.
3. Implementing the standard
Develop and Establish a Management System Create the necessary management systems according to ISO standard. This may involve development or review of your policies, procedures and documentation to ensure it meets the requirements in ISO.
Document Control: A system for managing and controlling documentation, or documents against the requirements of an ISO standard.
Internal audits: perform internal audit to verify that the management system in place is meeting ISO requirements.
– Audit Review (internal and external): Conduct an audit review to check the performance of the management system, improve potential areas for improvement, but is in include with every clause required by ISO standard.
4. Certification Audit
Application for Certification: Complete the application form to your chosen certification body and provide information on your organization; what ISO standard you seek certification to.
Pre-Audit (Optional) – Some certification bodies offer a pre-audit or stage 1 audit to highlight some of the problems before the official, certifying body will conduct its visit.
– Stage 1 Audit: The certification body will perform a desk-based review (document check) and the first part of an on-site audit to determine if you are ready for the full certification assessment.
Stage 2 Audit: The certification body undertakes an in-depth audit to ensure that your management system is effective, and the company complies with all requirements of the related ISO standard The above means the body must check procedures records and practices.
5. Required Corrective Actions/Final Decision
Non-ConfoÂrmitiÂes behanÂdeln: Sollten bei der Prüfung Non-Conforities festgeÂsÂtellt werden, müssen diese mit oorrecÂtiven Massnahmen ausgebessert und ihre Beseitigung nachgewiesen was.
Certification Decision — Certification Body reviews the findings of Audit and takes a decision whether to grant certification. Now if it was all successful, you will receive the ISO certificate.
6. Continuous Compliance and Monitoring
– Surveillance audits : Companies need to have annual surveillance of audit every year even though the ISO certification is valid for 3 years.
Continuous Improvement: Monitor and improve your management system to stay compliant and enhance performance.
Recertification: During end of 3 years certification cycle, the organization needs to conduct a recertification audit which is used for renewal of certificate & it ensures that management system still complies with ISO requirements.
7. Maintaining the Certification
— Ongoing Tracking: Track processes and performance constantly to maintain compliance and improvement
Reaudit and Recertification: To sustain your ISO certification, get ready for reaudits and recertifications that typically happen every few years.
With the above steps organizations in Oman can easily navigate through process of ISO certification, Make sure that management systems are effective and aligning to meet international standards as well contributes towards overall operational excellence.
