AS9100 is a globally recognized quality management system (QMS) designed for the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries. It builds on ISO 9001 and adds focus on product safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance. This ensures top-notch quality and reliability throughout the supply chain. Getting AS9100 certification shows a company’s commitment to excellence, giving customers and partners confidence in its processes, products, and services.
It offers benefits like:
- easier access to global aerospace markets,
- improved efficiency,
- reduced errors and defects,
- increased customer satisfaction
For organizations looking to boost credibility and grow in the competitive aerospace sector, AS9100 certification is a strong differentiator and a smart investment.
Which companies should get certified?
AS9100 certification is valuable for companies that wants to do business in the aerospace, aviation, space, or defense sectors, since most major manufacturers and suppliers require it as a condition of partnership. Companies that should consider certification include:
- Aerospace and Defense Manufacturers – Organizations producing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, drones, or military equipment.
- Tier 1 & Tier 2 Suppliers – Businesses providing parts, assemblies, or systems (e.g., avionics, engines, structural components) to OEMs like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, or NASA contractors.
- Engineering, Design, and Software Firms – Organizations developing aerospace systems, design services, or critical flight software.
- Specialized Process/Service Providers – Heat treating, machining, coating, calibration, testing, or other special processes supporting aerospace production.
- Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Providers – Companies responsible for servicing and maintaining aircraft and aerospace components. These companies should also consider AS9110
- Distributors – Companies handling the supply and traceability of aerospace-grade materials and components. These companies should also consider AS9120
Here we are going to tell you how to get As9100 certification, and how you can achieve this certification.
Implementing a QMS:
How do I get certified?
Getting AS9100 certified is a structured process, similar to ISO 9001, but with aerospace-specific requirements added in. Key starting points include:
- Obtain a copy of the AS9100 2016: Rev. D standard
- Gain an understanding of the requirements of AS9100 and how to apply it to your company. This can be done through taking classes or hiring/contracting persons with the knowledge and experience to apply the standard to your company’s business processes. Hiring can be more expensive but typically provides full time support. Contracting consulting experts can give you top levels of knowledge and experience on an as needed basis.
- Gap Analysis
- Compare your current processes and QMS (if you have one) against AS9100 requirements.
- Identify gaps that need to be addressed to comply with the standard. If you hire a consultant, they will usually do this for you.
- Develop or Update Your QMS
- Create a quality management system (QMS) that is appropriate to your company. The QMS should conform with the requirements of the standard and be appropriate to your company’s business practices.
- Document policies, procedures, and records that meet AS9100 requirements and align with your business practices.
- Ensure customer and statutory / regulatory compliance are built into your Quality Management System.
- Employee Training & Awareness
- Train employees on the new or updated QMS.
- Emphasize aerospace-specific topics: product safety, reliability, regulatory obligations, risk based thinking, importance of conforming to requirements, and ethical behavior.
- Internal Audit
- Conduct internal audits to ensure processes align with AS9100, as well as customer, statutory and regulatory requirements. Also ensure that these processes are properly implemented.
- Identify QMS strengths, weakness, opportunities for improvement, and nonconformities.
- Implement corrective actions for any nonconformities identified.
- Management Review
- Leadership must formally review the QMS performance and determine risks, opportunities, necessary changes and resource needs.
How do I get certified to AS9100
- Select an Accredited Certification Body (Registrar)
- Choose a registrar approved by the IAQG OASIS database (official aerospace certification oversight body).
- Stage 1 Audit (Documentation & Readiness Review)
- Schedule a stage 1 audit with your chosen registrar.
- The auditor reviews your QMS documents to determine your level of readiness for full certification.
- Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit)
- A detailed, on-site audit where auditors evaluate how your QMS is implemented and followed.
- Certification & Surveillance
- Upon successful completion, you receive AS9100 certification (valid for 3 years).
- Surveillance audits are typically conducted annually to ensure ongoing conformance and maintenance of the QMS.
How long does it take to become AS9100 certified
The AS9100 certification projects typically take between six to twelve months. This depends on the size and complexity of the organization, the maturity of its existing quality management system (QMS), and the level of effort put into the implementation process.