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Don't just believe what a registrar or consultant claims. Ask for references or documentation. Registrars - Most registrars serve the same function, certification. In my opinion,
smaller registrars have better customer service, but not as many auditors.
- Watch out for hidden
cost: annual maintenance fees, fees for reviewing findings; root cause analysis, corrective action plans & corrective
action objective evidence, application fees. Make sure you understand all these fees.
- Availability
of local auditors.
Consultants - Ask to see a consultants
resume. If the consultant claims to be a certified auditor, ask for credentials. Go on the web site and check who they claim
certified them.
- Be leery of consultants who claim they can have you certified in 3 months or
so.
- Many consultants are charging enormous fees. Ask why.
- Ask
if the consultant has any connection to the registrar, either by relation or if the consulting service is provided by the
registrar.
- Don't accept the statement from a registrar or consultant, "that's the way it
is."
- Ask for a list of clients and references. Then call them. Don't rush to accept.
- Ask if your consultant is employed full or part time with another company outside of consulting. Some consultants
perform services using sick leave or vacation time.
- Be careful of any consultant that only pushes
for one registrar.
- Make sure your consultant has a business location. Some consultants run a
business out of their homes, and that is fine, if that is their only business. Ask if you can visit their place of business.
- Consultants do not have to be certified auditors, but it helps.
- If you catch a consultant
with one lie, that's a head up.
- When hiring a consultant use the same technique you would use
to hire an employee. Make a background check.
- Pay attention to a consultant's contract. Watch
for key words like; facilitate, assist, arrange or other words that have vague meanings.
- If
a consultant claims to have a large staff, ask if that staff consist of employed personnel or consultants hire by contract.
Do their consultants also perform work by other consulting companies?
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