Initial contact and analysis
We discuss your business, your objectives, and the target certification standard. ACPO then prepares a personalized, clear, and transparent certification offer.
Free discovery call
Identifying the correct standard (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001)
Firm offer with transparent pricing
Add labels (Valais Excellence and Corporate Citizenship) and certification (Eco-Enterprise)
Audit Stage 1 — Document Review
The auditor will work with you to analyze your system and determine if it is ready for the Stage 2 audit. This stage is mandatory only for initial certification. The client will evaluate their own system using a questionnaire tailored to the relevant ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001). The auditor will also assess the system based on available documentation.
System maturity assessment — determines if moving to stage 2 is possible
Mandatory only for the first certification
Analysis of mandatory documentation
Identification of potential gaps
Review report with recommendations
Audit stage 2 — Initial on-site audit
The auditor visits your organization and assesses the actual compliance of your practices. The duration is calculated in person-days based on the size of the organization.
Publication of documents on the platform
Customer self-assessment on the platform with an auditor evaluation
On-site audit by one or more qualified auditors
Interviews with management, executives and employees
Issuing a report: general impressions, non-conformities, and opportunities for improvement
Discrepancy handling
If major nonconformities are identified, your organization has a deadline to implement corrective actions. As long as a major nonconformity remains unresolved, it will prevent the issuance of the certificate. Minor nonconformities must be addressed no later than the start of the next audit.
Handling non-conformities on the platform
Action plan to be defined, including root cause analysis
Verification by the auditor, validation by the expert committee
Minor non-conformities: according to dates set by the auditor
Issuance of the certificate
Following technical validation by ACPO, the ISO certificate is issued for a period of 3 years. Valid subject to successful completion of surveillance audits 1 and 2.
Officially recognized certificate
Validation for 3 years (subject to monitoring audits 1 and 2)
Certificate accessible via QR code (open to all)
Publication possible in the ACPO register
Pre-audit (optional)
Certification preparation audit. Its duration is shorter than the time allotted for a full certification audit. It allows you to identify weaknesses before the official audit and maximize your chances of success.
Suspension of certificate (surveillance audit)
If major non-conformities are identified during a surveillance audit, the certificate is suspended (but remains valid) until the non-conformities are closed.
Verification (auditor + validation by expert committee) within 90 days
An additional 90-day period may be granted by the committee of experts upon the auditor's proposal.
In case of failure, the certificate is withdrawn
Maximum total timeframe: 180 days after the last day of the surveillance audit
INITIAL CERTIFICATION
The certification process
A structured process, supported at each stage by a dedicated contact person at ACPO.
Auto-évaluation & évaluation auditeur
The client uploads the necessary documents to the platform. They then evaluate their own system using a tailored questionnaire. The auditor, for their part, assesses the management system based on the available documents.
Customer self-assessment on the platform
Document evaluation by the auditor
Identification of potential developments and gaps
Audit de surveillance 1 & 2
Annual audits to maintain certification. They verify the continuity of compliance and the continuous improvement of the system.
On-site monitoring audit
Verification of the resolution of previous non-conformities
Audit report and recommendations
3-year renewal
At the end of the 3-year cycle, a full renewal audit confirms the sustainability of the approach and renews the certification for a new cycle.
full renewal audit
New certificate for 3 years
ACPO Register Continuity
Maintenance & renewal
The renewal process
After obtaining the certificate, an annual monitoring cycle ensures that your certification is maintained.
3 to 5 months
TPE / artisan (1-10 pers.)
4 to 6 months
PME (10–50 pers.)
6 to 9 months
SMEs (50–200 people)
Custom made
Large company (200+)
How long does a certification last?
The total duration depends on the size of your organization and your level of preparation.
These timeframes include preparation, audits, and addressing any discrepancies.
TRANCHE
Number of staff
1
1-5
2
6-10
3
11-15
4
16-25
5
26-45
6
46-65
7
66-85
8
86-125
9
126-175
10
176-275
11
276-425
12
426-625
IAF Reference Framework
Staffing levels — Tranches
The duration of the audits is calculated according to the staff categories defined by the IAF (International Accreditation Forum).
