What exactly is the difference between audits and certifications?

OEKO-TEX, GRS, BSCI, GOTS, RWS, B-Corp. 

We bet you have seen these before (and many, many others), and you probably have a pretty good idea what they are. 

But perhaps you, like so many others, struggle a bit understanding the certification process and differentiating between certifications and audits. 

If so, keep on reading and we will explain what the difference between the two is. 

Audits & Certifications 

Audits and certifications are both important to ensure compliance and meeting industry standards. 

But in different ways. 

Audits are on-site inspections or examinations meant to check a process or quality system to ensure compliance with certain requirements. 

They can both be general and more specific - such as following up on corrective actions. 

Meanwhile, certifications are official acknowledgements that a company or a certain product meets specific standards or requirements.  

Let's dive a bit further into the differences with two examples. 

Audits

A good example of an audit is the amfori BSCI - often mistaken for a certification.  

Short for Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), this audit focuses on social compliance improvements in supply chains.  

Through five steps, an approved BSCI audit company assesses sites and examines working conditions based on the 11 principles in the amfori BSCI code of conduct. 

Only amfori members can request a BSCI audit.

Certifications

Unlike audits, certifications are not something companies are required to do.  

A certification is an official acknowledgement - so the certification process focuses more on demonstrating a certain competence or quality in a certain area.  

But keep in mind that there are different requirements for different types of certifications.  

An example of such could be Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). 

As the name suggests, this certification focuses on organic products, which must be made from at least 70% organic fibres to become GOTS certified.  

We hope our explanation and examples help to make the difference between audits and certifications more clear. 

All in all, they are both important, as they both play a role in not only ensuring compliance but also creating credibility for customers.

And remember - we can help you with both! Check out our Certification Assistance Service by clicking the button: