Recertification audit: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)
A recertification audit (French: audit de renouvellement) takes place before an ISO 53001 certificate expires, so that a decision can be made on renewing it for a further three-year cycle. It evaluates the whole SDG management system, its continuing relevance and the results achieved over the cycle that is ending.
Updated: · edition covered: ISO/UNDP 53001:2026
In an ISO/UNDP 53001 audit
Unlike surveillance audits, which sample part of the system, recertification covers every requirement. The auditor also steps back to look at the full three years: how results evolved, whether the priority SDGs changed, and how the system adapted when the context shifted.
Both the audit and the decision must happen before the expiry date; otherwise the continuity of certification is broken and the organisation starts again. Nonconformities raised at this point are handled exactly as at the initial audit. See the certification process and the ISO/UNDP 53001 standard.
Scheduling recertification in time
Recertification is scheduled with enough margin before expiry for any major nonconformity to be closed and the decision to be taken. The organisation reports significant changes beforehand so that audit duration and scope can be adjusted. The auditor also reviews the surveillance reports of the cycle to see whether recurring findings were finally resolved.
See also
- Certification cycle: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)The certification cycle (French: *cycle de certification*) is the three-year period covered by an ISO 53001 certificate.
- Surveillance audit: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)A surveillance audit (French: *audit de surveillance*) is a periodic audit carried out by the certification body while an ISO 53001 certificate is valid.
- Continual improvement: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)Continual improvement (French: *amélioration continue*) is the recurring activity through which an organisation strengthens its performance and the relevance of its management system.
- Certificate: definition (ISO/UNDP 53001)A certificate (French: *certificat*) is the document issued by a certification body after a favourable decision.