Achieve ISO 9001 certification with a trusted compliance partner
ISO 9001 is the baseline. For manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, and defense contractors, it's not a nice-to-have. It's a supply chain mandate, a contract requirement, and increasingly, a condition to bid. If your customers or primes require proof of a quality management system, ISO 9001 is the standard they expect.
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Experienced auditors, proven compliance expertise
A-LIGN brings 36,000+ audits completed, 6,400+ organizations served, and deep expertise across CMMC, FedRAMP, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 backed by experienced UKAS-accredited auditors with hands-on experience across manufacturing, aerospace, construction, and energy.
One vendor for cybersecurity and operational compliance
One point of contact, one schedule where applicable, no juggling separate firms. For defense contractors: consolidate CMMC, ISO 9001, and AS9100 under one vendor.
Faster scheduling, direct access to decision-makers
Big certification bodies treat you like a number. Slow scheduling, layers of bureaucracy, and no direct line to decision-makers. With A-LIGN, you get fast scheduling on your timeline and direct access to the people making certification decisions.
A streamlined path to ISO 9001 certification
A-LIGN delivers ISO 9001 certification through Auva, a UKAS-accredited certification body with experienced auditors across the US and UK.
Contact usGap assessment
Benchmarks your QMS against ISO 9001 requirements before your certification audit. Recommended for first-time certifications.
Certification audit
Two-stage audit confirming your QMS is designed and implemented to ISO 9001 requirements. Successful completion issues your certificate.
Surveillance audits
Annual audits in years two and three confirm ongoing conformity and identify opportunities for improvement.
Recertification
Full audit at the end of your three-year cycle. Successful completion renews your certificate for another three years.
Transfer audits
Already certified? Transfer your existing certificate to A-LIGN without restarting the process.
A-LIGN by the numbers
Why security leaders trust A-LIGN
“We chose A-LIGN for their competitive cost and timing – A-LIGN met the timeline we needed for CMMC certification. The costs were well under some of the other vendors we reached out to. The team was very professional and informed.”
Chief Information Officer
John Corby
The University of Akron
“We needed more than just an auditor. We needed a strategic partner who could help us achieve our current and future federal compliance goals. We found a true partner in A-LIGN.”
Learn moreSenior Compliance Manager
Micah Hedges
Island
“What stood out the most was how clearly A-LIGN set expectations during our initial CMMC engagement. Their upfront guidance eliminated surprises and made the entire process smoother and faster than we anticipated.”
Learn moreCEO
Larry Burbano
GRS Technology Solutions
Support for your compliance journey
From guides to whitepapers, we've got the resources to move your compliance program forward.
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Frequently asked questions
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems. It provides a framework for organizations to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement. Over one million organizations worldwide hold ISO 9001 certification.
Who needs ISO 9001 certification?
Any organization that wants to demonstrate a commitment to quality management. In practice, ISO 9001 is most commonly required by supply chain partners, government contracts, and regulatory bodies. It is especially prevalent in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, energy, and pharmaceuticals.
How long does ISO 9001 certification take?
Timelines vary based on the size and complexity of your organization. A typical first-time certification involves a Stage 1 documentation review and a Stage 2 certification audit, which can be completed within a few months once your quality management system is in place. Your A-LIGN team will work with you to build a schedule that fits your timeline.
How is ISO 9001 different from ISO 27001?
ISO 9001 focuses on quality management: consistent processes, customer satisfaction, and operational improvement. ISO 27001 focuses on information security management: protecting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Many organizations need both, and A-LIGN can deliver both under a single vendor relationship.
Can I coordinate ISO 9001 and CMMC audits?
Yes. If you are pursuing both CMMC and ISO 9001, A-LIGN can coordinate scheduling and evidence collection across both engagements. This reduces the total burden on your team and avoids duplicating effort across separate vendor relationships.
What is UKAS accreditation, and does it matter in the US?
UKAS is the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and a signatory of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement. ISO certifications issued under UKAS accreditation are internationally recognized and carry the same weight as certifications issued under US-based accreditation bodies like ANAB.
Can I transfer my existing ISO 9001 certificate to A-LIGN?
Yes. If you are currently certified by another certification body and want to switch, A-LIGN supports transfer audits that maintain your existing certification status. You do not need to start the certification process over.
What happens after I get certified?
ISO 9001 certification follows a three-year cycle. After your initial certification, annual surveillance audits are conducted in years two and three to verify ongoing conformity. At the end of the three-year cycle, a full recertification audit renews your certificate.
Why get ISO 9001 certification?
Fewer product defects and customer complaints. More efficient processes with less waste. Stronger positioning in competitive bids and RFPs. Easier access to regulated supply chains and international markets. For many industries, ISO 9001 certification is the baseline to compete.