You have been certified for years. The audits are running, the certificate is on the wall. But something is nagging somewhere. Maybe rates have increased, the audit feels like a checklist, or your auditor lacks knowledge of your industry. You wonder: can I actually switch to another certification body?
The short answer: yes, you can. And it's probably easier than you think.
Why companies switch
Let's be honest: most companies don't actively think about their certification body. You once made a choice, and since then the contract has been automatically extended. But is that smart?
Research shows that companies switch for various reasons:
- The audit yields too little. You get a certificate, but no real insights that will help your company further.
- The auditor lacks industry knowledge. A generic approach does not work if your sector has specific challenges.
- The service is inadequate. Poor accessibility, inflexible planning, slow communication.
- The price is no longer correct. Rates have risen, or you have discovered that it can be cheaper elsewhere.
- You want to consolidate. Multiple certificates from different parties is inconvenient.
Internationally, it is even common to change certification bodies every five to ten years. Not out of dissatisfaction, but because a fresh look reveals new areas for improvement. This prevents tunnel vision.
The success of an audit depends on the auditor. Certification remains a human job. If the click is not there, you can be critical of it.
The international rules: IAF MD 2
You may be thinking: "But can I just switch? And what will happen to my certificate?"
Good questions. And the answer is reassuring.
Switching certification bodies is regulated in an international document: IAF MD 2. These are the rules that all accredited certification bodies must adhere to. The most important points at a glance:
Your certificate remains valid
No interruption during or after the transfer. Your new certification body will take over the certification within your existing cycle.
Your old CI should not be a hindrance
They are not allowed to revoke your certificate because you switch. Cooperation with the transfer is mandatory.
Your audit cycle continues
No extra audits, no duplication of work. The new certification body builds on your existing audit history.
Available at any time
You don't have to wait for your certificate to expire. Please note the notice period of your current contract (usually 4-8 weeks).
How the switch works
The practice is less complicated than you might expect. This is what happens:
The pre-transfer review
Your new certification body first looks at your file. They check your latest audit reports, any outstanding deviations and complaint history. This is called the "pre-transfer review" and is not an audit, but an administrative check.
At most companies this is a formality that can be arranged within a few days. You give permission for your current certification body to share the information, and the new party to assess whether everything is in order.
What you need
For a smooth transition, collect these documents:
- Copy of your current certificate (with expiration date)
- Audit reports from the last three years
- Status of any outstanding deviations
- Overview of complaints and how they were handled
That's it. Your new certification body will take care of the rest.
The timeline
On average, the switching process takes two to four weeks from the moment you choose a new certification body. This depends on the availability of the new auditor and how quickly the documentation is transferred.
Frequently asked questions
"Do I have to undergo an additional audit?"
No, not in almost all cases. The new certification body takes over your existing audit history. A visit may only be necessary in the case of serious outstanding abnormalities, but that is exceptional.
"My current auditor knows our company well. Isn't that a shame?"
It's understandable that you think about that. But a new auditor also brings advantages: a fresh look at your processes and sometimes valuable insights that your current auditor overlooks. Moreover, the new auditor will receive your complete file, so it will not start blank.
"Is a cheaper certification body also less good?"
Not necessarily. All certification bodies work under the same international accreditation requirements, whether they are accredited by the the Dutch body, UKAS or another body within the IAF network. Price differences arise from company size, efficiency and commercial choices, not from quality differences.
"What if my current certification body is difficult?"
Then they have a problem, not you. According to IAF rules, they are required to cooperate. If they do not, the accreditation body can intervene. In practice, certification bodies simply cooperate, if only to protect their reputation.
When does switching make sense for you?
Not everyone has to switch. But it is smart to regularly evaluate whether your current situation is still suitable. Ask yourself these questions:
- Does the audit provide you with anything? Do you gain useful insights, or does it feel like an obligatory number?
- Does your auditor understand your industry? Or do you have to explain how your sector works every year?
- What is the service like? Are you satisfied with the communication, planning and accessibility?
- Is the price still correct? Have you compared with other providers in recent years?
- Does the approach suit your company? Some certification bodies are formal and process-oriented, others personal and pragmatic.
If you answer "no" or "don't know" to several questions, it might be time to compare.
The next step
Switching doesn't have to be a big step. Your certificate remains valid, your audit cycle continues, and most of the work falls to the certification bodies, not you.
Do you want to know which certification bodies suit your company? Request free quotes. You enter your details once and receive multiple customised quotes to compare.