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?
Every type of company - from SME to multinational, from services to manufacturing. Many clients and tenders require ISO 9001.
Small (5-25 FTE)
Core: The total investment in the first year for a small SME is between €3,000 and €7,000. If you do everything yourself, you save on consultancy costs.
Prices are indications excluding VAT. Consulting costs optional.
Full cost breakdownProof period: The certification body wants to see that your system works in practice. Allow at least three months between "system completed" and "audit possible".
Where the time goes
You take stock of where you are and what still needs to be done
You record processes, create procedures, assign responsibilities
You will work according to the new system and train employees
You check yourself whether everything works before the certification body arrives
Management assesses whether the system is effective
An external auditor tests your system and issues the certificate
Your certificate remains valid during and after the switch. The new certification body takes over the certification for the same standard and within your existing certification cycle. There is no interruption in your certificate status.
SwitchingA surveillance audit every year. A full recertification every three years. Your certificate is valid for three years, provided you pass the annual audits.
Recertification
“The switching process went smoothly and professionally. Within 3 weeks we had switched, and the new certification body understands our process approach much better.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Completed in 5 minutes. Then tailored quotations from certification bodies that suit you.
