What is Audit and Certificate Cycle?

1. The audit cycle in the audit plan is three (3) years, and the certification cycle is also three (3) years. 2. The first audit cycle includes an initial two-stage audit (Stage 1 and Stage 2), surveillance audits at agreed intervals in the first, second, and third years, and a recertification audit in the third year. 3. The first three (3) year audit cycle starts from the last day of Stage 2 of the initial audit. Each subsequent audit cycle starts from the last day of the recertification audit. 4. The three (3) year certification cycle starts on the certification decision date. The certification decision date is the certificate issuance date. A new three (3) year certification cycle begins on the recertification decision date. The recertification decision must be made before the expiration date of the existing certificate. The recertification decision date is the new certificate issuance date. The existing certificate is void from that date. 5. The certificate expiration date is up to three (3) years minus one (1) day after the certification and/or recertification decision date. Once issued, the certificate remains valid until it expires, is canceled, or is revoked.