Understanding the Reassessment Audit Requirements

What is a reassessment audit?  A reassessment audit is an activity done near the completion of the 3-year audit cycle of a quality or environmental management system.  The purpose is to ensure that the system is still implemented and effective as defined in the original certification process.

Is this a new requirement?  No, this requirement has always existed and registrars were mandated to be performing reassessment audits prior to re-issuing renewed certificates.

Where is this mandate coming from?  Accreditation Bodies, such as RAB and RvA, audit registrars for compliance to International Accreditation Forum (IAF) documents Guide 62 (QMS) and Guide 66 (EMS) along with the published IAF Guidance Documents to Guides 62 & 66.

How did Smithers Quality Assessments interpret these requirements in the past?  In the past, SQA had maintained the position that surveillance audits coupled with an in-house review of the history of the QMS/EMS over the course of three years completely fulfilled the requirements for a reassessment audit.

What was the rationale for this methodology?  The purpose of the surveillance audits is to ensure the continuing implantation and effectiveness of the applicable management system.  Over the course of the three-year period the entire system was reviewed, parts of it repeatedly.  The reassessment, at no charge to the client company, was completed in SQA's offices to assure the applicable system was still effective.

What has changed?  On June 18, 2002, RAB published a directive to all registrars that a reassessment audit. consisting of 2/3 the time spent on the initial audit, must be done at the client company's site reassessing the entire system.

Why did RAB do this?  There was a concern that in order to determine the system's effectiveness, including the interaction between elements of the QMS/EMS, the whole system must be reviewed.  The IAF guidance documents specify that 2/3 the time spent on an initial assessment should be adequate for this review.

How is Smithers Quality Assessments implementing this directive?  Our primary concern is that we have a process with integrity that also minimizes the financial impact upon our client base.  We have chosen to perform this reassessment audit in lieu of the last surveillance audit.

How does this minimize our clients' expense?  Regardless of the surveillance interval chosen for the first two years of any contract period, the last year is planned as an annual surveillance.  This surveillance is then replaced by the reassessment audit, thereby minimizing the impact of the additional mandated audit days.

What are Smithers Quality Assessments goals for your management system?  We want you to have a management system that makes business sense for your company.  One that contributes to your growth and prosperity.  We are committed to partner with you to accomplish this goal.