The ASME Certification Process

The process runs in four phases. Preparation: review the program, set the scope of work, obtain the standards, put an Authorized Inspection Agency agreement in place where required, write the quality manual and train staff. Application: open a CA Connect account, complete the forms, submit the signed Accreditation and Certification Agreement Form and the fees. Assessment: ASME reviews the quality manual and how the quality program is implemented. Certification: the certificate is granted only once the survey team has seen the program demonstrated in practice.

Per the ASME Nuclear Certification Program: Applicant Information Handbook, for nuclear certification the survey is run in five segments: quality-manual review, an opening meeting with a facility tour, a practical demonstration on real or demonstration Code work, a confidential audit-team meeting that frames the recommendation to the Committee on Nuclear Certification (CNC), and a closing meeting with the outcome and any nonconformities. Once issued by the CNC the certificate runs three years; start the renewal at least six months before expiry.