AXIOS provides management-system certification through a defined process: agreement, a two-stage initial audit, nonconformity handling, an independent review and a certification decision — followed by annual surveillance and recertification before expiry. Certification is granted only where sufficient objective evidence demonstrates conformity with the applicable standard.

1. Year 11

   Year 1 — Initial certification

   1. Agree contract

   Your application is accepted and a legally enforceable certification agreement is signed before any audit.

   • After application review, AXIOS issues a quotation and confirms scope, sites and audit time.
   • A certification agreement covering all sites is signed before audit activity begins.
   • It sets out audit access, use of the certification mark, confidentiality, change notifications and the consequences of suspension or withdrawal.
2. 2

   2. Stage 1 audit

   A readiness review of your documented management system.

   • Reviews your management-system documentation, site-specific conditions and understanding of the standard.
   • Confirms internal audits and management reviews are planned and performed.
   • Identifies readiness for Stage 2 and any areas of concern.
3. 3

   3. Stage 2 audit

   The on-site audit of implementation and effectiveness.

   • Audits conformity to all requirements of the applicable standard at your site(s).
   • Examines performance, legal compliance, operational control, internal audit and management review.
   • Evidence from both stages is analysed to reach audit conclusions.
4. 4

   4. Corrective actions & plans

   Any nonconformities are corrected and verified.

   • You analyse the root cause and provide correction and corrective action within a defined timeframe.
   • Major nonconformities must be verified before a decision; minor-nonconformity plans are reviewed and accepted.
   • Evidence of resolution is recorded.
5. 5

   5. Certificate review

   Independent technical review and certification decision.

   • Made by competent personnel who did not perform your audit — protecting impartiality.
   • Confirms the audit information is sufficient and that nonconformity actions are closed or accepted.
   • AXIOS retains full authority for the decision to grant or refuse certification.
6. 6

   6. Issue certificate

   Your certificate is issued and made publicly verifiable.

   • Issued only after a positive decision, each with a unique identification code traceable to that decision.
   • States the certified client and location, scope, standard, effective and expiry dates and the AXIOS mark.
   • Certification status is kept accurate, current and verifiable.
7. 7

   7. Surveillance 1

   First surveillance audit confirming ongoing conformity.

   • Conducted within twelve months of the certification decision.
   • Reviews internal audit, management review, previous nonconformities, complaints and continual improvement.
   • Confirms continued effectiveness and correct use of the certification mark.
8. Year 28

   Year 2 — Surveillance

   8. Surveillance 2

   Second annual surveillance audit.

   • Conducted in the second year of the three-year certification cycle.
   • Monitors representative areas and functions of the certified scope.
   • Confirms the management system continues to meet requirements.
9. Year 39

   Year 3 — Recertification

   9. Recertification visit

   Full recertification before your certificate expires.

   • Planned and conducted in time to renew before the certificate expires.
   • Reviews the whole management system over the cycle and its continued relevance to scope.
   • A positive decision renews certification for the next three-year cycle.