ISO certificates: a guide to risk-free, zero hassle transfer

ISO Certificates DNV, one of the world’s leading certification bodies, offer some advice and best practice around ISO certificate transfer A guide to risk-free, zero hassle transfer.

For anyone working in the manufacturing sector, relevant management system certification and training are part and parcel of the day-to-day risks across your organisation. For any number of reasons you might find a time when you’re considering transferring your certificates to a new certification body.

There’s a bit of a misconception that the transfer of certificates can be a daunting and complicated process. Here, DNV shares how to ensure that the transfer process is as seamless as possible and provides some guidance on how best to plan and execute in four simple steps. With the following, manufacturing organisations can be safe in the knowledge that their transfer process is efficient and well controlled.

1. Ask yourself ‘why would I transfer?’: Start the process by asking ‘am I getting the best service and value from my current provider?’ Would you like to see more focused management information and insight to help you improve the performance of your management system? Perhaps you feel like you’re not getting the support you need from your current certification body or that audits are more like a ‘tick box’ exercise.
2. Evaluate your goals and needs: So, you’ve made the choice to actually go for it. But, before embarking on the transfer journey, take the time to also assess the wider goals and needs of your internal and external stakeholders. Consider why you are seeking certification from a new body and what you hope to gain from the change. Your motivations will not only guide your decision-making process but also help you articulate your objectives to stakeholders, whether they be employers, colleagues or mentors.
3. Let your new provider do the leg work: Transferring your ISO certification requires careful planning and coordination. DNV typically creates a timeline that clearly outlines key milestones to help your internal planning. This level of preparation also helps identify the best time to transfer, whether it be immediately or coordinated with your next surveillance or recertification audit. However, as the transfer plan evolves, the primary focus will always be on maintaining the ongoing validity of your certification.
4. Embrace the journey: Transferring to a new certification body is not like passing an exam; it’s about embarking on a journey of continuous systems development and personal learning. Embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge, broaden your skill set and enhance your own career prospects.

DNV is often asked ‘how long does the transfer period take?’ And the company recommends that one to three months for transfer for an accredited certificate. DNV would support you with gaining a new application. It’s worth noting that you cannot transfer a non-accredited UKAS (or an equivalent) certificate.

So, if the above has whet your appetite then why might you want to consider DNV as your new certification body? DNV has 160 years of experience with being a trusted partner, delivering the best for its clients. While the certificate on your wall or website comes with its benefits, especially commercial ones, DNV is committed to certification delivering a more proactive level of value. Its audits become an opportunity to get a deeper insight into your systems and to identify how these could be improved in order to strengthen your business.

DNV is constantly investing in free smart digital solutions to clients and has been at the forefront of developing transformational concepts and integrated systems for the ISO certification market. The company has designed a unique set of tools to provide its clients with access to live information across the pre, during and post audit phases. This live data relates to their certification programme, its performance and comparative internal and external benchmarking data. In 2023 DNV were awarded ‘Certification Body of the Year’ from the UK Consulting Awards.

Transfer FAQs

DNV often gets the following frequently asked questions from customers who are considering transferring. Here are some examples and what the company usually suggests:

Q: When is a good time to transfer?
A: Anytime. It can be done during a surveillance audit, re-certification audit or between the audits.

Q: What do I need to have to transfer my certificate?
A: You will need a report from a previous audit and copy of your certificate. In some cases DNV may request additional reports.

Q: How about my current certification agreement validity?
A: Make sure you review your current certification agreement, and consider your final notice with your certification body.

Q: How quickly can the transfer be done?
A: DNV recommends one to three months for transfer for an accredited certificate. The company will make a suitable plan but note that your current certificate status and any open nonconformities may influence the transfer time.*

Q: What will happen to my current certificate during the transfer?
A: There are different approaches between certification bodies. DNV will honour the originally certified date and transfer it to a DNV certificate when issued.* When you decide to transfer, DNV will take care of your certificate validity.

Q: Will transferring cost more than a normal audit?
A: Transfer audits will normally cost the same as a regular annual audit. You can find out more information by contacting the DNV team. If possible DNV will integrate its transfer audit with a scheduled recertification or surveillance audit with the potential for saving audit time and associated costs.

Q: Can I transfer all my certificates to DNV?
A: DNV offers many certifications services and can provide integrated audits in order to save you time and money. Speak to the DNV team to find out which ones apply.

Q: After transfer, when can I expect my DNV certificate?
A: You should receive your certificate within a few weeks after any non-conformities have been closed.