A certification audit is not the place to discover that a key process is not working. A readiness assessment is a full pre-audit of your management system by an experienced auditor, carried out the way a certification body would audit it, a few weeks before the real audit.
It shows you which findings the certification body is likely to raise, gives you time to close them, and prepares your managers and staff for auditor interviews.
When you need it
- Before a stage 1 or stage 2 certification audit.
- Before a transition or upgrade audit to a new edition.
- Before a recertification audit after major changes.
- After a difficult audit, to check that findings are really closed.
What we do
- Audit planning based on your scope, sites and risks.
- Audit of every requirement of the standard, including top management, processes and records.
- Findings graded as major, minor or observation, using the certification body’s logic.
- Review of corrective actions from previous audits.
- Coaching for staff on how to answer auditor questions with evidence.
What you receive
- Readiness assessment report with graded findings
- Clear go / not-yet recommendation for the audit date
- Closure plan for each finding
- Follow-up review of closed findings (optional)
Standards covered
We deliver this service for ISO 9001:2026, ISO 14001:2026, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 Version 7, BRCGS Food Safety, ISO 22301 and ISO/IEC 42001, alone or as an integrated management system.
Coverage
We work with organisations across the Middle East, Africa and Europe from our offices in London, Cairo, Dammam and Vienna, on site or remotely, in all languages.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Is the readiness assessment the same as an internal audit?
It covers the same ground, but it is carried out by an independent external auditor and focuses on what the certification body will look for.
When should it take place?
Ideally four to eight weeks before the certification audit, so there is time to close findings.
Does it guarantee certification?
No. The certification decision belongs to the independent certification body. The assessment reduces the risk of surprises.