How to get ISO 9001 Certified
About ISO 9001 certification
ISO 9001 is the world’s most widely adopted quality management standard, used by around a million organizations across virtually every sector. ISO 9001 certification means your organization’s quality management system (QMS) has been independently assessed and found to meet an internationally agreed standard. To achieve it, you implement a QMS that follows the standard’s requirements. This guide walks through how to get there.
Pre-audit stage
Certification is a detailed process with several stages. The pre-audit stage is where you identify and document your current QMS, so you understand what changes are needed to meet the standard.
- Gap analysis: arrange a gap analysis with a firm experienced in the ISO 9001 certification process. It reviews your current QMS and lists the changes needed to meet your quality objectives.
- Documentation: prepare your quality management system documentation – the policies, procedures, and records that show how your documented processes are implemented.
- Training: provide employees with training on the new ISO 9001 QMS so everyone understands their role and responsibilities. Training also helps reduce resistance to the changes.
- Providing resources: make sure your people have the resources they need – time to prepare documents and records, training materials, and any equipment required to implement the QMS.
- Implementation: implement and monitor the QMS and its documentation, establishing the framework and an ongoing process for monitoring and evaluation. Starting early helps you build a thorough understanding of your new QMS.
- Internal audit: assess how the system functions in practice – its documentation, employees’ roles, and how effectively it meets your customers’ requirements and expectations.
The certification audit
Stage 1 (preliminary audit): the audit team visits your facility and evaluates how well your QMS and documentation meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. Any non-conformities are identified to resolve before Stage 2.
Stage 2 (implementation audit): external auditors from an accredited certification body assess how well your QMS conforms to ISO 9001:2015 in practice, with emphasis on the elements within your control. You or your representative should be present to answer questions and support the assessment, and the team checks that any Stage 1 non-conformities have been resolved.
Certification decision
After a successful audit, the certification body provides an overall outcome and recommends whether to grant certification. If they do not recommend proceeding, they provide guidance on how to improve your QMS. On a positive decision, you receive your certificate with your registration details. Note that ISO 9001 certification is not permanent – it is valid for three years.
Surveillance and recertification
After certification, surveillance audits are conducted (typically once every 12 months – two surveillance audits across the three-year cycle) to confirm your QMS remains compliant with ISO 9001:2015. Depending on performance, your certification is maintained, or in serious cases suspended or withdrawn. At the end of the three-year cycle, a recertification audit assesses your QMS again – confirming both ongoing compliance and that the system continues to meet the evolving demands of your sector.
How long does it take?
It depends on your organization. Some companies certify in under three months; others take longer because their internal structure needs more adjustment. Timing also depends on:
- The complexity and effectiveness of your QMS
- How quickly your company responds to audits
- How committed you are to achieving ISO certification
- How well you manage the documentation requirements
- How quickly your certification body processes your application
What does it cost?
The cost varies depending on the certification body you choose, the time needed to process your application, the complexity of certification, and whether you add consultants or extra audits. Costs are usually quoted in Canadian dollars. Whatever the figure, the long-term benefits of an effective quality management system typically outweigh the initial investment.
Contact IAS today to learn more about ISO 9001 certification, or visit our frequently asked questions page.
Explore more
- ISO 9001 Certification in Canada – quality management certification
- ISO 9001 in Canada – a beginner’s overview
- ISO 9001 Training in Canada – lead auditor, internal auditor, and awareness courses
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get ISO 9001 certified?
Implement a compliant QMS, conduct a gap analysis and internal audit, then undergo a two-stage certification audit by an accredited certification body.
How long does it take?
Often a few months, depending on how prepared your organization is.
How long is certification valid?
Three years, with surveillance audits each year and a recertification audit at the end of the cycle.
What does it cost?
It varies by certification body, scope, and complexity; a certification body will provide a quote based on the audit days required.
Which edition is current?
ISO 9001:2015.
