What is the ISO 9001 Certification Application Process?

What is the ISO 9001 Certification Application Process?

A business that wishes to obtain an ISO 9001 certification can establish a quality management system and follow specific steps to acquire this certification. Obtaining an ISO 9001 certificate is not just about receiving a certificate; it is an ongoing journey that requires continuous improvement. It is crucial for your business to take the right steps to go through this process most efficiently.

Preparation for ISO 9001 Certification The first step for a business planning to obtain ISO 9001 certification is to establish a quality management system and create a structure that aligns with this system. The business should first review the ISO 9001 standards and establish processes that comply with these standards. This process may span from designing the management system to training all employees within the organization.
Initially, senior management should lead the ISO 9001 certification process. As management takes ownership of this process organizationally, the smooth operation of processes becomes more likely. Senior management can designate a leader or team to oversee the establishment and implementation of the quality management system within the business.

Choosing a Certification Body To obtain an ISO 9001 certificate, you must choose an accredited certification body. These companies will evaluate whether your quality management system complies with the ISO 9001 standards and carry out the necessary audits. When selecting a certification body, it is essential to consider the body’s accreditation and references. An accredited body provides services that comply with international standards and ensures the validity of the certificate.

Establishing the Quality Management System To obtain ISO 9001 certification, all business processes must be aligned with the quality management system. At this stage, it is important to understand how your business processes can operate more efficiently and set up a system to improve these processes. This system covers every step from product design to the supply chain, production, and customer service.

When setting up the system, the certification body can guide you and offer suggestions to help you align the processes with the standards. Documentation at this stage ensures that quality policies and procedures are clearly defined.

Initial Audit (Application Audit) After the quality management system has been set up and an agreement has been made with the certification body, the business applies for the initial audit. This audit is the first evaluation to verify compliance with ISO 9001 standards. During the application audit, your quality management system will be thoroughly examined to ensure it meets all the necessary requirements.
The audit typically involves checking the documentation, employee training, processes, and procedures within the business. If any deficiencies or non-compliance are found, these should be corrected before a second audit takes place.

Second Audit (Final Audit) After addressing the deficiencies identified in the initial audit, a second audit is conducted. During this audit, it is checked whether the system is being fully implemented. If the system is functioning correctly and complying with ISO 9001 standards, the certification body will issue the ISO 9001 certificate.

Certification and Certificate Once the audits have been successfully completed, the business is granted the ISO 9001 certificate. This certificate indicates that the business’s quality management system complies with international standards. The certificate symbolizes the business’s commitment to continuously improving its quality policies and processes. The certificate is typically valid for three years, during which the business undergoes regular surveillance audits.

Continuous Improvement and Surveillance Audits Obtaining an ISO 9001 certificate is not a one-time achievement but a continuous certification process. After three years, the business must reapply for a renewal audit. In addition, annual surveillance audits are conducted. These audits assess whether the business's quality management system is continually improving.