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Quality Management ISO 9001 2015

Quality Management Systems

The foundational international standard for quality management systems (QMS). Provides a framework for consistent products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements, based on risk-based thinking and the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle.

manufacturing services healthcare construction
About This Standard

ISO 9001 is the world's most widely adopted management system standard, with over one million certified organisations across virtually every industry and country. It establishes a framework ensuring products and services consistently meet customer and statutory requirements through risk-based thinking and the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle.

The 2015 revision introduced Annex SL high-level structure, making it easier to integrate with other ISO management system standards. Core additions include explicit requirements for organisational context, leadership accountability, and risk-based thinking throughout.

ACI-certified ISO 9001 auditors are equipped to assess the full scope of a quality management system, evaluate the effectiveness of controls, and provide meaningful conclusions on conformity and improvement opportunities.

Examination Topic Areas
Context of the organisation and interested parties
Risk-based thinking and the process approach
Leadership, quality policy, and management commitment
Planning: risks, opportunities, objectives, and change
Support: resources, competence, awareness, and communication
Operational planning and control of products/services
Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation
Internal audit methodology and nonconformity management
Examination & Certification Process
01
Attend Training

Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 9001.

02
Sit the Examination

Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.

03
Apply for Certification

Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.

Scheme Details
Standard ISO 9001
Edition 2015
Category Quality Management
Cert. Period 3 years
Framework ISO/IEC 17024 Aligned
Available Grades PA · AA · AU · LA · PR · FACI
All Certification Schemes
Auditor Grades

Available Grades for ISO 9001

All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.

PA
Provisional Auditor

Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.

Foundation examination pass (70%)
No prior audit experience required
Annual CPD requirement applies
AA
Associate Auditor

For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 2 internal audits conducted
Annual CPD requirement applies
AU
Auditor

Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 5 complete audits
Annual CPD requirement applies
LA
Lead Auditor

Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.

Lead Auditor examination pass (65%)
Lead Auditor training course
Minimum 10 complete audits as team lead
PR
Principal Auditor

Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.

Lead Auditor grade prerequisite
Minimum 5 years audit experience
Professional development portfolio
FACI
Fellow of ACI

The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.

By nomination and committee review
Exceptional professional contribution
Sustained ACI membership
Ready to certify in ISO 9001?

Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.