PEP Certification Process


The Progressive Excellence Program (PEP) has four levels of implementation. Each level requires a demonstration of a progressively deeper and broader commitment to excellence and resulting achievement, as outlined in the PEP criteria.

 

Certification Steps:

  1. At the appropriate PEP Level, your organization will complete an internal self-assessment against the related criteria.
  2.  If the assessment signifies that your organization has achieved the targets outlined in the criteria, you are encouraged to apply for PEP Certification at that level.
  3. To apply, organizations must prepare a submission. Find out more.

  

PEP Certification is valid for two years, at which time you are encouraged to advance to the next level, however, recertification at the same level is also available. Organizations that successfully achieve PEP Levels 3 and 4, may apply for recognition through Canada's prestigious award program, the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE).

As a prerequisite for making a submission for certification at any level, it is critical that the organization completes a successful self-assessment against relevant criteria. This action serves as a basis for a submission. A Self-Assessment Workbook and Guide covering each level is included in the PEP Toolkit (for all sectors).

If an organization wishes to have training in self-assessment techniques, or direct help from Excellence Canada with an assessment, the organization should call us for details: 1-800-263-9648 ext. 233.

  

PEP On-Site Verification

Excellence Canada’s on-site verification occurs when, following comprehensive review of a submission, a conclusion is reached by Excellence Canada that the applicant looks like a potential certification recipient. Receiving a site verification visit is, in itself, a commendable achievement. Onsite verification is not an assessment; it is purely a verification exercise to expand on key strengths of a submission.

A PEP Verification is:

  • A one-or-two-day, on-site exercise of submission validation for those organizations, or units within organizations, that have applied for certification
  • For all levels other than Level 1 (which requires only a documentation review).
  • The focus of the on-site verification exercise is to verify and expand on key selected positive elements of a submission through face-to-face discussions with:
    • the senior leadership team;
    • members of mid-level management;
    • employees;
    • suppliers/partners.

This is achieved through crossfunctional focus groups of up to 15 people. A facility tour is also required. Each discussion will last up to 90 minutes (maximum).

The organization is advised by letter regarding the decision on certification. At Levels 3 and 4 of the PEP program, certification links to the Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE) program. The organization will be advised by Excellence Canada if they have been successful in meeting requirements for both Excellence Canada certification as well as CAE national recognition.

For further information, we encourage you to email the Manager of PEP and CAE Programs at pep@excellencecanada.ca or phone 1-800-263-9648 ext. 233.