When all requirements of the ISO 14001 standard are met, and it can be so proven by internal audits, the organization may proceed to an external audit. This external audit should be carried out by a third party – accredited certification body.
Certification will be carried out in 2 Stages. Stage 1 covers document review and Stage 2 checks the functioning of management system within the company.
During the ISO 14001 certification the auditor will focus on reviewing the environmental policy, procedures, and will analyse how the company understands environmental management and if it has established management goals and objectives that are measureable and achievable.
The Auditor will also check if the work methods that are employed are in accordance with procedures and the established goals and appropriate records are kept.
After positively completing the certification the Auditor shall recommend that a certificate for ISO 14001 is issued and registered.
The next steps are surveillance audits which are aimed to assure that the management system continuous to be effective, is being improved and still in compliance with ISO 14001 standard.
