NATA accreditation can be a daunting journey. Here’s what you need to know, and what you can expect during the process.
1. Your Scope of Accreditation.
Consider the scope of work you need to be covered by your NATA accreditation. Look up your competitors scope which is publicly available to view on NATA's website.
2. Contact with NATA.
Get the ball rolling by contacting NATA if you haven't already. Familiarize yourself with the information package NATA will send you. NATA should also provide you with a quote so you have a more solid idea of what to expect cost-wise.
3. Gap analysis.
If you have the knowledge in-house, I recommend you conduct a thorough gap analysis of your systems and revise them before sending anything to NATA. NATA will charge you $$ for all the time they spend reviewing your system and providing feedback. The time NATA has to spend reviewing your system will be significantly less if your management system is easy to follow and already mostly compliant.
4. Advisory visit.
NATA will organise with you what they call an ‘advisory visit’. This is your opportunity to discuss your draft scope, and get some feedback from NATA on how ready (or not) you are to start the process.
5. Application.
If everyone is satisfied that you are ready to proceed, NATA will encourage you to submit an application for accreditation. Submit the application only when you are confident you are ready, because delays on your end could mean extra fees.
6. Implement and review changes.
Get your staff involved in making sure revised processes and procedures are followed. Generate robust records to show off when the time comes for your assessment. Conduct detailed internal audits and make sure a management review meeting is minuted before your NATA audit.
7. Prepare for audit day.
Let all your staff know when the audit will be, and what to expect on the day. Remember, the auditors won't be trying to trick anyone. Tell your staff they can refer to procedures if they need, and that it is OK to say 'I don't know'.
8. The Audit.
The audit will be conducted by a NATA staff member who will focus on your quality management system, and a technical expert (who you would have previously agreed to attend) who is tasked with assessing your staff performing the tests, inspections or calibrations.
At the end of the day you will be left with a rough report which will include all of the non-conformances identified. It is rare to survive an audit without any non-conformances, so don’t get yourself too stressed. You should know by now if you are likely to be successful or if further work is needed.
9. Respond to NATA.
After the audit you have to respond to the issues raised. Your response must include evidence that you have made the changes required and addressed the root causes of issues. The more complete and clear your responses are, the quicker your application will be progressed and hopefully approved.
10. Success!
If all goes well, your NATA accreditation will be granted. Show off the certificate in your office, on your website and get marketing to potential new clients! Celebrate but remember this is just the beginning. NATA visit every 1.5 years to make sure you are keeping on top of everything.
Need help with the process? Get in touch with NATA Accreditation consultants, Q&A.
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