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Corrective Actions

Corrective Actions chart

"The top three CAR categories for 2007 were process control, management, and detailing."

Learn more about the most common CARs

What is a Correction Action Request (CAR)?

During the audit, the auditor will notify you of corrective actions that need to be addressed (if any). This notification is called a corrective action request (CAR).

See also: FAQs about CARs

How do I answer a Corrective Action Request (CAR)?

It is good advice to address the issues raised right after the on-site audit or in just a few days. The events are the freshest and everyone involved has the best chance of designing a good solution. If you wait until the last minute of each deadline, you won’t leave much time to complete the process with QMC if further clarification or additional information is needed.

QMC CARs require that you initiate an internal Corrective Action (CAR) using your own system.

Here are the steps:

  1. Determine what the most likely root cause was for the nonconformance. Make sure you don’t settle on the first thought that seems most obvious. The real cause could be several steps back in the processes that lead to the nonconformance.
  2. Determine the best action(s) that would prevent this nonconformance from happening again.
  3. Document the root cause analysis and action to prevent recurrence within your own internal CAR.  See also: Sample CAR Form (.doc), CAR Auditee Procedure (.pdf)
  4. Perform the corrective action. That is: conduct the training, perform the internal audit, change the process, revise the procedure or any other action(s) that you have chosen to eliminate the problem.
  5. Send ‘objective evidence’ to QMC via fax, mail, auditreports@qmconline.com with your CAR(s). Objective evidence could take the form of training records, revised written procedures, pictures, videos, meeting records or other illustrative media. Make sure you clearly identify which CARs the evidence addresses.

Many CARs are addressed in this way. In some cases, telephone interviews by the QMC or a revisit may be necessary.

When will I hear back?

If the evidence you have supplied satisfies the CAR(s), your certificate should reach you in one to two weeks. Certificates are generally processed once a week for firms that have met the criteria in full.

Contact QMC if you don’t receive CAR closure status (either a request for more information or notification of the closure of the CAR(s) or your certificate within three weeks from QMC’s receipt of your information.