How Long Does AS9100 Certification Take? Timeline & Steps

Getting AS9100 certification is a critical milestone for aerospace manufacturers, but the timeline varies significantly based on your organization's size, existing quality systems, and preparation level. The AS9100 certification timeline ranges from 3 months for small, well-prepared companies to 12–15 months for larger organizations starting from scratch, though complex, multi-site organizations may require up to 18–20 months depending on scope and readiness.

The aerospace industry's stringent quality requirements make AS9100 certification essential for market access. Industry data shows that as of May 2023, there are 21,457 AS9100 certified organizations worldwide, highlighting the standard's widespread adoption across the global aerospace supply chain. According to aerospace market research by Precedence Research, the global aerospace market was valued at USD 346.58 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at approximately 7.1% CAGR, reaching USD 791.78 billion by 2034, making AS9100 certification increasingly critical for aerospace businesses seeking a competitive advantage.

Understanding exactly how long AS9100 takes depends on multiple factors, including your current quality management systems, organizational complexity, and resource allocation. This comprehensive guide breaks down the AS9100 certification timeline, implementation steps, and how BPRHub's AI-powered platform can accelerate your certification journey.

AS9100 Certification Timeline by Organization Size

Small Organizations (Under 50 Employees)

Small aerospace companies typically complete AS9100 certification in 3-6 months. Industry data shows small businesses can achieve certification in approximately four months from planning to audit. Organizations with fewer than 10 employees may complete AS9100 Rev D implementation in as little as 3 months maximum.

Medium Organizations (50-200 Employees)

Companies with 50-200 employees generally require 6-10 months for full certification. Industry analysis indicates that aerospace organizations with 200 employees can anticipate a 6 to 10 months for the certification timeline. The extended timeframe accounts for more complex processes, additional documentation requirements, and coordination across multiple departments.

Large Organizations (200+ Employees)

Large aerospace manufacturers typically need 9-15 months to complete AS9100 certification. Industry research indicates that companies new to formal quality standards can expect a 9-12 month process to implement and integrate an AS9100 system before certification. For large, multi-site, or highly complex organizations, certification timelines of 10–20 months are not uncommon, particularly where extensive supplier oversight and regulatory requirements apply.

Organizations with Existing ISO 9001 Certification

Companies already ISO 9001 certified enjoy a significant advantage. Industry analysis shows that for organizations already ISO 9001 certified, the transition timeframe is shorter since foundational elements are in place, with typically 6 months sufficient to upgrade the system to meet additional AS9100 requirements. This accelerated timeline leverages existing quality management frameworks while adding aerospace-specific requirements.

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A Typical 8-Step Implementation Framework

Step 1: Initial Gap Analysis (2-4 Weeks)

Begin with a comprehensive assessment comparing your current quality management system against AS9100D requirements. This critical step identifies specific areas needing improvement and forms the foundation of your implementation roadmap. Organizations should evaluate all processes against the AS9100 audit checklist to ensure complete coverage.

Step 2: Management Commitment and Training (2-3 Weeks)

Secure top management commitment and provide comprehensive AS9100 training to all relevant personnel. This includes understanding the approximately 100+ additional aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001:2015. Training should cover configuration management, risk management, and supplier quality management principles specific to aerospace operations.

Step 3: Documentation Development (4-8 Weeks)

Create or update quality manuals, procedures, and work instructions to meet AS9100 requirements. This phase involves documenting processes for AS9100D record retention, configuration management, and risk-based thinking. The documentation must address all applicable clauses while maintaining practical usability for daily operations.

Step 4: System Implementation (6-12 Weeks)

Deploy the documented quality management system across all relevant organizational areas. This involves process changes, employee training, and establishing new workflows. Implementation should include supplier corrective action request procedures and counterfeit parts prevention measures.

Step 5: Internal Audits (2-4 Weeks)

Conduct comprehensive internal audits to verify system effectiveness and identify non-conformities before external assessment. Internal auditors should be trained on AS9100 requirements and audit techniques. Regular audits help maintain compliance and prepare for certification audits.

Step 6: Management Review and Corrective Actions (1-2 Weeks)

Address findings from internal audits through formal management review and corrective action processes. This demonstrates leadership commitment and continuous improvement principles essential for AS9100 compliance.

Step 7: Stage 1 Certification Audit (1 Week)

The certification body conducts a documentation review to assess readiness for the implementation audit. Auditors verify that documented procedures meet AS9100 requirements and that the organization has conducted management reviews and internal audits.

Step 8: Stage 2 Certification Audit (1-2 Weeks)

The final implementation audit evaluates how effectively the quality management system operates in practice. Auditors assess compliance with AS9100 requirements through interviews, observations, and record reviews. Successful completion leads to certificate issuance typically within several weeks following certification decision and closure of any non-conformities, with exact timing dependent on the certification body.

