What Is a Recertification Audit? Renewing an ISO Certificate
See how recertification differs from surveillance, what the audit reviews and why planning should begin before certificate expiry.
The purpose of recertification
Recertification confirms that the management system continues to meet the certification criteria and remains effective and suitable for the organization’s scope. It supports a new certification cycle rather than simply extending a date automatically.
What auditors consider
The audit reviews performance over the completed cycle, significant changes, achievement of objectives, internal evaluation, previous findings and the system’s overall ability to deliver intended results.
- Changes to context, scope and sites
- Performance and improvement through the cycle
- Internal audit and management review
- Use of the certification mark and certification claims
Audit time and planning
Recertification duration is determined from the applicable audit-duration method and current information about the organization. It is commonly related to, but not identical to, initial certification time. Material changes may require additional review.
When to start
Begin discussions well before expiry. The certification body needs time to review current information, plan competent auditors, complete the audit, review findings and make the certification decision.
Common questions
Is recertification the same as starting from zero?
No. It considers the established certification history, but still requires a substantive evaluation for the next cycle.
Can the recertification audit happen after expiry?
Timing and restoration options depend on certification requirements and the certification body’s process. Plan early to avoid loss of continuity.
Can I change certification bodies at recertification?
A valid accredited certification may be transferable, subject to review by the accepting certification body and applicable transfer criteria.
Checked against official source material. The applicable edition, transition rules and certification-body requirements should be confirmed for each application.
Research note: AI-assisted drafting was used to structure this article. Core claims and current standard editions were checked against the official references above.