Certification Process

The audit process begins with Quantum understanding your business and audit needs so we can assess your application, provide a quote and, then start the certification process.

Application Review and Quote

When you make an audit enquiry, Quantum Certification Services will request information about your business operations and specific certification requirements so we can assess your application and provide you with a no-obligation quote.

The application review process assesses our ability to conduct your audit according to our accreditation requirements and your needs. It involves reviewing information about your organisation, such as the audit scope and risk factors, if you are transferring from another Certification Assessment Body to Quantum, and determining that Quantum has the required competence and ability to conduct the audit.

Terms and Conditions

Audit Program and Planning

We will develop an audit program for your certification cycle and start audit planning with you to conduct your audit. We match you with an audit team and involve you in the audit planning process at all stages. We support and guide you through the process to ensure you are prepared and ready for the audit. This includes developing an audit plan and schedule and consulting with you every step of the way.

Conducting the Audit

Our audit team will conduct the audit on-site, starting with an opening meeting to explain how the audit will be conducted and to clarify any information about the audit with you. The audit team will conduct interviews and assess your management system's implementation and effectiveness. The audit will conclude with a closing meeting to formally present the audit findings and conclusion. If any non-conformities are identified, you will be given a Non-conformance and Corrective Action Register, which details the non-conformances. The auditor will explain the actions required to address the non-conformances.

Audit Report

Certification Decision

Quantum will review the audit report, which will include actions taken to address non-conformities and the audit team’s recommendation to make a certification decision. The report will also include whether certification has been granted.

A certificate is then issued to you.

*Quantum does not issue certificates to NDIS registered providers. NDIS registered providers receive a Certificate of Registration from the NDIS Commission.

Quantum’s Certification Process

The initial certification audit is conducted in two stages: stage 1 and stage 2.

Stage 1 Audit

At the stage 1 audit we:

Review your management system documentation
Evaluate site-specific conditions and determine preparedness for the stage 2 audit
Obtain information about the scope of the management system
Review allocation of resources for the stage 2 audit
Provide a focus for planning of the stage 2 audit
Evaluate the level of implementation of the management system ahead of the stage 2 audit and areas of potential non-conformance.

After the stage 1 audit, we will provide you with an audit report and discuss the timing of the stage 2 audit with you.

Stage 2 Audit

At the stage 2 audit, we evaluate the management system's implementation and effectiveness in meeting the standard audited requirements. The stage 2 audit is conducted on-site.

We look for objective evidence to verify that the activities of the organisation and management system meet the requirements of the standard audited.

A final certification decision is made after an independent evaluation of audit findings and conclusions and any other relevant information such as non-conformities.

Surveillance and Mid-cycle Audits

Surveillance and mid-cycle audits are conducted to assess and determine that the certified management system continues to fulfil requirements between recertification audits.

The frequency of surveillance audits depends on the Standard being audited. Surveillance audits must be conducted at least once a year and not more than 12 months from the last day of the initial Stage 2 Audit.

Mid-cycle audits are conducted mid-way through the certification cycle, usually around 18 months.

Recertification Audits

Recertification audits are conducted every three years to verify that the client’s system continues to satisfy the requirements for renewing certification to the relevant standard.

This includes assessing the quality management system's continuing effectiveness, ability to enhance overall performance, and whether it helps your organisation achieve its stated objectives.