Gap Assessment & Readiness Review
The first step in every programme. A registered lead auditor compares how you operate today with the standard's requirements and gives you a clear, prioritised roadmap to certification.
A complete picture of where you stand
We look at documents, records and how work is actually done, not only at what is written down.
Context and scope
Boundaries, sites, activities and interested parties that define a sensible scope.
Clause-by-clause review
Each requirement assessed as met, partly met or not met.
Process walk-throughs
Interviews and observation on the shop floor, in the office or on site.
Records sampling
Evidence checked to see whether processes work in practice.
Legal and customer requirements
Obligations that the system must address.
Risk and priority
Gaps ranked by audit risk and business impact.
Roadmap
Actions, owners and a realistic timeline to certification.
Leadership briefing
Findings presented to management with decisions needed.
From kick-off to roadmap
- PlanScope, sites, documents requested and interview schedule agreed.
- ReviewDocuments and records reviewed before the visit.
- Assess on siteInterviews, walk-throughs and sampling.
- ReportGap report with ratings and evidence.
- RoadmapPrioritised plan agreed with leadership.
What you receive
- Gap report rated clause by clause, with evidence
- Recommended certification scope and boundaries
- Prioritised action plan with owners
- Indicative timeline and effort to certification
- Leadership presentation
When it helps most
- Before committing budget to a new standard
- Transitioning to ISO 9001:2026, ISO 14001:2026 or other new editions
- After a difficult certification or surveillance audit
- When adding sites, products or standards to an existing system
- Before a tender that requires certification
One partner, gap to certificate
Implementation
Processes, documents and records built around how you operate.
ConsultancyIntegrated Management Systems
Several standards under one policy, risk register and audit programme.
Certification supportMock Certification Audit
A realistic rehearsal of Stage 1 and Stage 2 before the real audit.
Ongoing partnershipOutsourced Internal Audit
Independent internal audits planned and run by registered auditors.
Ongoing partnershipSurveillance & Recertification
Keeping the system effective between audits, including 2026 transitions.
Ongoing partnershipSupplier & Second-Party Audits
Audits of your suppliers against your requirements and the standards.
Gap Assessment FAQ
Is a gap assessment the same as a certification audit?
No. It is an advisory review to help you prepare. Certification decisions are made later by an independent, accredited certification body.
Can the gap assessment cover several standards?
Yes. Assessing ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 together is common and shows where an integrated system saves effort.
Do we need documents ready before you arrive?
No. We assess what exists, including informal practices. Sharing available documents in advance makes the on-site time more productive.
Find out where you stand
Tell us your standards, sites and goals. We reply with a proposal for a gap assessment and roadmap.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.