Certification timeline
Every stage, what is recorded, and when.
A WWEC certification file moves through eight stages. This page sets out what happens at each one, what is recorded, and how the WWEC Certification Decision Panel reaches its decision. The normal target is approximately 6–8 weeks from acceptance of a complete application and readiness to begin; stages may overlap.
Stage by stage
The eight stages of a certification file.
Indicative timings depend on how quickly evidence is supplied. Every date shown on your own file is the actual recorded date, not an estimate.
01 · Application
Organisation
Day 0
The organisation submits the certification application. A unique reference is created and the file is opened on the WWEC certification register.
Recorded: Application reference issued, submission date logged
02 · Eligibility
WWEC Certification Administration
Within 5 working days
WWEC checks that the proposed scope, legal entity and locations are clear and that the organisation is eligible to be assessed.
Recorded: Eligibility confirmed or scope query raised
03 · Evidence
Organisation
Agreed evidence window
Supporting documents are uploaded through the secure evidence portal against the eight dimensions. Nothing is assessed until the evidence set is complete.
Recorded: Each document logged with upload date and status
04 · Assessment
Assigned assessors
After evidence is complete
WWEC Authorised Assessors, approved under Council authority, review every item, request clarification where needed, and record their review notes against the file.
Recorded: Each item marked reviewed, accepted or returned
05 · Scoring and independent review
Assessor, then WWEC Certification Reviewer
Following assessment
Each applicable criterion is scored 0–4 and converted to 0–100 across the eight equally weighted dimensions. A WWEC Certification Reviewer, separate from the assessor, then reviews methodology, evidence sufficiency, scoring, Mandatory Requirements and Employee Experience sufficiency.
Recorded: Criterion scores (0–4, converted to 0–100), rationale and review record
06 · Decision
WWEC Certification Decision Panel
After independent review
The Certification Decision Panel reviews the complete file and records one of four outcomes. Certification requires at least 70 overall, 50 in every dimension and all applicable Mandatory Requirements. Assessors do not decide.
Recorded: Decision, decision date and reasoning
07 · Verification
WWEC Certification Administration
After a positive decision
Certified workplaces are published to the public directory so anyone can verify the recognition, its scope and its 12-month validity period.
Recorded: Certificate number, issue date, validity period
08 · Improvement
Organisation & WWEC
Across the validity period
Findings are turned into an improvement plan. Improvement or remediation after an unsuccessful assessment is outside the normal 6–8 week target. Observations and recommendations recorded for certified organisations are not conditions of certification.
Recorded: Improvement actions recorded
At a glance
Who acts, and what the record shows.
| Stage | Owner | Indicative timing | Recorded on the file |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 · Application | Organisation | Day 0 | Application reference issued, submission date logged |
| 02 · Eligibility | WWEC Certification Administration | Within 5 working days | Eligibility confirmed or scope query raised |
| 03 · Evidence | Organisation | Agreed evidence window | Each document logged with upload date and status |
| 04 · Assessment | Assigned assessors | After evidence is complete | Each item marked reviewed, accepted or returned |
| 05 · Scoring and independent review | Assessor, then WWEC Certification Reviewer | Following assessment | Criterion scores (0–4, converted to 0–100), rationale and review record |
| 06 · Decision | WWEC Certification Decision Panel | After independent review | Decision, decision date and reasoning |
| 07 · Verification | WWEC Certification Administration | After a positive decision | Certificate number, issue date, validity period |
| 08 · Improvement | Organisation & WWEC | Across the validity period | Improvement actions recorded |
How decisions are made
Assessors assess; the Certification Decision Panel decides.
Separating assessment from decision is what keeps recognition credible.
- STEP 01
The file is assembled, not argued
The Certification Decision Panel reviews the evidence record, the assessor's findings, the reviewer's record and the scored dimensions as one complete file.
- STEP 02
Conflicts are declared first
Any member with a relationship to the applicant declares it and withdraws from the discussion and the decision.
- STEP 03
Scores are tested against the criteria
The Panel checks that each score is supported by the published criteria and by evidence actually on file.
- STEP 04
One of three outcomes is recorded
Certification awarded, decision deferred or certification declined — with written reasoning saved against the application.
- STEP 05
The applicant is notified and the record updated
The decision email is sent, the application timeline is updated with the decision date, and certified workplaces are published.
Outcomes
Four recorded decisions.
Certification awarded
All applicable certification requirements are satisfied. Certification is valid for 12 months and published.
Decision deferred
Permitted clarification, evidence, participation or remediation is outstanding. No certificate is issued.
Certification declined
The certification requirements are not satisfied. Reasoning is given and the organisation may reapply.
Timings are indicative. Certification outcomes cannot be purchased, negotiated or sponsored, and no timeline commitment guarantees an outcome.