How ISO certification works
A straightforward five-stage journey - from choosing the right scope to receiving and maintaining your certificate. Most AAA audits are delivered remotely, with onsite or video activity used where scope and risk require it.
1. Get your price
Tell us your turnover, people, sites, activities and the standards you need. The initial fee is calculated from your answers. Check your declaration before proceeding; if the actual scope is materially different, we will explain any extra work and charge in advance.
2. Apply and prepare
After your application, we review the declared scope, provide an evidence checklist and arrange suitable audit dates.
3. Stage 1 audit
We review readiness, scope and key management-system information. Any gaps are recorded clearly so you know what must be addressed before Stage 2.
4. Stage 2 audit
Your auditor evaluates implementation and effectiveness. Findings are recorded transparently with controlled response deadlines.
5. Independent decision
Audit outputs pass through technical review and an independent certification decision. If approved, we issue the certificate and explain the rules for using the certification marks.
Ongoing surveillance
Certification continues through annual surveillance and recertification activity. AAA works on a rolling annual contract without long-term tie-ins.
Before you commit to an audit
Know what the initial fee covers
The questionnaire calculates the initial certification audit fee from your declared standards, turnover, people, sites and complexity. Annual surveillance is priced separately, so you can see the ongoing commitment as well as the first audit.
Agree any onsite work
Most audits are remote. If activities need a site visit, your auditor will discuss what reasonably needs to be observed. Onsite audit days are agreed in advance and charged separately at £400 per day plus VAT.
Keep your scope accurate
Your declaration should reflect the activities and locations to be certified. If the actual scope is materially different, we will explain any revised audit plan and additional charge before extra work is carried out.
Payment does not guarantee certification. The audit evidence, responses to findings and independent decision determine whether a certificate can be issued.
Ready to understand your route and price?
Start with a few details about your organisation and the standards you need to see an indicative fee.