Q: How can my organization become ISO 9001:2000 certified?

A: The first step in becoming certified is to develop and implement a quality management system (QMS) in your organization that meets the requirements identified in ISO 9001:2000. This usually involves identifying the organization's goals, the steps you take to achieve them, and the means by which you determine whether you've been successful. As part of the process, you will need to document the procedures that are critical to achieving your organization's objectives.

Once your QMS is in place, you'll need to select a certification body. The certification body will audit your organization's QMS, a process that involves checking your QMS against the requirements of the applicable standard, and verifying that the system reflects the way your organization actually does things. You'll be given the opportunity to correct any non-conformity that the certification body discovers.

Once the certification body is satisfied that your QMS meets the requirements of the standard, they'll issue you a certificate. That will be followed up by periodic surveillance audits. Every three years or so, the certification body will conduct a reassessment to ensure that the QMS is still functioning effectively.