Audit process
How an audit works.
The same documented steps for every applicant, from first application to public verification.
Apply
Start your application through MindSpring and tell us about your organization.
Evidence pack
Gather your training records, workplace routines and supporting documents into one pack.
ARIC desk review
ARIC reviews the evidence pack against the Focus-First criteria and raises any questions.
Site audit
ARIC visits (in person or remotely) to see the routines working in practice.
Panel decision
An impartial panel — at least two auditors who never coach or train the organization they audit — makes the decision. Panel members declare any conflicts of interest.
Certificate & public verification
Your certificate is issued and listed so anyone can verify it.
Certification is included in the MindSpring licence. ARIC issues it only after every step of the audit is cleared.
After certification
Keeping the credential meaningful.
Validity & re-audit
Organization certificates are valid for 12 months: a yearly re-audit plus a six-month compliance check on booster participation and any open gaps. Focus-First Professional credentials are valid for 6 months, then renewed. How long certification takes depends on your readiness.
Appeals
You can appeal a decision within 30 days. Appeals go to a different ARIC lead who was not on the panel.
Suspension & revocation
If the standard is no longer met, a certificate can be suspended or revoked, and the public record is updated.