Questions and answers
1. Who is SOCOTEC Company and SOCOTEC Certification international?
The SOCOTEC Group is a leading player in testing, inspection and certification (TIC). We ensure the integrity and performance of complex assets, management systems and people’s safety.
We have been around a long time … for your information, SOCOTEC was formed in 1953 out of Bureau Sécuritas, France’s first building control body set up in 1929. Through its inspection and measurement, assistance and consultancy, and training and certification services, SOCOTEC helps to optimise the performance of companies in every sector by managing the risks inherent in their activities. Drawing on its expertise and positioning itself as a long-term partner, SOCOTEC supports its clients throughout their project’s lifecycle.
Certification is a key activity in the Group positioning which we are keen to further develop and invest in. Here are our key figures:
-
- We have 20,000 Clients: in more than 20 countries
- We can offer a unique and comprehensive portfolio of 40 schemes that are accredited by 7 different accreditation bodies
- We have a network of 800 Auditors, a backbone of 7 main offices nicely spread across the world (France, UK, Germany, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand)
- We employ today 200 people (BU Certification) on a permanent basis. SOCOTEC Certification International is the single certification brand of SOCOTEC Group
2. Is my current certificate issued by FOX Certification GmbH still valid?
Yes, your current certificate is still valid.
3. What will happen to my current certificate moving forward?
We will move from FOX Certification GmbH brand to SOCOTEC Certification International, which is the single certification brand at SOCOTEC (for further details please refer to question 12.).
4. Will there be an additional cost for the new SOCOTEC Certification International certificate?
There will be no additional costs for the new certificate.
5. How long can I still hold the actual certificate delivered by FOX Certification GmbH?
Will the FOX Certification GmbH certificate expire? If so, when is the transfer deadline?
Your current certificate is still valid. After your next audit (surveillance, recertification or transition audit) we will print a new SOCOTEC Certification International certificate.
The certificate cycle will happen as planned (for further details please refer to question 12.)
6. Are there any changes to your local office (organizational, location contacts)?
No, Your FOX Certification contact will remain the same.
7. Who will be the new auditor that will be auditing us?
Can we still request to work with FOX Certification previous auditors?
We keep the existing FOX Certification GmbH auditor network, so there will be no change to what is currently planned. You can request to work with FOX Certification GmbH previous auditors subject to accreditation requirements if any.
8. What will happen to the existing contract that we have signed with FOX Certification GmbH?
Your existing contract will still be valid.
9. Will we need to sign an endorsement contract?
No, unless if we need to change the original contract (by adding a new standard for example).
11. Will there be any changes to the codes of practice?
The codes of practice need to comply with ISO 17021 for both companies. So even if the wording may slightly differ, there will be no significant changes.
12. Is a re-audit required to obtain a new certificate?
No, your audit cycle will happen as originally planned.
13. When shall I receive a new certificate with the SOCOTEC Certification International mark?
From the 1st February 2025, we’ll be starting the switch to SOCOTEC Certification International mark (SCI).
This means that after any audit conducted after this date (surveillance, recertification, transition…), your certificate will be reissued under SCI. The validity date will remain unchanged. The certificate program will be implemented as planned.
14. What is the deadline to use the new branding and logos? Is there a transition period?
Together with your new certificate, you will receive SOCOTEC Certification International marks and related guidelines for you to use on your communication tools.
From the issuance of your new SOCOTEC Certification International certificate, you will have 12 months to update your communication tools with the SOCOTEC Certification international mark.
15. Who do I contact with my concerns regarding this transition?
Your usual FOX Certification contact.
16. What are my benefits with FOX Certification GmbH and SCI?
SOCOTEC Certification International offers a wide, unique and comprehensive portfolio of 40 schemes that are accredited by 7 different accreditation bodies e.g. for ISO 50001, ISO 14001, ISO 20000 etc. – for further information please contact us!
If your company needs international support, we have a network of 800 Auditors and a backbone of 7 main offices nicely spread across the world (France, UK, Germany, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand).