Certificate Validity and Standard Revision

Short answer: scheme certificates (CB, FCC, BQB) typically run 3–5 years, while EU self-declared conformity (DoC) has no expiry but must always reference the current standard edition. When a standard is revised, you transition — usually with gap testing only.

Validity by Scheme

When a Standard Is Revised

1. Check the standard's withdrawal date (DoW) — after it, new certificates must reference the new edition.
2. Book an impact assessment: we map changed clauses against your existing report.
3. Complete gap testing on changed clauses only.
4. Re-issue the certificate and refresh the DoC and channel documents.

Start transition work about 3 months before the DoW or certificate expiry. Send us your certificate for a transition assessment.

Validity and transition rules follow the issuing scheme and the current standard text; confirm details during project scoping.

FAQ

How long is a certificate valid and what happens at standard revision?

Scheme certificates typically run 3-5 years, while EU DoC has no expiry but must reference the current standard edition; standard revisions trigger transition with gap testing only.