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What is ISO 9001 Certification?

Some customers require their suppliers to be ISO 9001 certified because want assurance that their suppliers have a basic, formal QMS (Quality Management System).

When researching ISO 9001 certification, many people are surprised to learn that ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) does not provide ISO 9001 certification! In fact, ISO 9001 was NOT written with certification in mind. Instead, the certifications are provided by independent “Certification Bodies” (CBs). And there are two types of CBs, accredited & non-accredited.

The Certification Process

Obtaining a Quote

After selecting a few Certification Bodies (CBs), the first step in the certification process is to obtain a formal quotation (covering a 3-year certification period). The CB will require you to provide information that typically includes:

If you're seeking certification for multiple sites (consisting of separate physical addresses, “virtual” sites, or “temporary” sites) within a single company, ref. IAF MD 1 “IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization” for additional information.

Initial Certification Audit

The quotation should include a mandatory “Stage 1” audit (sometimes called a “Document Review”), where an auditor will ensure that your company is prepared for the certification audit (Stage 2). This includes but is not limited to, ensuring that you have the required documentation (e.g., scope, quality policy, quality objectives), and have completed at least one full internal audit and one management review.

The “Stage 2” audit covers the entire QMS that YOU specified in your certification scope. The “Stage 2” audit normally takes place 15-30 days after the “Stage 1” audit… but can be scheduled later than that if you need additional time to finalize implementation.

The “Stage 2” audit will be followed by annual “Surveillance” audits (coving approx. half the applicable standard) for 2 years. This completes the first 3-year certification cycle.

Recertification Audits

After completing the first 3-year cycle, the contract with the CB must be renewed.

Upon renewing your contract with your CB, a re-assessment will be scheduled and performed covering all of the applicable requirements of the standard. This will be followed by two (2) “Surveillance” audits… and the process repeats.

Transferring to a different CB

At any point after your initial certification, you can “transfer” to a different CB… for any reason.

If you “transfer” during your “Surveillance” period, the new CB will need to perform a “Special Audit” to verify that all of the previous nonconformities (identified by your current CB) have been closed.

If you “transfer” during your “Surveillance” period, the new CB will need to perform a “Stage 1” audit (essentially re-creating the “Initial Certification” process).


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