What is ISO 9001?

The 2008 version of ISO 9001 introduced clarifications to the existing requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and introduced some changes intended to improve consistency with ISO 14001:2004. There were no new requirements.

ISO 9001:2008 has since been revised and replaced by ISO 9001:2015.

ISO 9001:2015 is the most recent revision of the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard, replacing ISO 9001:2008 as of September 2018.

The 2015 version of the ISO 9001 standard aims to bring a number of benefits that the 2008 version of the standard either briefly touched on or did not previously offer:

• It has more focus on risk-based thinking
• It follows the same structure as other ISO management system standards, making system integration much easier
• It addresses supply chain management more effectively
• It now puts more emphasis on leadership engagement
• It helps address risks/opportunities in a more structured manner within Organisations
• It now uses a simpler language, with common structure and terms
• It’s been adapted to be more user-friendly for service and knowledge-based organisations

In accordance with ISO 17021, accredited certification bodies are required to issue certified organisations with certificates that are reflective of a 3-year certification cycle.

Certifications can be issued for longer than this period providing the requisite external audits are performed and the certification cycle followed. Citation ISO Certification typically issues certificates over the period of a ten year contract.

From your first consultation with our ISO specialists through to certification, the process can take as little as 45 days. However, this does depend on the size and complexity of your business.

Remember, we can normally save you time and money by drafting the Documented Management System Manual for you. This can also help your business gain certification faster.

For more details on what it takes to gain an ISO 9001 Certification, please download our ISO 9001 checklist to see what information you will need to provide to meet the ISO 9001 requirements.

ISO 9001 certification is when you have officially achieved ISO 9001. Following an ISO 9001 audit, if you have met all the necessary requirements your organisation will receive its ISO 9001 certification.

It is used to help organisations demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of what ISO 9001 is used for:

• Creating a customer-focused culture
• Improving internal processes
• Ensuring consistent quality
• Meeting regulatory requirements