What’s the Timeline for Achieving ISO 9001 Certification in Australia?

Several businesses have considered ISO certification to establish credibility. ISO 9001 is essential to implement a quality management system for your business. However, many organisations want to avoid ISO certification because they believe it is a time-consuming process. The average timeline for obtaining ISO 9001 certification in Australia is different for every business.

Why should you have an ISO 9001 certificate?

An ISO 9001-certified company establishes a quality management standard for better performance. It also sticks to quality management principles to meet customer expectations. Other benefits of this certification are-

• Improved processes and products
• Higher operational efficiency
• Risk management
• Internal auditing
• Stronger brand reputation
• Training for better competence

Timeline for various steps of ISO 9001 certification process

You have to go through different steps before achieving the accreditation.

1-3 months for preparation

Most organisations in Australia take months to prepare for the ISO certification journey. The preparation process involves primary assessments, gap identification, and roadmap development.

At least 6 months for implementation

Implementation is the most significant step that covers a number of months. During this phase, your company must work persistently to align business activities with ISO 9001 principles. You should also train your employees and stay compliant.

1 month for internal audit

If you have implemented a quality management system, your business has to undergo an internal audit. It involves evaluating the effectiveness of certification. The audit process sometimes covers more than a month.

1-2 months for choosing the certification body

You have to select a genuine certification body for the successful process. It takes time to research the available certification authorities.

It takes around 5 days for an external audit

The chosen certification body in Australia conducts an external audit, which is the end of your accreditation procedure. However, the length of the audit depends on your organisation’s size. If the audit report has shown non-conformances, address them without delay.

After a successful audit, you will receive the ISO 9001 certificate.

Factors that affect the ISO 9001 certification timeline

A few factors influencing ISO 9001 certification are-

Your existing QMS

Ensure that your quality management system has maintained the ISO 9001 standards. The gap analysis process lets you determine your shortcomings. This information is essential to calculate the timeline.

Potential complexities

A highly complex QMS scope extends the timeline. ISO 9001 is intended for organisations of different sizes and types. Thus, not all ISO 9001 standards are applicable to your company. After a valid justification, you may exclude some parts of the ISO standard.

Number of branches

If your organisation has multiple outlets in different locations, it makes a difference in the timeline. Make sure you have carefully analysed the integrity of the QMS.

Internal resources

Are your employees dedicated to doing certain projects and tasks for QMS? Assess your internal resources for ISO 9001 implementation and determine the approximate timeframe.

Availability of the Registrar

The registrar or certification body takes some time for documentation. It ensures that you are running the QMS sufficiently.

Look for ISO certification consultants

Hiring a dedicated ISO 9001 consultant is the most important step for speeding up the certification process. The experts will eliminate roadblocks and help you with documentation. They will also advise you during the audit process. They aim to simplify the certification procedure and remove your queries. So, engage highly experienced consultants to apply for an international certification.

Conclusion

The overall time for an ISO 9001 certification depends on various factors. The availability of resources, your business complexity, and other issues can affect the timeline. However, partnering with an experienced ISO consultancy not only simplifies the process but also ensures you save valuable time. With their guidance, you can streamline compliance efforts, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve certification smoothly and efficiently, positioning your business for long-term growth and customer trust.