What action can be taken if an auditee's management system consistently fails to meet requirements?

If an auditee's management system consistently fails to meet requirements, the appropriate action to take would be to suspend the certification. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the certification process. A suspension indicates that the organization is not meeting the established standards and that immediate corrective action is needed.

Certification suspension serves as a formal warning to the organization that their current management system is not compliant with the relevant standards. It allows time for the organization to address deficiencies and improve their processes. Suspension also protects the interests of stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies, who rely on the certification to assess the organization's commitment to quality and security standards.

In contrast, extending certification would imply that the organization is still in compliance, which contradicts the scenario where the management system consistently fails to meet the requirements. No action and issuing only a warning would not adequately address the severity of the situation, nor would they provide the necessary impetus for the organization to improve its management practices. Thus, suspending the certification is the most appropriate course of action in this context.