FAQs - Certification
Q What is Diligentsia Certification?
Diligentsia Certification is a way of companies (or their advisors) systematically going through a company's corporate information to provide a view as to the degree of sophistication reached by a company which is seeking to be investment ready, growth ready, or exit ready. The Diligentsia Certification is designed to encourage companies to follow bespoke recommendations to improve their performance and increase their value and attractiveness.
Companies can self-certify through our platform as you complete the various modules on the platform:
Or with Diligentsia Pro Plus, you can get third party audited certification:
Q What is the difference between bronze, silver and gold certification?
Bronze certifies a basic level of corporate compliance;
Bronze certifies a basic level of corporate compliance;
Q What is bronze certification?
When you complete various modules, we use an algorithm to merge your completeness score and risk scores into one overall score. If you perform well enough you can gain a Diligentsia unaudited Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate. Bronze certification suggests that your company has reached a self-audited stage of having the basic corporate information in place within your company. As you complete more modules and improve your completeness and risk scores, you can progress from silver certification to gold certification. If you wish, you can ask your accountant or lawyer to complete our checklists in Diligentsia Pro Plus, and you can receive a third-party audit certificate to show third parties.
Q What do I have to do to obtain/upgrade silver certification?
As well as having to meet higher thresholds on completeness and risk on your Data Repository and Business Audit modules, you will also have to complete two Expansion Pack modules - Directors' Questionnaires and Warranty Disclosures with satisfactory scores to obtain the Silver certification.
Q How can I improve my score?
You can improve your score in two main ways.
Firstly you can ensure that you accurately raise your questions/section completeness score.
Secondly, you can improve your internal processes so that you reduce the perceived risk.
Silver represents a stage of development that is potentially investible;
Silver represents a stage of development that is potentially investible;
Q What is silver certification?
When you complete various modules, we use an algorithm to merge your completeness score and risk scores into one overall score. If you perform well enough you can gain a Diligentsia unaudited Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate. Silver certification suggests that your company has reached a self-audited stage of having sufficient corporate information in place within your company to be “investible” although we do not guarantee this in any way and an investor must undertake his own due diligence. As you complete more modules and improve your completeness and risk scores, you can progress to gold certification. If you wish, you can ask your accountant or lawyer to complete our checklists in Diligentsia Pro Plus, and you can receive a third-party audit certificate to show third parties.
Q What do I have to do to obtain silver certification?
Your company has to substantially complete both the Data Repository module (ie. build a data repository for your company's corporate data) with a minimum completeness score, and substantially complete your Business Audit (answer diligence questions on 20 sections of your business), again meeting minimum completeness and risk thresholds. In addition you will need to purchase and complete the Directors' Questionnaire module and the Warranty Disclosure module. These thresholds can be found in the Certification module Company Dashboard>Certification.
Q What do I have to do to obtain/upgrade silver certification?
As well as having to meet higher thresholds on completeness and risk on your Data Repository and Business Audit modules, you will also have to complete two Expansion Pack modules - Directors' Questionnaires and Warranty Disclosures with higher threshold scores than you achieved when achieving the bronze certification so as to obtain the Silver Certification. These thresholds can be found in the Certification module Company Dashboard>Certification.
Gold represents a sophisticated level of corporate organization.
Gold represents a sophisticated level of corporate organization.
Q What is Gold Certification?
When you complete various modules, we use an algorithm to merge your completeness score and risk scores into one overall score. If you perform well enough you can gain a Diligentsia unaudited Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate. Gold certification suggests that your company has reached a self-audited stage of having sufficient corporate information in place within your company to be regarded “sophisticated” although we do not guarantee this in any way and an investor must undertake his own due diligence. As you complete more modules and improve your completeness and risk scores, you can progress to gold certification. If you wish, you can ask your accountant or lawyer to complete our checklists in Diligentsia Pro Plus, and you can receive a third-party audit certificate to show third parties.
Q What do I have to do to obtain/upgrade Gold certification from Silver?
As well as having to meet higher thresholds on completeness and risk on your Data Repository and Business Audit modules, you will also have to complete two Expansion Pack modules - Directors' Questionnaires and Warranty Disclosures with higher threshold scores than you achieved when achieving the silver certification. These thresholds can be found in the Certification module Company Dashboard>Certification.
Q How can I improve my score?
You can improve your score in two main ways.
