Audit Policies
What makes your company better than the other registrars?
PJR boasts of having registered many Fortune 500 companies, but works with firms of all sizes and types to promote our approach to auditing as a “win-win” situation. The registrar-client relationship is a long-term one, developed through a combination of communication, auditor expertise and service. We also offer the following advantages:
- No application fee
- No mandatory preliminary site visit
- No penalty for changing schedules (with reasonable notice)
- No hidden costs
- No overtime charges
- One complimentary certification plaque per client
- Detailed preparation done off-site
- Minimal auditor expenses, no travel mark-up, all expenses at cost
- Local auditors used whenever possible
- Client press releases written at no additional charge
- 24-hour hotline
- FREE training
- FREE webinars
- Weekly updates on what is happening in the industry
Does the registrar allow the use of its logo?
Yes, the logo may be used and is supplied in the form of both electronic and camera-ready artwork (camera-ready upon request). The logo, however, may not appear on your company’s product. Logo-use guidelines are provided along with the certificate and camera-ready artwork.
How often do you require surveillance audits?
Clients are routinely quoted for surveillance visits every six months, unless they ask for the annual surveillance schedule. In either case, recently issued guidelines from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) require that the total audit time for reassessment purposes be equal to two-thirds of the time devoted to the initial registration audit. Reassessment time may vary from the mandated 2/3 figure based on “significant factors that uniquely apply to the organization”, including, but not limited to, these contained in Annex 2 of the IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 62. The Guidance document is available on the IAF website at http://www.iaf.nu under ‘Documentation.’
Most PJR clients choose the continuous (every-six-months) surveillance option due to its inherent advantages. Under this method, your quality system remains under ongoing maintenance. With shorter intervals between audit visits, your system has less of a chance to break down. In this way there is far less of a chance that auditors will find any major nonconformances, which can be time-consuming and expensive to correct.
How long does the PJR registration period last? (How long is the certificate valid?)
The registration certificate is valid for three years. At the end of the three-year period, a reassessment will be scheduled to renew the certificate. Between the time of the initial registration audit and the certificate renewal at 3 years, clients are audited periodically based on their choice of surveillance schedules: continuous (audits every six months) or annual (audits once per year). See the next question and answer for more details.
How familiar with our company’s product or technology will our assigned auditors be?
PJR abides by the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17021 regarding auditor expertise and experience.
How do you handle complaints regarding specific auditors?
Complaints will be handled through our Customer Service Department in accordance with PJR’s complaint procedure; this may require the intervention of both the President and the Audit Program Manager. They can also be submitted through our "Lodge A Complaint" feature.
Will our company be able to review auditors’ credentials and request reassignment if not satisfied?
Changes to the team may be arranged if necessary; PJR remains flexible. Your APC can work with you to provide detailed biographical information on prospective auditors if desired.
Does your company’s internal training/certification program follow a specific scheme? Is it affiliated with a national/international scheme?
Yes. PJR’s internal audits are conducted twice per year. The audit scheme follows the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021 for both quality management system (QMS) audits and environmental management system (EMS) audits.