Short answer: Stage 1 is a readiness review of your documented system, site conditions, scope and planning. Stage 2 is the full evaluation of whether the system is implemented and effective. Stage 1 produces areas of concern; Stage 2 produces graded nonconformities and a recommendation on certification.
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main question | Are you ready? | Does the system work? |
| Focus | Documented information, site conditions, legal obligations, scope, internal audit and management review planning | Implementation and effectiveness across processes, shifts and sites |
| Output | Report with areas of concern; Stage 2 planning | Audit report, graded nonconformities, recommendation |
| Typical share of audit time | Smaller | Larger |
Why Stage 1 matters
Stage 1 prevents a wasted Stage 2. It is also where claims are tested. For example, if an organisation says design and development does not apply but has created new products for customers, the claim will not stand, and the scope and audit time may change.
Common Stage 1 findings
- Internal audits that have not covered all processes or shifts.
- Management review held, but without all required inputs.
- Calibration records out of date.
- Expired licences or permits that are relevant to the scope.
- Scope wording that does not match the activities actually carried out.
The gap between stages
The interval should be long enough to address Stage 1 concerns but short enough that Stage 1 conclusions remain valid. BVS repeats Stage 1 if more than six months pass before Stage 2.
Next step
Stage 1 checks readiness; Stage 2 checks that the system works. What each stage covers, what comes out of it, and common reasons organisations are not ready.
Plan your certification with BVS
