1. Get ready for certification
Understanding what ISO 9001 requires is a key step in how to get ISO 9001 certification. Get familiar with the standard’s structure and main ideas with the official ISO 9001 standard documentation from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Your organisation’s top management must be committed to certification – their support is a requirement.
Depending on the size and complexity of your organisation, you may need to form an implementation team – typically from different departments – to lead the process. Smaller businesses may nominate one or two employees to tackle implementation.
You must create a detailed plan outlining your quality goals, the steps to achieve them, and the resources and timeline needed.
2. Gather documentation
Proper documentation is an essential part of your QMS. It helps standardise operations and provides a reference for maintaining quality. Along with the Quality Policy, you will need to identify your QMS’s scope, your quality objectives, team roles and responsibilities, procedures and risk assessments.
3. Put your QMS into action
As you roll out your documented QMS across your organisation, communicate any changes clearly and ensure employees understand and follow the new processes. You must provide the necessary resources and address any challenges employees face. Success means integrating quality management practices into everyday operations.
4. Complete an internal audit
Conduct regular audits to evaluate the effectiveness of your QMS. You may want to develop an audit schedule and checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Before your final certification audit, you could use a qualified in-house auditor or an external consultant to conduct a preliminary assessment, often called a “gap analysis.” This initial review helps identify areas where your QMS may not fully meet ISO 9001 standards.
Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and improvements. This step is crucial for understanding what needs to be refined before your formal audit.
5. Complete the certification process
After addressing any gaps, schedule the official audit with your chosen certification body. During this stage, the auditors will thoroughly evaluate your QMS to verify that it complies with ISO 9001 standards.
Prepare for your audit by reviewing the relevant documentation and making sure all processes run smoothly. Successfully passing this audit demonstrates your dedication to quality management and enhances your organisation’s reputation with customers and stakeholders.
