Who Can Issue AS9110 Certification? Authority Explained

In the high-stakes world of aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), one question consistently arises among industry professionals: who has the authority to issue AS9110 certification? This critical question affects thousands of aerospace maintenance organizations worldwide that strive to demonstrate their commitment to quality management in the aerospace industry, safety, and aircraft servicing.

ANAB-accredited CBs issued more certifications to this standard than any other Accreditation Body in the United States, highlighting the significance of choosing the right certification pathway.

Understanding this authority structure is crucial for organizations seeking legitimate AS9110 certification and for industry stakeholders evaluating supplier credentials.

What Is AS9110 Certification and Why It Matters

AS9110 certification represents a specialized quality management system standard designed specifically for aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations. AS9110 is part of the AS9100 series of standards, specifically tailored for the aerospace industry, and addresses the unique challenges faced by aerospace maintenance organizations.

The AS9110 standard is developed through the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) industry collaboration framework and published as an SAE “AS” aerospace standard. Unlike general ISO 9001 certification, AS9110 includes nearly 100 additional aerospace-specific requirements applicable to maintenance organizations.

The standard focuses on critical areas that directly impact aircraft safety and airworthiness, including:

• Human factors considerations
  
• Counterfeit parts prevention
  
• Enhanced documentation and traceability
  
• Aerospace-specific risk management

For aerospace maintenance organizations, achieving AS9110 certification demonstrates alignment with industry-recognized quality expectations and is often required by major aerospace customers as part of supplier approval.

Understanding the AS9110 Standard in Aerospace MRO

AS9110 defines quality system requirements for organizations whose primary business involves aircraft industry MRO processes. The standard builds upon ISO 9001 while incorporating aerospace-specific requirements that address aviation safety.

These additional requirements, commonly described as “nearly 100” beyond ISO 9001, address areas such as configuration management, airworthiness assurance, counterfeit part mitigation, human factors, and enhanced supplier oversight.

The standard serves organizations ranging from small component repair shops to large commercial airline maintenance facilities. According to Alton Aviation Consultancy, the worldwide commercial aircraft fleet is projected to grow from 31,000 aircraft in operation today to 41,100 by 2034, emphasizing the growing importance of certified maintenance providers.

Who Controls the AS9110 Certification System?

The AS9110 certification system operates under a multi-layered authority structure designed to ensure global consistency and credibility. This system involves three primary levels of oversight: standard development, accreditation oversight, and certification delivery.

Role of the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG)

The IAQG sets the standards for quality within the worldwide supply chain of the aerospace industry and serves as the ultimate authority for AS9110 standard development and maintenance. IAQG is an international non-profit association, registered in Brussels, operating under Belgian law, with representation from aerospace and defense companies across the Americas, Asia/Pacific, and Europe.

The IAQG's responsibilities include:

• Developing and revising AS9110 standard requirements
• Conducting and monitoring the IAQG Certification Scheme along with the industry database to track it
• Maintaining the OASIS (Online Aerospace Supplier Information System) database
• Establishing oversight requirements for certification bodies

Importantly, the IAQG does not directly issue AS9110 certificates. Instead, it establishes the framework and requirements that certification bodies must follow.

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Role of Accreditation Bodies in AS9110 Certification

Accreditation bodies serve as the critical link between the IAQG's standards and the certification bodies that actually issue certificates. ANAB accredits bodies that issue certifications to AS9110 aviation, space, and defense quality management systems (QMS) requirements, making it the primary accreditation authority in the United States.

Certifications to these AS standards must be issued by a certification body that is accredited to the AS standards by an accreditation body recognized by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP). This creates a clear chain of authority where accreditation bodies must:

• Meet IAQG requirements for oversight of certification programs
• Undergo regular assessments to maintain their accreditation status
• Ensure their accredited certification bodies follow proper procedures
• Monitor certificate issuance and maintain quality standards

Role of Certification Bodies (CBs) in Issuing AS9110 Certification

Certification Bodies are the organizations that directly interact with aerospace maintenance companies seeking AS9110 certification. These certification bodies must conform to ISO/IEC 17021-1 requirements and demonstrate technical competency in aerospace quality management systems.

