CHANGING CERTIFICATION BODY - WITHOUT STARTING COMPLETELY OVER
Even if you are certified by another certification body, you can easily switch bodies during an (ongoing) certification cycle. We can take over your existing certificate and ensure that your certification process continues without interruption. A new certificate issued after a switch is just as valid as the old one.
HOW TO SWITCH TO BUREAU VERITAS
This can be done in three simple steps:
- Assessment and evaluation
We assess your existing certificate, as well as audit reports and other relevant documentation, to ensure that everything is valid and complies with the regulations. - Takeover visit (optional)
We can arrange a takeover visit, during which you meet our auditor and we explain the certification process and our partnership. However, this visit is rarely necessary to receive a new certificate. - Applying for a new certificate:
Once we have reviewed all your documentation, we can issue a new Bureau Veritas certificate with the same expiry date and scope as the old certificate. We will then continue the certification cycle as you know it, without interruption to your operations and schedule.
You are most welcome for a no-obligation consultation.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about changing your certification authority.
Our advice to you?
If you want to better understand the ISO standards and know how to maximize the value of your investments in certification, we recommend participating in our ISO Inspiration courses. These are organized regularly at various locations in the Netherlands and
What are the benefits of changing certification bodies?
The ISO standards are the same, but the collaboration is not. Certification is not just about a stamp on paper. It is about getting value for money. That is why we see companies switching certification bodies, even if they already hold a certificate.
Switching to Bureau Veritas can benefit you in the following ways:
- A fresh perspective and new insights.
After several years with the same certification body, an audit quickly becomes routine. Bureau Veritas approaches the task with a fresh perspective and a sharp focus on identifying hidden areas for improvement in your processes that may have been overlooked by the current certification body. - Auditors with industry knowledge (and dedicated auditors, if desired).
We match you with auditors who understand your daily operations. They speak your language, know your challenges, and understand what your customers expect. This means fewer irrelevant comments and more useful, targeted feedback that you can actually act upon. - More dialogue, less auditing for the sake of auditing.
Our auditors approach the audit within a value-creating process. It is not merely a control exercise. We ask questions, listen, and contribute, so that you gain insights rather than just a report. This makes the audit an opportunity to identify risks, strengths, and specific areas for improvement. - A clear business value of the certification.
A certificate should not be something you "just have to have". At Bureau Veritas, we help you actively deploy your management system to strengthen your quality, efficiency, and compliance. This must be visible in both customer satisfaction and your business results. - Collaboration that aligns with your needs.
Many companies switch to Bureau Veritas because they lack presence, proactivity, and security. We work closely with you and are there for you whenever you need us. Furthermore, our online platform, Maestro, makes it easy to track audits, documentation, and non-conformities. This instills confidence in the process and the outcome.
When companies switch to Bureau Veritas, it is often because they want more than just a quality mark. They want sparring sessions, professionalism, and a certification body that actively contributes to their development.
How we carry out certification
FAQ
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When is it optimal to switch certification bodies?
Many companies mistakenly believe that they have to start all over again when switching to a new certification body. As long as your certificate is valid and has not expired, you can switch and continue without disrupting your business operations and planning. Switching certification bodies is often a short process.
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Do we lose our current certificate if we switch?
No, your current certificate will be replaced by a new certificate from Bureau Veritas – with the same validity period and scope. The new certificate is recognized in the same way as the old one. Bureau Veritas is accredited and our certificates are recognized worldwide.
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Can we retain our original certification period and expiration date?
Yes, Bureau Veritas reviews your existing audit documentation, and if everything is in order, we continue the cycle. Bureau Veritas issues a new certificate, exactly the same as the old one, with the same expiration date.
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How long will the change take – and what is expected of us?
It is often quick and straightforward. You need to share your most recent audit reports and be available for a potential takeover visit (often not necessary). We take care of the rest.
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Are there extra costs associated with switching certification bodies?
Not necessarily. If you switch halfway through the cycle, you usually only pay for future audits – just like with your old certification body.
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Can we get the same auditor every time at Bureau Veritas?
We strive for continuity so that your auditor gets to know your business – but we also offer new perspectives if you prefer.
Bureau Veritas as a certification body
We are one of the largest certification bodies in the world. A Bureau Veritas certificate is a well-known and recognized mark of quality in the Netherlands, Belgium, and internationally.
Our auditors know your situation and ask the right questions – not only to verify, but also to offer you new insights and new opportunities.
We make planning, executing, and following up on certification simple and adapt to your needs, even if that means taking over your existing certificates without interrupting your certification cycle.
We also offer one of the most extensive training and networking programs in the Netherlands and Belgium. You can become part of a professional network within your industry, led by competent specialists with extensive experience, knowledge, and contacts.