In designing the Corada Product Certification program, we recognized the importance of following guidelines that ensure our process meets strict standards for certification bodies. Corada Product Certification adheres to the International Standard ISO/IEC 17065 Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes, and Services to provide third-party assessment and verification of a product's compliance with specified accessibility standards, codes, and normative documents.
Our product certification program consists of four main processes.
- Evaluation
- Review
- Decision on Compliance
- Awarding of Certification
Evaluation
In the Evaluation phase, product documentation provided by the manufacturer is inspected by a technical analyst for accuracy and completeness to determine if the information provided is sufficient to allow assessment under the selected certification level. When information is missing or insufficient, the manufacturer is contacted and asked to provide the remaining data.
Information received for the Evaluation may include:
- Product Specification Sheets
- Product Media
- User Manual
- Installation Manual
Additional information that may be requested:
- Product Sample
- Related Equipment and Accessories
- Product Packaging
- Printed or Digital Advertising
When the information has been evaluated and determined to be sufficient for subsequent steps in the certification process, the analysis continues to the Review phase.
Review
During the Review phase, the information is examined in detail by a Corada technical analyst to determine compliance with the accessibility requirements of the selected certification. Every Review takes into account the official interpretations and opinions from the U. S. Access Board, DOJ, and other relevant standards-writing and enforcement agencies.
In order to protect impartiality in the certification process, Corada requires that the Evaluation and Review of a specified product are not performed by the same technical analyst.
Decision on Compliance
The results of the Review are examined by a senior technical analyst who makes a preliminary decision regarding the product's compliance or non-compliance with the accessibility requirements of the selected certification. All decisions on product certification are then reviewed and analyzed by a Corada Compliance Manager for verification.
When the Decision on Compliance has been reached, the manufacturer is notified of Corada's decision. If a product fails to be certified, Corada informs the manufacturer of the specific reason(s).
A Decision on Compliance can be appealed to the Corada Complaints and Appeals Committee within 30 days of notification of the decision. If the result of the appeal is unfavorable, the manufacturer may make a further appeal, to the Corada Impartiality Board, for a final decision.
Awarding of Certification
When a product has successfully passed all steps in the certification process, Corada officially recognizes the product as a Corada Certified Product and grants permission for the manufacturer to use the Product Certification Awards.
Corada Product Certification Awards
- Product Certification Mark
- Certificate of Compliance
- Statement of Conformity
- Corada Word Marks
Each manufacturer who holds a Corada Product Certification is given instructions on the allowed usage of the certification awards shown above.
Other Product Certification Activities
The Corada Product Certification Program takes additional steps following certification to determine the continued compliance of certified products. These processes include:
- Product Recertification Review
- Surveillance
- Suspension
- Termination
- Complaints and Appeals
Product Recertification Review
Corada certified products are required to have a periodic review to ensure that the certified product continues to meet the accessibility requirements of the selected certification level. Manufacturers are responsible for the continued compliance of their certified products.
The Product Recertification Review must be completed according to a specified schedule that is based on the certification level.
- Corada Standard Product Certification – every 36 months
- Corada Silver and Platinum Product Certifications – every 12 months
Manufacturers are contacted to initiate the Product Recertification Review no less than 90 days prior to the expiration of a product's certification. Manufacturers may choose to apply for an early recertification due to new or revised accessibility requirements in their product's certification level.
When the Product Recertification Review has been completed, the manufacturer is notified with the results. Manufacturers with a successful recertification receive a new Certificate of Compliance showing the continued certification of the product. If the Product Recertification Review is unsuccessful, the manufacturer may appeal Corada's decision on certification or request a new review after correcting the problems.
Surveillance
Corada performs surveillance on products that have been certified in the Corada Product Certification Program. Surveillance helps to ensure that the certified product continues to meet the accessibility requirements of the indicated certification level. Corada may request from the manufacturer a current production sample of the certified product.
The surveillance may include the following:
- Products at the manufacturer's production facilities
- Product packaging from the manufacturer or distributor
- Products in circulation from a distributor
- Advertising collateral
- Media
- Specification sheets
- User manual
- Installation instructions
When surveillance by Corada reveals a problem that impacts the certification, the manufacturer will be notified and the product's certification may be suspended.
Suspension
Corada Certified Products that are no longer in compliance with the accessibility requirements of the awarded certification or fail to meet other requirements of the Corada Product Certification Program may be suspended until the reason for the suspension has been resolved. Manufacturers are given a time frame in which to implement corrective measures. Certification may be reinstated if reasons for the suspension have been resolved during the indicated time frame and the certification period is still in effect.
Examples of reasons for Suspension
- Manufacturer does not notify Corada of modifications in product design, specifications, materials, or other factors that may affect the ongoing certification of the product.
- Manufacturer does not fulfill Product Recertification Review requirements.
- Manufacturer does not resolve a complaint related to product certification within 60 days of receiving the complaint.
- Manufacturer does not provide a product sample to Corada, if requested.
If a manufacturer does not make corrective measures during the required time frame, the certified product's certification may be terminated.
Termination
Prior to termination of a product's certification, Corada informs the manufacturer that a specified certified product has an impending termination unless corrective measures are taken. When it becomes necessary to terminate a certified product, the manufacturer is notified of the reason(s) and consequences of termination of their certified product. The manufacturer is also informed of the date the termination will be effective..
Examples of reasons for Termination
- Corada determines that the Corada Product Certification was obtained fraudulently.
- Manufacturer does not grant permission for an unannounced audit of a Corada Certified Product at a manufacturing site.
- A manufacturer who has a suspended certification fails to implement corrective measures within the time frame specified by Corada.
When a Corada Certified Product is terminated, the manufacturer is no longer allowed to use the awards that were granted with product certification. Manufacturers may appeal a suspension or termination decision.
Complaints and Appeals
Our Complaints and Appeals process allows manufacturers to communicate a concern or disagreement with a decision made by Corada. Complaints and appeals are entered online via the Corada website. The complaint and appeal handling procedure begins with the Director of Compliance and, may involve further investigation by the Corada Committee on Complaints and Appeals.
An unfavorable decision on product certification, suspension, or termination can be appealed. If the appeal decision is unfavorable, a second appeal can be submitted and investigated by the Corada Impartiality Board. The decision of the Impartiality Board is the final decision on the appeal.