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What Do the Audit Statuses Mean in the SQFI Assessment Database and Who Is Responsible at Each Stage?


Prerequisites

Before reviewing audit statuses, you should:

  • Ensure access to the SQFI Assessment Database
  • Understanding your assigned role (Site, Certification Body, Auditor, Technical Reviewer, or Certification Manager)

Understanding the status clarifies who owns the next step and how responsibility shifts throughout the audit lifecycle.

Audit StatusWhat Happens

 

Responsible Role
AbandonThe Certification Body or the Customer has decided not to proceed with the associated audit registration, and no refund is required.Certification Body (administered by the CB with SQFI oversight)
Admin HoldThis status is used when registration payment has been applied to an incorrect invoice or a payment was moved from an invoice that was once marked PAID, needing to be placed on hold until the associated invoice has been PAIDSQFI Customer Service and Accounting 
CancelledThe customer/CB has decided not to move forward with the SQFI audit, resulting in the registration being cancelled and a refund being issuedSQFI Customer Service and Certification Body
Pending PaymentSQFI is awaiting registration payment.Site or Certification Body Billing Contact
PendingRegistration has been paid and is awaiting the start of the audit.Audit Coordinator (Certification Body)
Auditor ReviewThe assigned auditor must approve or reject the audit assignment.Auditor (Certification Body)
In-ProgressThe audit has officially begun.Auditor (Certification Body)
Technical Reviewer SelectionAwaiting assignment of a Technical Reviewer.Audit Coordinator (Certification Body)
Review PendingThe Technical Reviewer has begun reviewing the audit report.Technical Reviewer (Certification Body)
Corrective Action PendingThe site is addressing corrective actions issued during the audit.Site Primary Contact
Corrective Action ReviewCorrective actions are under review by the Auditor and/or Technical Reviewer.Auditor (Certification Body) and/or Technical Reviewer (Certification Body)
Certification PendingThe final review is being completed before the certification decision.Certification Manager (Certification Body)
FinishedCertification has been completed, and the audit report has been issued.Certification Manager (Certification Body)
Tech Expert ReviewAwaiting approval from SQF Compliance for technical expert involvement.SQFI Compliance
ExpiredA previously completed certification has passed its certification expiration dateCMX Automation
Pending Sub-Site SelectionDuring registration for the Multi-Site audit, the Certification Body must choose all of the sub-sites that will be included as part of this auditCertification Body

 

FAQs

Q: Are there any roles that are required to handle multiple steps in the process? 

A: Yes, some roles. i.e., Auditors, will be responsible for ownership of the audit at different times to complete their tasks. Also, Certification Managers can assume any role and complete the required tasks.

Q: How many roles can a single person have? 

A: Each account has a singular role, but in some cases, a person may have multiple accounts due to the multiple positions they assume within their organization, for example, an auditor who is also a Technical Reviewer or an auditor who is also an Audit Coordinator. 

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