'I want to obtain AI governance C Certification (AI Governance Core Certification), but I can't picture what the process actually looks like, or how much of a burden it will be internally'—this is a common concern among companies considering C Certification.
At Elith, we support C Certification in three broad phases. This article explains, from a practical standpoint, what happens in each phase, along with the timeline, deliverables, and the rough workload expected on the client side.
As a certified consulting firm for C Certification, Elith provides support for building AI governance structures and obtaining C Certification. If you're struggling with setting rules and guidelines for using AI in your organization, or with building an internal structure, please feel free to reach out.
We also welcome inquiries at the stage of 'I don't know where to start' or 'I want to get a clear picture of where we currently stand.' Even if the details aren't decided yet, we'll work with you to figure out the right approach based on your current situation.
Overall expected schedule
One distinctive feature of C Certification is that it can be obtained in a shorter timeframe compared with other full-scale certification programs. A typical schedule looks like this.
| Phase | Approximate timeline | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Interviews & gap analysis | Weeks 1–2 | Gap analysis report |
| Phase 2: AI inventory creation & regulation support | Weeks 3–4 | Full set of documents, including internal regulations and the AI inventory |
| Phase 3: Review support | Weeks 5–6 | Review Q&A, support during the review |
The whole consulting engagement takes a minimum of about two months. Consulting fees and the JDLA certification application fee vary depending on company size and the state of AI use, so please contact us individually for details.
Phase 1: Interviews & gap analysis
In the first phase, we set up the structure needed to pursue C Certification, share the required templates and materials, and take stock of your company's current AI usage and existing governance structure.
- Sharing the AI inventory and internal regulation templates
- Requesting and reviewing existing internal materials
- Initial entry into the AI inventory
- Organizing the gap between JDLA's standards and your existing structure
- Formulating a response policy (deciding whether to use existing documents or create new ones)
On the client side, the main tasks involve confirming the point of contact and relevant departments, sharing existing materials, making initial entries into the AI inventory, and responding to interviews. The estimated workload is around 3–5 hours per week for the project lead and legal/IT staff.
Phase 2: AI inventory creation & regulation support
Based on the results of the gap analysis and the initial entries in the AI inventory, we prepare the documents required for the certification application in a form ready for review.
- Refining the AI inventory
- Organizing the purpose of use, users, risks, countermeasures, and responsible department for each entry
- Drafting and revising internal regulations
- Confirming approvers and managers responsible for AI introduction/development
- Requesting confirmation and review from internal stakeholders
Of all the phases, Phase 2 requires the most internal involvement. On the client side, the main tasks involve additional confirmation with each department, reviewing the AI inventory and regulation drafts, and coordinating toward internal approval. The estimated workload is around 5–8 hours per week for the project lead, legal/regulations staff, and department representatives.
Phase 3: Review support
Based on the completed AI inventory and internal regulations, we support preparation for JDLA's review (interview) and assistance on the day itself.
- Final review of submission materials
- Preparing and sharing anticipated Q&A
- Organizing a response policy for any points raised
- Revising the AI inventory and internal regulations as needed
On the client side, the main tasks involve a final review of submission materials, checking the anticipated Q&A, responding to the interview on the day of the review, and addressing any points raised. The estimated workload is around 1–3 hours per week for the project lead, legal/regulations staff, and technical staff.
Phase 4: Post-certification operation & utilization support
After certification, we support you in using the completed AI inventory and internal regulations, and in reviewing and improving operations as needed.
- Support reviewing the AI inventory and internal regulations
- Considering the confirmation flow for introducing new AI tools
- Advice on internal communication and embedding operational rules
- Considering rollout to group companies and related departments
- Support using the materials as explanatory documents for business partners and clients
C Certification isn't something you obtain and then leave alone—it's important to review it as AI usage and internal structures change over time. Even after certification, Elith continues to support ongoing AI governance operations, including updating the AI inventory and internal regulations, checking on operational status, and considering rollout to group companies and related departments.
Summary
To move smoothly through C Certification, it's important to organize the necessary materials and stakeholders during Phase 1, and keep internal confirmations in Phase 2 moving without delay.
In particular, Phase 2 requires confirmation from multiple stakeholders—each department, legal/regulations staff, and managers responsible—when refining the AI inventory and reviewing the regulation drafts. Delays here tend to affect the overall schedule, so it helps to take care of the following early on.
- Clarify which departments to check for AI usage
- Decide on the project lead and the person coordinating internal approval
- Confirm in advance where existing materials and regulations are kept
- Decide who will review the AI inventory and regulation drafts
If it's difficult to manage on your own, it can also help to work with a partner who supports the entire process—from gap analysis toward C Certification, to building the AI inventory and internal regulations, review support, and reviewing operations after certification. Elith walks alongside you from pre-certification preparation all the way through ongoing support after certification.