9.1.2 Application review

9.1.2.1 Before proceeding with the audit, CQI conducts a review of the application and supplementary information for certification to ensure that

  1. a) The information about the applicant organization and its management system is sufficient to develop an audit programme;
  2. b) Any known difference in understanding between CQI and the applicant organization is resolved;
  3. c) CQI has the competence and ability to perform the certification activity;
  4. d) The scope of certification sought, the location(s) of the applicant organization’s operations, time required to complete audits and any other points influencing the certification activity are taken into account (language, safety conditions, threats to impartiality, etc.);
  5. f) Records of the justification for the decision to undertake the audit are maintained.

9.1.2.2 Following the review of the application, CQI either accepts or declines an application for certification. When CQI declines an application for certification as a result of the review of application, the reasons for declining an application is documented and is made clear to the client.

9.1.2.3 Based on this review, CQI determines the competences it needs to include in its audit team and for the certification decision.

 (Refer to CQI-QP-10 – CONTRACT REVIEW AND AUDIT PROGRAMMING) and IAF MD 05:2023}