Institute of European Standards and Quality 
Which process applies
This overview explains the stages common to scoped assessment. The rules of the particular programme determine which stages apply, how they are performed and what result may be issued. Read those rules together with the agreed terms.
Define scope and capability
The initial review identifies the object, requirements, intended result and relevant locations or variants. It also considers competence, resources and impartiality. Work outside the agreed capability or authority cannot be included by changing the wording of an enquiry.
Application and terms
The application provides the information required by the programme. The scope, responsibilities, fees and conditions are agreed before evaluation is commissioned. Receipt of an application or payment does not determine a technical outcome.
Review of information
Submitted information is checked for relevance and adequacy. Questions or gaps are referred to the applicant. A document's existence does not establish its technical suitability; scope, origin, method and relationship to the object may need examination.
Evaluation activities
Evaluation follows the agreed method and may include document review or other activities specified by the programme. Any testing, site work or subcontracted activity is identified with its responsible body and limits. Changes to the agreed scope are controlled.
Findings and corrective action
Findings state the requirement, evidence and issue concerned. Where correction is permitted, the applicant provides the action and supporting evidence within the applicable arrangements. A response is reviewed; its submission alone does not close a finding.
Review and decision
The designated review and decision stages consider the completed evaluation and relevant evidence. Required independence from the evaluation is maintained. A positive result is not assured by membership, training attendance, commercial relationships or fees.
Issue and maintenance
The issued result identifies its object, scope, issuing body and relevant dates. Programme rules govern surveillance, changes, renewal, suspension, withdrawal or expiry. Changes to products, sites or other material facts must be handled through those rules.
Fees and resources
Fees reflect the agreed activities and resources, including any additional evaluation needed after a scope change or unresolved finding. The quotation identifies the charging basis. Payment concerns the service; it does not purchase a favourable conclusion.
Questions and challenges
An initial request should identify the intended assessment. A question about service conduct follows the complaints route; a challenge to an eligible decision follows the appeals procedure.