Registration Overview

The following is a brief overview of the typical registration process that a client can expect from PRG. Detailed procedures are available upon request. All PRG processes and procedures are established and maintained in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021: 2006.

1. A potential client fills out an online application or PRG takes information by phone:
2. The manager of business development receives the application and checks for completeness.
3. A quote is prepared and sent to the management representative and a call is made to go over the quote and answer any questions the MR might have.
4. If the client decides to retain PRG as their registrar, two copies of a contract are sent to the client. The client signs both copies, and sends one copy back to PRG.
5. After receiving the contract, the audit program manager or their designee assigns a lead auditor to perform the audits.
6. The client will be notified by PRG to go over the intended date for the Stage 1 and stage 2 audits.
7. A stage 1 audit is performed at the client's facility/site. The following (at a minimum) will be evaluated during this audit:
   
   

   • To audit the client's management system documentation;
   • To evaluate the client's location and site-specific conditions and to undertake discussions with the client's personnel to determined the state of preparedness for the stage 2 audit;
   • To review the client's status and understanding regarding requirement of the standard, in particular with respect to the identification of key performance or significant aspects, processes, objective and operation of the management system;
   • To collect necessary information regarding the scope of the management system, processes and location(s) of the client, and related statutory and regulatory aspects and compliance (e.g., quality, environmental, legal aspects of the client's operations, associated risks, etc.);
   • To review the allocation of resources, and agree on details, for the stage 2 audit;
   • To provide focus for planning the stage 2 audit through gaining a sufficient understanding of the management system and site operations related to possible significant aspects, as applicable;
   • To evaluate if the internal audits and management review are being planned and performed, and that the level of implementation substantiates that the client is ready for the stage 2 audit;
   • PRG will, in most cases, conduct at least part of the stage 1 audit on-site, unless the fulfillment of audit objectives may be achieved off-site.

   Stage 1 findings are documented and communicated to the client, including identification of any areas of concern that could be classified as a nonconformity during the stage 2 audit.

   In determining the interval between stage 1 and stage 2 audits, consideration is given to the needs of the client to resolve areas of concern identified during the stage 1 audit. PRG may also need to revise the arrangements for stage 2 based on stage 1 results.

   The purpose of a stage 2 is to evaluate the implementation, including effectiveness, of the clients management system. The stage 2 audit takes place at the clients site(s) and will include, at least the following:

   1. Information and evidence about conformity to all requirements of the applicable management system standard and any normative documents that may apply;
   2. Performance monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing against key performance objectives and targets (consistent with the expectations in the applicable management system standard, i.e., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS9100, or other normative document);
   3. The client's management system and performance as regards legal compliance;
   4. Operational control of the client's processes;
   5. Internal auditing and management review.
   6. Management responsibility for the client's policies;
   7. Links between normative requirements, policy, performance objectives and targets (consistent with the expectations in the applicable management system standard or other normative documents, see b above), any applicable legal requirements, responsibilities, competence of personnel, operations, procedures, performance data and internal audit findings and conclusions.

8. A corrective action re-visit audit may be necessary depending on the results of the stage 2 initial assessment and the nature of the non-conformities encounters.
9. The assessment team will prepare the audit report which includes;
   
   

   • Comments on any non-conformities and where applicable, the connection and corrective actions taken by the client.
   • A recommendation whether or not to grant certification, together with any conditions or observations.
     
10. PRG makes the certification decision based on an evaluation of audit findings, conclusions, or any other relevant information. If the client is recommended for registration, a certificate is issued, that is valid for three years.
11. To show continued conformance, surveillance audits are performed on an annual or semi-annual basics, whichever the client chooses. The date of the first surveillance audit, following initial certifications, shall be scheduled from the end of the stage 2 of the initial audit.
12. At the end of the three years of registration, a re-certification audit is performed on- site prior to the expiration of the current registration.