Firstly you can ensure that you accurately raise your questions/section completeness score.
Secondly, you can improve your internal processes so that you reduce the perceived risk.
Bronze can be achieved through reaching minimum completeness and risk scores. Silver and gold have higher thresholds on module completeness and risk, and in addition, the company must have successfully completed two Expansion Packs - Warranty Disclosure Schedule, and Directors' Questionnaires.
Please click on the indent above to expand into more instructions.
Q Can Diligentsia be held accountable for my company's certification score?
No. Our platform provides tools. It is always up to third parties to undertake their own investigation/due diligence. They should not rely on our platform. Similarly, we are not liable to you if certification does not deliver your anticipated benefits.
Q What is the difference between audited and unaudited certification?
When you complete all the modules yourself, you are awarded "unaudited" certification, since there is no one external to review your work. If you want to show to third parties such as investors that you have met the standards, then you can Diligentsia or your advisor (accountant or lawyer) to review your modules on the Diligentsia using our checklists, and if you meet the standard you are then issued an audited certificate. This will hold more credibility with investors. This is Diligentsia Pro Plus.
Q What is the difference between the 2-minute test pass/fail certificates and the bronze silver and gold certification?
The 2-minute test pass/fail certificates are a quick pass/fail indicator; while the Bronze, Silver and Gold certification are the result of completing a number of in depth modules.
Q Where can I find out the threshold levels to be met for bronze, silver, gold certification?
You can find out the requirements and threshold limits at Company Dashboard>Core Workspace Certification.
Q: Can I download the certification?
Yes, certifications can be exported in PDF format.
Q: How secure is the certification process?
Data is encrypted and securely stored during the process.
Q: What certifications are recognized internationally?
The module includes globally recognized standards.
Troubleshooting
Q: Why can’t I see my certification score?
Ensure you have completed the required modules and sections. Scores are updated in real-time after completing modules.
Q: How do I know if I meet the thresholds for certification?
Thresholds for Bronze, Silver, and Gold certification are available in the Certification Module under Company Dashboard > Certification.
Q: Can I achieve Silver or Gold certification without completing expansion packs?
No, Silver and Gold certification require the completion of the Directors' Questionnaire and Warranty Disclosure expansion packs.
Q: My certification score isn’t updating after completing a module. What should I do?
Refresh your dashboard and check if all sections are saved. If the issue persists, contact support.
Q: Can I retake modules to improve my certification score?
Yes, you can revisit modules to update answers and improve scores.
Q: How can I confirm my risk score is accurate?
Review your answers and ensure all sections are complete. Risk scores are algorithmically calculated based on your inputs.
Q: Can investors rely solely on Diligentsia certification?
No, certification serves as an indicator of readiness. Investors should conduct their own due diligence.
Q: Why is my company not progressing from Bronze to Silver certification?
Ensure you meet the higher thresholds for completeness and risk scores and complete the required expansion packs.
Q: What’s the difference between unaudited and audited certification?
Unaudited certification is based on self-completed modules. Audited certification is reviewed and verified by an advisor or Diligentsia Pro Plus.
Q: Can I obtain certification without completing all modules?
Bronze certification may be achievable, but higher levels require comprehensive completion of modules and expansion packs.
Q: How can I download my certification?
Certifications can be exported as a PDF from the Certification Module.
Q: What happens if I lose access to my certification?
Certifications are stored in your account and can be re-downloaded from the Certification Module.
Q: Can I customize my certification report?
No, the certification report follows a standardized format.
Q: What do I do if my certification report contains errors?
Review your inputs in the relevant modules. Errors are typically caused by incomplete or inaccurate information.
Q: Is the certification process internationally recognized?
The certification aligns with globally recognized corporate standards, but specific recognition may vary.
Q: Can I share my certification with investors?
Yes, certifications can be downloaded and shared as part of your due diligence package.
Q: Does the certification expire?
Certifications remain valid as long as your subscription is active and modules are kept up-to-date.
Q: How secure is the certification process?
All data is encrypted and securely stored during the certification process.
Q: What is the difference between the 2-Minute Test certificate and certification levels?
The 2-Minute Test provides a quick pass/fail result, while certification levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) require in-depth module completion.
Q: How do I contact support for certification-related issues?
Use the support bot on the website or email support@diligentsia.co.uk for assistance.