Getting ISO 9001 certified can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these six simple steps, you can ensure that your organization is well on its way to meeting the requirements of the international quality management standard.

0. Conduct a Gap Analysis

The first step in getting ISO 9001 certified is to conduct a gap analysis. This will help you to identify any areas where your current quality management system does not meet the requirements of the standard. There are many resources available to help you with this, including templates and checklists.

1. Understand the requirements of ISO 9001:2015

Before seeking certification, it is important to understand the requirements of the standard. The standard is designed to help organizations improve their operations and meet the needs of their customers. It is also important to understand the benefits of ISO 9001 certification.

2. Develop a quality management system

Once you have an understanding of the requirements of the standard, you can begin developing a quality management system that meets those requirements. A quality management system is a set of policies and procedures that an organization uses to ensure that its products or services meet the needs of its customers.

3. Implement the quality management system

After developing a quality management system, the next step is to implement it within the organization. This includes training employees on the policies and procedures of the system and ensuring that they are followed.

4. Conduct an internal audit

After implementing the quality management system, the next step is to conduct an internal audit. This is done to ensure that the system is being followed and that it is effective. The internal audit is conducted by a team of auditors who are independent of the organization.

5. Apply for certification

After conducting an internal audit, the next step is to apply for certification. This involves submitting an application to a certification body, which will then assess the organization to ensure that it meets the requirements of the standard.

6. Maintain certification

Once an organization is certified, it is important to maintain certification. This involves periodically undergoing surveillance audits to ensure that the quality management system is still being followed. Additionally, organizations must pay annual fees to the certification body.