Path 1 New CertificationFor manufacturers with no existing certified QMS. This track takes you from your current state through a successful certification audit. Step 1 | Gap Assessment
$4,500 — On-site assessment with written reportGoal: Evaluate your current processes and documentation against the full requirements of your target standard. Identify what exists, what is missing, and what needs to be built before you can pursue certification. Activities - Pre-Assessment Review: Evaluate existing documentation and process records before on-site work begins.
- On-Site Assessment: Interviews, process walkthroughs, and clause-by-clause comparison against the standard.
- Gap Identification: Document missing elements, underdeveloped processes, and documentation deficiencies.
- Findings Review: Walk through results with your leadership team and agree on a prioritized action plan.
Deliverables - Clause-by-clause gap analysis report
- Prioritized list of gaps and recommended actions
- Estimated scope and timeline for Steps 2 through 4
- Closing review session with leadership
Step 2 | Build & Implement
$1,500 / day — Typically 5 to 15 daysGoal: Address every gap identified in the assessment. Build the QMS documentation, processes, and records your facility needs to meet the standard's requirements and be ready for certification. Activities - QMS Documentation: Build procedures, work instructions, forms, and records aligned to standard requirements.
- Process Mapping: Map key processes to the specific clause requirements of your target standard.
- Risk and Opportunity Assessment: Develop and document your risk-based thinking framework.
- Implementation Support: Work alongside your team to integrate new processes into daily operations.
- Management Review Preparation: Facilitate your first formal management review meeting.
Deliverables - Complete QMS documentation package
- Process maps tied to standard clause requirements
- Risk and opportunity register
- Management review records
- Implementation completion summary
Step 3 | Internal Auditor Training
$3,000 — On-site, up to 12 participantsGoal: Train your internal team to plan, conduct, and report formal internal audits. Builds the in-house capability needed to keep your QMS healthy between registrar visits. Activities - Training Needs Assessment: Customize curriculum to participants' knowledge levels and your specific standard.
- Core Modules: Audit principles, standard clause requirements, audit planning, and reporting methodology.
- Hands-On Simulation: Live mock audit against your actual processes.
- Corrective Action Practice: Participants work through real nonconformance scenarios from your system.
Deliverables - Training materials, audit tools, and templates
- Mock audit report with findings
- Certificate of completion for each participant
- Post-training resource package for ongoing internal audits
Step 4 | Pre-Certification Internal Audit
$4,500 — On-site audit with reportGoal: Conduct a formal, clause-by-clause internal audit of your fully implemented QMS before your certification audit. Identify and resolve any remaining nonconformances so your registrar finds a clean, compliant system. Activities - Audit Planning: Define scope, criteria, and methodology aligned to your target standard.
- Full System Audit: Clause-by-clause review including interviews and process observation.
- Nonconformance Documentation: Formal findings report with prioritized corrective actions.
- Corrective Action Support: Assist your team in closing all findings before the certification audit date.
Deliverables - Formal internal audit report
- Nonconformance and observation log
- Corrective action plan with closure tracking
- Audit-ready confirmation for your registrar
Step 5 — Optional
Certification Audit Attendance & Nonconformance Resolution
$1,500 / day — Scope by audit durationGoal: Provide on-site consultant support during your registrar's certification audit and assist in the rapid resolution of any formal nonconformances issued. - Consultant present during the registrar audit
- Immediate debrief on any nonconformances issued
- Corrective action support within required timelines
- Closure confirmation for all issued nonconformances
Recommended for first-time certification or high-stakes standards such as AS9100 or IATF 16949. | | Path 2 Maintaining or RecertifyingFor manufacturers with an existing certified QMS preparing for surveillance, addressing nonconformances, or approaching their recertification cycle. Step 1 | Internal Audit of Your Certified System
$4,500 — On-site audit with formal reportGoal: Conduct a formal, independent audit of your existing certified QMS. Identify nonconformances, observations, and opportunities for improvement before your registrar's surveillance or recertification visit. Activities - Audit Planning: Define scope, criteria, and methodology based on your current certification status.
- Documentation Review: Assess current compliance levels and review records prior to on-site work.
- On-Site Audit: Clause-by-clause review, process observation, and staff interviews.
- Nonconformance Identification: Document findings, observations, and opportunities for improvement.
- Closing Meeting: Review findings with leadership and align on corrective action priorities.
Deliverables - Formal internal audit report
- Nonconformance and observation log
- Prioritized corrective action recommendations
- Closing meeting summary
Step 2 | Address Nonconformances & Strengthen the System
$1,500 / day — Typically 3 to 10 daysGoal: Resolve the nonconformances identified in the internal audit, strengthen weak areas of your QMS, and update documentation to reflect current processes and standard requirements. Activities - Root Cause Analysis: Facilitate structured sessions to identify underlying causes of each nonconformance.
- Corrective Action Planning: Develop a structured plan with owners, timelines, and verification checkpoints.
- Documentation Updates: Revise procedures, work instructions, and records to reflect corrective actions taken.
- Verification: Confirm corrective actions are implemented and effective before the registrar visit.
Deliverables - Root cause analysis documentation
- Corrective action plan with tracked milestones
- Updated QMS documentation
- Verification and closure report
Step 3 | Internal Auditor Training or Refresh
$3,000 — On-site, up to 12 participantsGoal: Refresh or retrain your internal audit team ahead of your surveillance or recertification cycle. Ensures your team is conducting audits correctly and that your internal audit program will hold up under registrar scrutiny. Activities - Current Capability Assessment: Evaluate your team's existing audit knowledge and identify gaps.
- Refresher Modules: Updated training on standard changes, audit methodology, and nonconformance reporting.
- Live Simulation: Mock audit using your actual processes and documentation.
- Program Review: Evaluate your current internal audit schedule and program for adequacy.
Deliverables - Updated training materials and audit templates
- Mock audit report
- Certificate of completion for each participant
- Internal audit program recommendations
Step 4 — Optional
Surveillance or Recertification Audit Attendance & Nonconformance Resolution
$1,500 / day — Scope by audit durationGoal: Provide on-site consultant support during your registrar's surveillance or recertification audit and assist in the resolution of any formal nonconformances issued, ensuring your certification is maintained without interruption. - Consultant present during the registrar audit
- Immediate debrief on any nonconformances issued
- Corrective action support within required timelines
- Closure confirmation for all issued nonconformances
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