How to get an ISO 9001 certificate?

Welcome to this blog post from The ISO Consultant where we will discuss ISO 9001 in further detail. This topic can seem scary. Especially if you haven’t heard of it before. However, don’t worry as we intend to explain ISO 9001 further within this post.

Here we go…

Are you being asked to get ISO 9001 certification?

Are you unsure how to do this?

Then you have come to the right place!

What is ISO 9001?

However, before we start, let’s answer the most important question ‘What is ISO 9001?’. Well seeing as you asked, we will explain…

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). Designed to be a business tool for continual improvement, ISO 9001 can help you to achieve the following:

• Make operations more efficient and reduce costs
• Win more business and compete better in the marketplace
• Better monitor what customers think about your business

This is a simple explanation of ISO 9001. However, we do not want to deviate too much from the topic of this blog.

So how do I get the ISO 9001 certificate…

Step One – Implement a Quality Management System (QMS)

The first step for any company is to implement a bespoke QMS which has been written in accordance with the requirements of the standard. Although they vary quite a bit, typically a quality management system comprises of the following…

• Quality policy manual
• Quality policy statement
• Documented procedures
• Controlled documents

If you know how to implement one of these then well done! However, this is the reason why companies will then use the services of a company such as The ISO Consultant. We sell a toolkit for ISO 9001 which will give you the documentation and also supporting documentation (Step by step implementation guides) to achieve the standard.

Here is a link to our toolkit – https://theisoconsultant.co.uk/iso-9001-toolkit/

Step Two – Audit your Quality Management System

Once you have implemented your QMS the next stage is to ensure that it meets the requirements of ISO 9001. The best way to achieve this is through a quality audit which tests documentation such as…

• Quality Management System
• Management Review
• Training Documents
• Complaints Records
• Customer Satisfaction Documentation

To carry out the audit you can either employ an external consultancy or do it yourself. However, if you are going to carry it out in-house you may want to train that member of staff in ISO 9001 internal auditing.

For information on internal auditing and training courses contact us and we can give you some recommendations.

Step Three – Conduct a Management Review Meeting

One of the final steps before you go for the ISO 9001 assessment is to conduct a management review meeting within your organisation. This should involve top management and includes but is not limited to the following agenda topics…

• Quality Objectives
• Customer Satisfaction Rates
• Complaints
• Effectiveness of the Quality Management System

Again, to carry out the management review meeting you can either employ an external consultancy or do it yourself. However, if you are going to carry it out in-house you need to ensure you follow the agenda set within the standard.

If you do not have a copy then you can purchase one here –https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/quality-management-systems-requirements-7?version=tracked

Step Four – Pass your ISO Assessment

The final stage is to pass your ISO assessment.

That simple huh?

Well you will need to make sure that your QMS is up to date, well resourced and that your operational activities are smooth. Once this is done you can select a certification body to conduct the assessment. We would recommend going out to a few UKAS accredited certification bodies (In the UK) so that you get the best value for money. The reason for this is that prices can vary slightly from one certification body to another. If you are in another country then get in touch and we can advise on where best to go.

The initial certification process is split into two parts as follows…

• Stage One – This is usually more of a desktop review to assess whether the company has all of the key documentation in place as required by the standard. It will be more focussed upon documentation rather than your operations.
• Stage Two – This is more focussed upon your operational activities rather than documentation and may involve the auditor reviewing your sales, purchasing, product / service offering and after sales processes.

If you pass the above assessments without any major problems, then you will be awarded an ISO 9001 certificate.

We really hope this post helped!

The ISO Consultant is an online ISO Management Systems Consultancy. We have a range of electronic products that can help you achieve ISO 9001 as well as other standards in your company. Our services are sold across the UK and we work with all types of businesses including those based in small towns and major cities including London, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester.  You can visit the shop by clicking here.