Becoming ISO 9001-certified is a two-step process involving Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments. The first stage assesses your existing QMS and highlights areas of noncompliance and improvement. The second stage verifies that your organisation has made the appropriate changes and that you can demonstrate how your QMS is used.
An auditor will conduct both assessments and highlight major nonconformities (which must be addressed immediately) and minor nonconformities (which can be addressed during the Stage 2 assessment).
If your QMS meets the standards, your auditor will recommend you for certification.
Download our free ISO 9001 checklist.
How long does ISO 9001 certification take?
The certification timeline can vary depending on your organisation’s size and complexity and existing management processes.
For example, an average timeframe might be 3-6 months for SMEs and 12-18 months for larger organisations.
How long does ISO 9001 certification remain valid?
Your initial ISO 9001 certification is valid for three years from the certification date.
Quality management is a long-term investment, and your organisation must undergo annual assessments to maintain certification. If your organisation fails to meet audit requirements at any point, it risks losing its certification.
How much does ISO 9001 certification cost?
ISO 9001 certification costs differ depending on a number of factors, including your industry, staff numbers and the number of sites you have. It also depends on the complexity and potential risks associated with your organisation’s processes and activities.
As a cost-cutting measure, auditors could visit a single site for the initial certification but audit another site rather than visiting each separately (assuming that the same standard-compliant processes are implemented across all sites).
Despite the associated costs with becoming certified, the return on investment makes achieving ISO 9001 certification an appealing business opportunity.
