IN THIS GUIDE
Clarify why it is needed
Distinguish the assurance routes
Look at shared processes
Confirm the actual engagement
Clarify why it is needed
Is the requirement contractual, regulatory, organisational or part of a tender? Obtain the exact wording before assuming a particular certification is mandatory.
Distinguish the assurance routes
A management-system requirements standard, a guidance document and a laboratory competence standard are not interchangeable. Certification and accreditation are also different arrangements.
Look at shared processes
When several standards are relevant, integration may make responsibilities, documents and review more coherent. Standard-specific requirements must remain visible.
Confirm the actual engagement
The standard, edition, sector expertise, independence and evidence access should be agreed before the work is accepted. Ask about a standard that is not on the website; do not assume the directory is exhaustive.