Direct answer
A gap assessment compares current practices to intended management-system requirements themes and prioritizes actions. It is not a certification audit and does not guarantee certification outcomes.
Practical steps
- Confirm standards and scope hypothesis
- Interview process owners
- Sample real records
- Rate gaps by risk and effort
- Agree owners and a realistic plan
Beyond Carbon practical checklist — not an official ISO checklist.
Common mistakes
Copy-paste clause checklists with no site evidence. Ignoring contractors. Treating the gap report as the finished system. Rushing Stage 2 dates before evidence exists.
Consultancy vs certification
Beyond Carbon provides ISO consultancy, implementation support, documentation assistance, and audit preparation support. Independent certification bodies issue certificates after successful certification audits. Beyond Carbon does not present itself as a certification body or accreditation body.
What we actually do — Gap Assessment
We help with
- Comparing current practice to selected standard requirements
- Prioritising gaps
- Recommending a realistic roadmap
We do not do
- Issue certificates
- Treat a gap assessment as a certification audit
Client responsibilities
- Provide access to people and evidence
- Decide which gaps to close and when
Typical deliverables
- Gap assessment report
- Priority matrix
- Recommended next steps
Your role vs our role
Beyond Carbon
- Comparing current practice to selected standard requirements
- Prioritising gaps
- Recommending a realistic roadmap
Client
- Provide access to people and evidence
- Decide which gaps to close and when
Best suited for
- Organizations deciding whether / how to pursue a standard
- Teams restarting an incomplete implementation
When you may not need this yet
- Scope is completely undefined and no discovery workshop is wanted
FAQs
No. Stage 1 is performed by your certification body. A gap assessment is preparation/consultancy activity.
What happens after you submit?
We do not promise minute-level response times unless operationally guaranteed.
- We received your request
- Your requirements are reviewed
- A consultant contacts you
- Scope is clarified
- Next steps are recommended
Ready to strengthen your management system?
Tell us about your organization, scope, and requirements. We’ll help clarify the appropriate next step.