Appeals Policy

IAQG Authentication makes authentication decisions based on the criteria defined by the IAQG and outlined in our Authentication Requirements and related materials. If an application cannot be approved due to established criteria, an explanation will be provided. If an application cannot be approved due to missing information, the applicant will be permitted to amend their application within a limited timeframe. If an application is rejected, the applicant must submit a new application that addresses the deficiencies in the original application and submit any required application fees. An appeal request may be filed to have the decision reviewed by the IAQG Appeals Team. (When deciding to submit an appeal, applicant is recommended to wait for the outcome of this appeal prior to submitting a new application.)

In addition, all authentications are subject to Ongoing Authentication requirements. This includes completion of annual audit requirements, Continual Professional Development hours, completing/passing special training/examination requirements (if/when issued), and payment of Annual Maintenance Fees. Ongoing authentication also requires ongoing compliance with all official IAQG policies and directives, including the IAQG Code of Conduct. If a complaint is raised about an auditor’s actions or job performance, IAQG (including authorized representatives at IAQG Authentication) may perform an investigation into the complaint, and in the course of this investigation a decision may be made to suspend or terminate your authentication(s). Details of the reason for any such decision will be shared with the authenticated auditor, but there may be situations where IAQG Authentication is legally prohibited from disclosing all details. (This could include, for example, measures to protect the identity of complainants to prevent potential retaliation.) Depending on the reason for the suspension/termination, this could also impact the ability to apply for new authentications in the future.

If you believe IAQG Authentication made an error in any authentication-related decision, please follow the following procedure to request an appeal within 30 days of the decision you are appealing:

1. Log into OASIS to access the Feedback system and create a new Feedback Ticket.
   • NOTE: If for some reason your existing OASIS account is no longer working, you may create a new public OASIS account for the purpose of submitting this feedback. If creating a new account, be sure to enter an email address and phone number we can use to contact you during the investigation.
2. Select the type “Auditor Authentication Body” and choose “IAQG Authentication” from the Recipient list.
3. Complete the other fields as prompted to submit the Appeals Request, including:
   • Date the decision was made
   • The authentication the decision was made about (i.e., AQMS standard and Authentication Level)
   • detailed description of the reason for your appeal. You may, optionally, upload a related file as an attachment.

After you submit an appeal request, it will be reviewed by the IAQG Appeals Team. Please refer to the IAQG Appeals Procedure for more information.

If the IAQG Appeals Team decides to reverse the original decision, IAQG Authentication will take necessary actions within five (5) business days. If the IAQG Appeals Team decides to uphold the original decision, the appellant will receive an update on the decision through the Feedback System within OASIS and be notified via email. Refer to the IAQG Appeals Procedure and IAQG Escalation Procedure for additional details on final appeal to the IAQG Certification Oversight Team.