ISO Certification Programs

What has changed

The revision builds on the existing framework rather than replacing it.

• •Clearer wording throughout the requirements
• •Stronger focus on leadership, quality culture and accountability
• •Greater clarity on addressing risks and opportunities
• •A new Annex A explaining key terms and the intent of requirements
• •Closer alignment with other ISO management system standards

Transition timeline

Three years from publication, set by the accreditation community.

1. 16 Sep 2026ISO 9001:2026 published; transition begins
2. 31 Mar 2028All new and initial certifications must be to ISO 9001:2026
3. 30 Sep 2029Accredited ISO 9001:2015 certificates are no longer valid

What it means for certified clients

• ✓Your ISO 9001:2015 certificate stays valid during the transition, up to 30 September 2029 at the latest.
• ✓The upgrade is assessed in a transition audit, which can be combined with a surveillance or recertification audit or done as a separate audit.
• ✓The audit covers the changed requirements and any changes in your context. Some additional audit time may be needed.
• ✓Start with a gap analysis against the new edition, then update your QMS and train your team.