Types of Nonconformities in Accreditation Audits and Closure Strategies
Accreditation audits are one of the most critical stages in objectively determining how well an organization complies with applicable standards. Nonconformities identified during these audits directly affect the success of the accreditation process.
Correctly understanding and effectively closing nonconformities requires a professional accreditation consultancy approach. In this article, we examine in detail the types of nonconformities encountered during accreditation audits and how they should be properly closed.
What Is a Nonconformity in Accreditation Audits?
A nonconformity refers to situations where the requirements of a standard, applicable legislation, or the accredited scope are not met.
Auditors typically evaluate nonconformities based on the following areas:
- Documentation
- Implementation
- Records
- Personnel competence
- Technical infrastructure
Therefore, nonconformities are not merely “missing documents” but indicators that impact the entire management system.
Types of Nonconformities in Accreditation Audits
Major Nonconformities
Major nonconformities indicate that the fundamental requirements of the standard are not being met and pose a serious risk to accreditation.
Examples of major nonconformities include:
- Critical activities carried out by non-competent personnel
- Violations of impartiality or confidentiality
- Invalid test or inspection results
- Procedures that are not implemented systematically
Possible consequences:
- Accreditation not being granted
- Risk of suspension or withdrawal
Major nonconformities must be addressed quickly, comprehensively, and with a system-based approach.
Minor Nonconformities
Minor nonconformities are deviations from the standard that do not affect the overall system performance but still represent noncompliance.
Examples of minor nonconformities:
- Incomplete or outdated records
- Inconsistencies in procedure revision dates
- Minor gaps in training records
If minor nonconformities are not closed in a timely manner, they may escalate into major nonconformities.
Observations and Opportunities for Improvement
These findings are not formal nonconformities; however, they highlight areas that may pose future risks or where the system could operate more effectively.
A professional accreditation consultancy approach takes these observations seriously to prevent future nonconformities.
How Should the Nonconformity Closure Process Be Managed?
1. Correct Understanding of the Nonconformity
The first and most important step is to correctly analyze the root cause of the nonconformity.
A common mistake is assuming that correcting a document alone is sufficient. Auditors, however, expect to see sustainable and systemic solutions.
2. Root Cause Analysis
Nonconformities are often linked to root causes such as:
- Lack of training
- Insufficient planning
- Incorrect scope definition
- Lack of management support
Failure to conduct proper root cause analysis often results in repeated nonconformities.
3. Preparation of a Corrective Action Plan
An effective corrective action plan should clearly include:
- Description of the nonconformity
- Identified root cause
- Corrective actions to be taken
- Responsible person or department
- Target completion date
This plan must be presented to the accreditation body in a clear, traceable, and evidence-based manner.
4. Implementation and Documentation of Actions
All corrective actions must be fully implemented and supported by objective evidence. Written statements alone are often not sufficient for auditors.
5. Effectiveness Verification
Auditors evaluate whether corrective actions truly eliminate the nonconformity and reduce the risk of recurrence. This step is frequently overlooked but is critical to audit success.
Managing Nonconformities Through Accreditation Consultancy
Professional accreditation consultancy services treat nonconformities not as threats, but as opportunities to strengthen the management system.
Through consultancy support:
- Nonconformities are correctly classified
- Unnecessary panic and incorrect corrective actions are avoided
- Audit duration and additional costs are reduced
- Sustainable accreditation is ensured
Sertifike’s Accreditation Consultancy Approach
At Sertifike, we provide accreditation consultancy services that ensure correct interpretation of nonconformities, effective root cause analysis, and closure in line with the expectations of accreditation bodies.
Our approach focuses not only on closing nonconformities, but also on integrating corrective actions into the system to prevent recurrence and increase audit maturity.
Nonconformities in accreditation audits may be inevitable; however, how they are managed determines the success of the process. With the right closure strategies and professional consultancy support, audits become a tool for organizational improvement rather than a risk.
At Sertifike, we manage this process for you with confidence, transparency, and sustainability.
