ISO Certification Steps: 6 Stages of ISO 9001 Certification

This article provides insight into the key elements of the ISO process. Managers will need to view the process through the lens of their own organisation to get the most benefit.

What is ISO 9001 certification?

ISO 9001 certification is an internationally recognised standard that confirms that an organisation has implemented an effective quality management system (QMS) focused on consistent quality, customer satisfaction, and continual improvement.

Its purpose is to help organisations streamline their processes, meet customer and regulatory requirements, and build a culture of efficiency and accountability. By achieving ISO 9001 certification, businesses strengthen their reputation, improve operational performance, and gain a competitive edge in their industry.

ISO 9001 certification timeline

Typically, a small to medium-sized business that is relatively low in complexity and has a good level of existing quality control can complete the ISO process within 3-6 months.

A large-scale corporation that is more complex (for example they might employ night shift workers) may take longer.

The 6 stages of ISO 9001 certification

1. Understanding ISO

The first (and most crucial) element of the ISO 9001 lifecycle is to get a deep understanding of exactly what the standard means and the purpose it serves within an organisation.

A full appreciation of the ISO 9001 standard will help to make the certification process much more straightforward for the entire organisation.

2. Recognise the gap (gap analysis)

Gap analysis is the process of comparing your current quality management practices against ISO 9001 requirements to identify what’s already in place and where improvements are needed.

Identifying the current quality standards of your organisation is a crucial element of the ISO 9001 certification lifecycle.

Conducting a thorough gap analysis will allow you to see the current quality benchmark within your organisation.

From here, the timeline should start to become clearer, as it becomes more apparent what is required to achieve and maintain ISO 9001 certification.

“Conducting a thorough gap analysis will allow you to see the current quality benchmark within your organisation.”

 

3. Prepare your documentation

Documentation is a key part of the ISO process. Documentation provides the entire organisation with procedures to follow, with objectives to achieve and policies to adhere to,

The ISO 9001 standard is designed to provide an ongoing quality management system for your organisation. Without the appropriate documentation, the systems will not be successful.

Key documents required for ISO 9001 certification include:

• Quality Policy and Quality Objectives.
• Scope of the quality management system.
• Process documentation and flowcharts.
• Records of training, skills, and competence.
• Documented procedures and work instructions.
• Internal audit reports and management review records.
• Nonconformity reports and corrective action records.
• Monitoring and measurement results.

These documents provide the evidence needed to demonstrate compliance, consistency, and continual improvement across your organisation.

4. Implement your plan

In this phase of the ISO certification lifecycle, ISO 9001 elements and requirements become part of the organisation itself. This is a transition phase for the organisation and can often be quite time consuming.

Implementation of ISO 9001 requires comprehensive training and education with employees – they are the ones on the frontline of the new quality assurance system and managers need to be confident they have all the information required for things to run smoothly.

5. Auditing

Auditing is an ongoing element of the ISO certification lifecycle and requires input both internally and externally. The organisation itself needs to ensure internal training is provided, so that stakeholders are proficient in carrying out objective assessments of the ISO requirements originally planned and documented in the initial stages of the ISO life cycle.

6. Ongoing improvement

Improvement of the quality system of the organisation over time, with an external audit from independent assessors providing the actual ISO standard certification.

Undertaking ISO certification is more than just a recognition or a badge of honour; it forms the foundation for a culture of ongoing improvement within your organisation.

ISO 9001 certification is a structured journey that helps organisations strengthen their quality management systems, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. By understanding the standard, identifying gaps, preparing thorough documentation, implementing effectively, and maintaining regular audits, your organisation can build a culture of continual improvement and long-term success.