What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is an international standard that describes how to organise quality management. It revolves around one core question: do you consistently deliver what you promise to your customers?
ISO 9001 does not prescribe what you should do, but that you record how you work and that you adhere to it. A baker and a software company can both be certified, but their processes look completely different.
Who is ISO 9001 relevant for?
Every type of company - from SME to multinational, from services to manufacturing. Many clients and tenders require ISO 9001. You mostly find ISO 9001 in these sectors: construction and installation, manufacturing, IT and software, business services, healthcare, transport and logistics.
Which themes does ISO 9001 cover?
- Customer focus
You understand what customers want and deliver that
- Leadership
The management actively promotes quality
- Involvement
Employees understand their role in quality
- Process approach
You work in clear, coherent processes
- Improvement
You are constantly looking for what can be improved
- Decision making based on facts
You measure and analyse before you decide
- Relationship management
You maintain good relationships with suppliers and partners
- Help with these themes?
A consultant helps you put them in place in your organisation.
Request support
How does the path to ISO 9001 work?
At every step you see which partner can help. Only the internal and the external audit are mandatory.
Mandatory Optional
- Optional
Implement the standard
You set up your organisation according to the requirements of ISO 9001. Implementation support saves time and prevents unnecessary mistakes.
Implementation support - Optional
Maintain your management system
Tooling keeps your documents, risks and actions organised. That also makes it easier for the auditor.
Tooling - Mandatory
Internal audit: the mock exam
To prepare for the external audit, you test whether your management system works. This is often done by an independent expert.
Internal auditor - Mandatory
External audit: the final exam
A certification body assesses whether you meet the standard. It is never the same party that did your internal audit. Pass it and you are certified.
Certification body - Mandatory
Every year again
A management system is not a one-off project. Every year brings an internal audit and a surveillance audit, with recertification after three years. Every year you can reassess your provider, and you can always switch without losing your certificate.
Switch certification body
Why compare quotes through CertificeerWijzer?
For the same standard, the price can differ by up to 75%, depending on the providers you choose. That difference can be explained, because paths differ more than you think: in how much you do yourself and how much you hand over, in the quality of the tooling, in the specialisation of the certification body, in how soon a party can support you and in the certifications of the providers themselves.
So when comparing, do not look at price alone, but also at these factors:
- Price of the whole path Compare the costs over the full three-year cycle, not just the first quote.
- Specialisation in your sector A partner who knows your industry asks the right questions and understands your processes.
- Norms and values Pragmatic or thorough, on site or remote: a partner that fits the way you work.
- Capacity A partner with time when you need it, so your deadline or tender is not at risk.
- International recognition Working with clients abroad? Then the name and reputation of your partners matter.
- Qualifications An accredited certification body, a qualified auditor and a consultant with proven experience, so the result is recognised.
We know the providers personally. We are in direct contact with every connected provider, so we have the most up-to-date information on their prices, specialisations, approach, certifications and availability.
How to get the best partner at a good price
You enter your details once and receive several quotes. Then you choose which party may support your company.
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“The switching process went smoothly and professionally. Within 3 weeks we had switched, and the new certification body understands our process approach much better.”
Harry van Buren
Managing Director, Zeno Zorg B.V. -
“Thanks to CertificeerWijzer we switched to a certification body that fits our organisation much better. We save €1,500 a year and the audits are at least as good.”
Mathijs Lansink
Director, FleGo B.V. -
“As a start-up founder you already have enough on your plate. Quickly finding the right partner so you can keep building your company is worth its weight in gold. Happy with our certification body and auditor”
Marc de Vries
Founder, Dufond B.V.
Looking for a provider and not sure where to start?
Get in touch with Nathan, we are happy to help you on your way.
Frequently asked questions about ISO 9001
What does ISO 9001 certification mean?
ISO 9001 certification means that an independent auditor has checked that your company works according to the international standard for quality management. You receive a certificate that is valid for three years.
How do you get an ISO 9001 certificate?
First you build a quality management system that meets the standard. Then you engage a certification body that carries out an audit. With a positive result you receive the certificate.
Is ISO 9001 certification mandatory?
No, ISO 9001 is voluntary. But some clients or sectors do require it. In construction, healthcare and government contracts it is often a condition for taking part in a tender.
What is the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 14001?
ISO 9001 is about quality management (delivering what you promise). ISO 14001 is about environmental management (limiting your impact on the environment). Many companies combine both standards.
Is there a new version of ISO 9001?
Yes, ISO 9001:2026 is planned for September 2026. The new version puts more emphasis on sustainability, digitalisation and quality culture. After publication you get about three years to transition.
Can I arrange ISO 9001 certification myself?
Yes, you can. Many SMEs build their quality system themselves. This saves consultancy costs (€2,000-8,000), but it takes more time. The certification audit must always be carried out by an external certification body.