Run the gap analysis and close the gaps with your client
Every certification project starts with a gap analysis. You give the client a clause checklist, they answer each clause in their portal, and each answer moves the clause on: evidence goes to review, a “no” becomes a gap in Implementation, and you work each gap until the client can answer yes.
How to give the client a checklist
- Open the project and click Start Gap Analysis.
- Under Start from a built-in checklist, pick one of the 12 built-in checklists and click Use this checklist. The project’s own standard is selected for you.
- Or click Upload File to use your own CSV or Excel checklist: a header row, then one row per clause. Bold rows become section headings.
- Or open Templates and click Apply to this project on a checklist you saved earlier.
- The checklist shows in the client’s portal straight away.
How the client answers
For each clause the client chooses Yes — I have evidence and attaches the evidence, No — I don't have evidence right now, Not Applicable — tell us why with a reason, or I have a doubt to ask you a question.
| The client answers | The clause moves to |
|---|---|
| Yes, with evidence | Internal Audit, waiting for you to accept or reject the evidence |
| No | Implementation, as a gap to work |
| Not applicable | Implementation, until you confirm or reject the reason |
| A doubt | Implementation, until you answer it |
How to work the gaps
- Open the Implementation phase. Each clause shows why it is there.
- For a gap or a doubt, help the client put the control in place, then click Resolve. The clause goes back to the client to answer again.
- For a not-applicable claim, click Confirm N/A to exclude the clause, or Reject N/A to treat it as a gap.
- Confirmed not-applicable clauses do not count against the project’s conformance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the checklist after the client starts answering?
No. Once the client has responded, the checklist is locked, so their answers and evidence are never lost.
What if we sell a standard with no built-in checklist?
Upload your own checklist as a spreadsheet, and save it under Templates to reuse it on the next project.
See Clauseloop for yourself
Run leads, projects, audits, invoicing, and renewals in one customizable platform built for ISO certification teams.