ISO 9001:2015 is the international standard for quality management systems. Certification is granted by an accredited certification body, not by ISO itself, after the organisation implements the standard's requirements and passes a two-stage audit. The certificate is valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits in between.
Why get ISO 9001
- Tender and vendor qualification, including many government and export buyers
- Consistent processes and fewer errors
- Customer confidence and market credibility
Core requirements
- Context of the organisation and interested parties
- Leadership commitment and quality policy
- Risk-based planning and quality objectives
- Documented processes, competence and resources
- Operational control, monitoring and internal audit
- Management review and continual improvement
Certification process
- Gap analysis against the standard.
- Document and implement the QMS.
- Run internal audits and a management review.
- Stage 1 audit: documentation and readiness review.
- Stage 2 audit: implementation and effectiveness.
- Certificate issued, followed by surveillance audits.
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Get expert help →Choosing a certification body
Choose a body accredited by an IAF member accreditation body, such as NABCB in India. Certificates from unaccredited bodies may not be accepted in tenders. Cost depends on employee count, sites and scope.
Frequently asked questions
Does ISO issue the ISO 9001 certificate?
No. ISO develops standards but does not certify. Certificates are issued by independent certification bodies, which should be accredited by a recognised accreditation body.
How long does ISO 9001 certification take?
Small organisations with simple processes can often complete implementation and audits in a few weeks to a few months. Larger or multi-site organisations take longer.
What is a surveillance audit?
A surveillance audit is an annual audit by the certification body during the three-year cycle to confirm the QMS is maintained and improving. Missing it can lead to suspension of the certificate.
Is ISO 9001 mandatory in India?
It is not legally mandatory for most businesses, but many tenders, government departments and large buyers require it as a qualification criterion.
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