Changes Affecting Certification Scope
In certain circumstances, changes within a certified organization may impact the scope or validity of its certification—resulting in either an extension or reduction of the certification scope.
Certified organizations are obligated to notify AACI of any such changes in accordance with the terms outlined in the Certification Agreement and Certification Guidelines.
Management of Changes During the Certification Cycle
If these changes occur within the three-year validity period of the certificate, the organization must follow the procedure outlined in the “Certificate Issuance, Handling, and Validity” policy.
Upon notification, AACI will review the nature and impact of the change and determine whether additional audit activity is required to maintain the integrity of the certification.
Scope Extension
In cases where an organization seeks to extend the scope of certification, AACI will conduct an additional audit to assess the new or modified processes relevant to the expanded scope. This audit may be:
- Conducted as a standalone assessment, or
- Integrated with a scheduled periodic audit, where appropriate
By adhering to this process, AACI ensures that all certified organizations continue to meet applicable standards and that any modifications to scope are validated through a transparent and structured assessment process.