What is a gap analysis?
Before your certification audit, you need a clear view of where you currently stand. A gap analysis reviews your current systems against the requirements of a specific standard. It shows where you already meet requirements and where further action may be needed.
By assessing your current approach, you gain a clear view of your readiness for certification. Conducted before the formal certification process, a gap assessment gives you the opportunity to address any gaps without the pressure of a certification audit.
Why conduct a gap analysis before certification?
Organizations pursue certification to strengthen performance, build trust, and support long-term growth. A gap analysis helps you prepare before entering the formal certification process by giving you a clearer understanding of the requirements of the assessment.
It clarifies what the certification process involves, including what's assessed, who needs to be involved, and what evidence is required.
With a BSI gap analysis, you can:
- Assess your readiness for certification
- Identify strengths and priority areas for improvement
- Align teams around clear priorities and next steps
Who should consider a gap analysis?
If you already have a management system in place, a gap analysis helps you understand how well it aligns with the requirements of the standard. It provides a clear view of your current position, identifies opportunities for improvement, and helps you plan next steps towards certification.
A gap analysis may be helpful if:
- You have an established management system and want to measure your readiness for certification.
- You want to identify any remaining gaps before your certification audit.
- You’re transitioning to an updated version of a standard.
- You hold certification in one area and are expanding into another.
- Your organization is navigating change, integration, or challenging business conditions.
For each case, a gap analysis provides an objective view of your current position to help inform your next steps.
What happens during a gap analysis?
A gap analysis can be delivered remotely or on site, giving you the flexibility to choose how and when the assessment takes place. You’ll receive a detailed report that shows where you meet requirements and where to take action.
Gap analysis vs certification audit
A gap analysis is not the same as a certification audit.
Instead, it’s an optional pre-certification review designed to help organizations understand how closely their current systems align with standard requirements.
Think of it as a readiness check that helps you identify areas for improvement and understand what you need to do before your certification audit.
A certification audit, by contrast, is a formal assessment conducted to determine if your organization meets the requirements to achieve certification.
While a certification audit results in a formal decision on certification, a gap analysis focuses on identifying areas for improvement to help you prepare before pursuing a formal certification audit. This helps you address potential issues early and reduce the risk of delays and unexpected issues during certification.
Transitioning to an updated standard
If you’re transitioning to an updated version of a standard, the assessment also considers your transition plan and how you are addressing new or revised requirements. This may include reviewing areas such as organizational context, leadership responsibilities, and how risks and opportunities are identified and managed.
Do I need a management system before a gap analysis?
Yes, a gap analysis works best when you have an existing management system in place. It reviews your system against the requirements of the standard, helping identify areas that may need further development.
Can a gap analysis be done remotely?
Yes, assessments can be delivered on-site or remotely depending on your organization’s needs.
How is a gap analysis different from a certification audit?
A gap analysis identifies improvement areas and readiness, while an audit formally assesses whether your management system meets the requirements of the standard.
How do I book a gap analysis?
Fill out an enquiry form, and our team will be in touch.
Why choose BSI for your gap analysis?
When it comes to standards, experience matters.
BSI has helped shape many of the world’s most widely adopted standards, giving us a unique perspective on how they work in practice. Our auditors bring deep expertise across sectors, from sustainability and healthcare to technology and the built environment.
This cross-sector experience enables us to understand the specific challenges your organization faces and apply practical insights from other industries.
Understand your readiness for certification. Get in touch with an expert today.