Factors Affecting AS9100 Certification Timeline

Existing Quality Systems Maturity

Organizations with mature quality systems complete certification faster than those starting from scratch. Companies with established ISO 9001 systems have foundational processes in place, requiring only aerospace-specific enhancements.

Resource Allocation and Project Management

Dedicated project teams with sufficient resources complete certification more quickly than organizations attempting implementation alongside normal operations. Clear project timelines, milestone tracking, and regular progress reviews accelerate the process.

Supply Chain Complexity

Companies with extensive supplier networks require additional time for supplier scorecard implementation and supply chain qualification. Aerospace manufacturers must verify supplier capabilities and establish appropriate oversight mechanisms.

Product Complexity and Risk Profile

Organizations manufacturing critical aerospace components face more stringent requirements than those producing less critical items. Higher-risk products require enhanced configuration management, testing protocols, and documentation standards.

How BPRHub Accelerates AS9100 Certification

BPRHub's AI-powered Quality, Compliance, and Governance (QCG) platform significantly reduces AS9100 certification timelines through intelligent automation and streamlined processes. The platform combines comprehensive Supplier Quality Management (SQM) capabilities with built-in AS9100 intelligence to accelerate implementation.

Automated SCAR Workflows

BPRHub automates supplier corrective action request workflows from Raised to Closure with standardized processes. The system drives supplier accountability through clear owners, due dates, and automated SLA reminders, eliminating dropped follow-ups and manual tracking.

Unified Compliance Management

The platform's unified compliance grid manages 30+ standards simultaneously, eliminating the complexity of maintaining separate systems for different requirements. This integrated approach ensures consistency across all quality management activities while reducing resource requirements.

Real-Time Performance Dashboards

BPRHub provides real-time visibility into supplier performance, audit status, and compliance metrics through comprehensive dashboards. These insights enable proactive management of quality metrics for aerospace and defense operations.

Built-in AS9100 Intelligence

The platform includes pre-configured AS9100 templates, checklists, and workflows that eliminate the need to build processes from scratch. This built-in intelligence accelerates implementation while ensuring compliance with all applicable requirements.

Always Audit-Ready Documentation

The platform maintains always audit-ready documentation with automated record-keeping and audit trail capabilities. This preparedness reduces stress during certification audits and demonstrates robust process control to auditors.

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Key Takeaways

→ Small organizations can achieve AS9100 certification in 3-6 months, while larger companies typically require 9-15 months, depending on existing quality system maturity

→ Companies with existing ISO 9001 certification can transition to AS9100 in approximately 6 months due to foundational quality management systems already in place

→ The 8-step implementation process includes gap analysis, training, documentation, implementation, internal audits, and two-stage certification audits

→ BPRHub's AI-powered platform accelerates certification through automated SCAR workflows, unified compliance management, and built-in AS9100 intelligence

→ Success factors include dedicated project management, resource allocation, management commitment, and leveraging modern technology platforms for streamlined implementation

FAQs

How long does AS9100 certification last once obtained?

AS9100 certification is valid for three years from the date of issuance. During this period, organizations must undergo annual surveillance audits to maintain certification status. At the end of the three-year cycle, a full recertification audit is required to renew the certificate for another three years.

Can the AS9100 certification process be expedited beyond typical timelines?

Yes, organizations with mature quality systems, dedicated resources, and professional guidance can accelerate the process. Some companies have achieved certification in as little as 2-3 months, particularly small organizations with existing ISO 9001 systems and streamlined operations using modern quality management platforms.

What happens if an organization fails the initial certification audit?

If non-conformities are identified during the Stage 2 audit, organizations must implement corrective actions to address the findings. Minor non-conformities can typically be resolved within 90 days, while major non-conformities may require a return audit. The certification body provides specific guidance on required corrections.

Is AS9100 certification required for all aerospace suppliers?

While not legally mandated, AS9100 certification is effectively required for aerospace supply chain participation. Major OEMs like Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin require suppliers to be AS9100 certified, making certification essential for business development and contract awards in the aerospace sector.

How does the upcoming IA9100 transition affect current AS9100 certification efforts?

The transition from AS9100 to IA9100 is expected in 2026-2027 with a 2-3 year transition window. Organizations pursuing AS9100 certification now will have ample time to transition to the new standard. The foundational elements remain similar, making current certification efforts valuable investments.

What are the main differences between AS9100 and regular quality management systems?

AS9100 incorporates all ISO 9001:2015 requirements plus approximately 100+ additional aerospace-specific requirements. These include configuration management, counterfeit parts prevention, critical items management, risk management, and enhanced supplier control measures specifically designed for aerospace manufacturing environments.