A Partnership That Transforms: Tips for Successfully Migrating Your Certification to ABS Quality Evaluations

A certification transfer is a critical step for organizations that want to align their management systems with a new certification body. When done correctly, it may help to ensure continuity, minimize risks and can add value to the management system. ABS Quality Evaluations (ABS QE) is a trusted provider for already-certified organizations and has expertise in conducting transfers across multiple standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, ISO 50001, ISO 55001 and ISO 27001.

Dos: What to do During the Transfer

1. Plan ahead.
   • Review contractual deadlines and recertification periods with your current certification body.
   • Identify scheduling windows for audits that do not impact critical operations.
2. Engage ABS QE early in the process.
   • Share certification history, current scope and previous audit reports (including nonconformities and corrective actions taken).
   • Request guidance on any specific transfer requirements or documentation needs.
3. Secure complete and up-to-date documentation.
   • Keep policies, procedures, internal audit records, management review records and evidence of corrective actions ready for review.
   • For specific standards (e.g., IATF 16949 or ISO 27001), include relevant technical evidence of compliance such as process controls or information security controls.
4. Involve leadership and relevant stakeholders.
   • Top management should support the transfer, participate in management review and provide resources for any required changes.
   • Communicate clearly with staff about what the transfer involves.
5. Prepare for the transfer audit.
   • Conduct internal audits focused on identified gaps and run mock external audits.
   • Close known nonconformities and document evidence of closure.
6. Maintain operational continuity and a clear scope.
   • Be sure the certified scope is well defined and notify ABS QE in advance of any scope changes before audit.

Don’ts: What to Avoid During the Transfer

1. Don’t leave the transfer to the last minute.
   • Contractual changes and audit scheduling can take time. Procrastination increases the risk of lapses in certification.
2. Don’t omit your nonconformity history.
   • Hiding issues or providing incomplete information undermines trust and may trigger additional audits.
3.  Don’t underestimate standard-specific requirements.
   • Each standard emphasizes different points (e.g., information security for ISO 27001; process and production controls for IATF 16949). Ignoring these specifics is a risk.
4. Don’t decentralize responsibility without coordination.
   • Splitting responsibility across many areas without coordination leads to inconsistent documentation and evidence.
5. Don’t confuse speed with quality.
   • Rushing the transfer can lead to temporary fixes or insufficient documentation that won’t sustain compliance long-term.

Practical Checklist for Managers Before Starting the Transfer

• Is the certification scope clearly defined?
• Are internal audit records and corrective actions up to date?
• Is evidence of compliance with legal requirements and interested parties available?
• Is top management committed and have resources been allocated for the transition?
• Have you identified requirements specific to the target standard (e.g., information security controls, asset integrity requirements, energy management needs)?
• Is there a plan for internal communication about the transfer?

Key Risks and How to Mitigate Them

• Risk: Temporary loss of certification due to poor planning.
  Mitigation: Start early and maintain active communication with both certification bodies.
• Risk: Unresolved nonconformities.
  Mitigation: Implement corrective action plans with assigned owners and clear deadlines before the audit.
• Risk: Lack of evidence for standard-specific requirements.
  Mitigation: Prepare targeted records and perform internal audits focused on those requirements.

Why ABS QE is Your Trusted Partner

• Experienced Auditors and Specialists: Our highly skilled audit teams bring deep technical knowledge and industry-specific expertise enabling them to assess complex management systems effectively while delivering practical value-adding recommendations.
• Personalized Service: We customize our approach to align with each client’s unique context, risks and operational needs ensuring that the transition plan, audit scope and follow-up activities are tailored to your organization’s priorities.
• Unparalleled Technical Expertise: We offer impartial and knowledgeable assessments of management systems helping you achieve compliance with confidence.
• Transparent Transition Process: Our focus is on maintaining business continuity while ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
• Risk-Based, Results-Oriented Approach: We provide actionable recommendations designed to enhance your organization’s operations and outcomes.
• Comprehensive Audit Capabilities: We are equipped to audit a wide range of standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, ISO 50001, ISO 55001 and ISO 27001.

With ABS QE, you gain a partner committed to excellence, safety and reliability.

A certification transfer is an opportunity to review and strengthen your management system. ABS Quality Evaluations supports certified organizations across ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, ISO 50001, ISO 55001 and ISO 27001, offering a transparent, technical and continuity-focused process. Contact us for a preliminary assessment of your case and map the safest and most efficient path for transfer.

About ABS Quality Evaluations

ABS Quality Evaluations, Inc. (ABS QE) is a subsidiary of ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (www.abs-group.com). As a world-leading certification body, ABS QE works with companies to improve the performance of their business, systems, people and supply chains through management systems certification, verification, training and assessments, including supply chain and cybersecurity. ABS QE’s global network of auditors plays a crucial role in helping organizations achieve business excellence and obtain the necessary certifications to get products and services to market.