These organizations must demonstrate:

• Technical competency in aerospace quality management systems
• Independence and impartiality in their assessment processes
• Qualified auditor teams with aerospace experience
• Proper documentation and reporting procedures
• Compliance with IAQG oversight requirements

Who Can Officially Issue an AS9110 Certificate?

Only properly accredited Certification Bodies have the authority to officially issue AS9110 certificates. ANAB, as an accreditation body recognized by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP), is a trusted accreditor of bodies that issue certifications to the AS9100 series of standards.

For a certificate to be considered valid and globally recognized, it must be issued by:

1. An Accredited Certification Body: The organization must hold current accreditation from an IAQG-recognized accreditation body such as ANAB
2. Proper Scope Authority: The certification body must be specifically accredited for AS9110 (not just the general AS9100 series)
3. Qualified Auditor Teams: The certification must be conducted by auditors with appropriate aerospace experience and IAQG-approved training
4. Compliance Documentation: The certificate must display proper accreditation logos and reference the IAQG certification scheme

How the AS9110 Certification Process Works Step by Step

The AS9110 certification process follows a structured approach designed to ensure thorough evaluation of an organization's quality management system. Understanding this process helps organizations appreciate why proper authority matters in certification.

Stage 1: Initial Assessment: The certification process begins with a preliminary review of the organization's quality management system documentation. This stage verifies that the organization has implemented the necessary AS9110 requirements and is ready for formal assessment.

Stage 2: Formal Certification Audit: The audit will identify any nonconformities. For minor nonconformities, you'll be given a time period within which these must be addressed and evidence of the work done to rectify them submitted to the certification body. Major nonconformities typically require additional audit activities.

Certificate Issuance and Maintenance: Once an organization successfully demonstrates conformity to AS9110 requirements, the accredited certification body issues a three-year certificate with annual surveillance audits required throughout the certification cycle.

Database Registration: If you hold an accredited certificate to AS9110, you must be entered into the OASIS database. This requirement ensures global visibility of certified organizations and maintains certification scheme integrity.

Difference Between AS9110 Standard Owners and Certification Bodies

Understanding the distinction between standard owners and certification issuers is crucial for organizations navigating the AS9110 landscape. The IAQG owns and maintains the AS9110 standard but does not issue certificates, ensuring independence and preventing conflicts of interest.

Standard Development Authority: The IAQG maintains the AS9110 standard through working groups comprised of industry experts.

Certification Authority: Individual certification bodies, properly accredited by recognized accreditation bodies, have the authority to issue AS9110 certificates after conducting thorough assessments.

How to Choose the Right AS9110 Certification Body

Selecting an appropriate certification body significantly impacts the value and recognition of your AS9110 certificate.

Accreditation Status: Seek out a certification body accredited by ANAB and verify current accreditation status through official directories.

Industry Experience: Look for certification bodies with demonstrated aerospace quality management experience and qualified auditors.

Global Recognition: Ensure the certification body's certificates are recognized internationally and accepted by major aerospace manufacturers.

Common Misconceptions About AS9110 Certification Authority

Several misconceptions persist regarding the AS9110 certification authority, potentially leading organizations down incorrect paths.

Misconception: Any quality consulting firm can issue AS9110 certificates 

Reality: Only accredited certification bodies with a specific AS9110 scope can issue valid certificates

Misconception: ISO 9001 certification bodies automatically have AS9110 authority 

Reality: Certification bodies require specific AS9110 accreditation beyond the general ISO 9001 scope

Misconception: Self-declaration meets AS9110 requirements.

Reality: AS9110 requires third-party certification by accredited bodies

Understanding these distinctions helps organizations avoid costly mistakes and ensures certification investments deliver expected value.

Who Has the Authority to Issue AS9110 Certification?

The authority to issue AS9110 certification rests exclusively with Certification Bodies that have been properly accredited by IAQG-recognized Accreditation Bodies. ANAB accredits bodies that issue certifications to AS9110 aviation, space and defense quality management systems (QMS) requirements, making ANAB-accredited certification bodies the primary source of legitimate AS9110 certificates in the United States.

The complete authority structure includes:

1. IAQG: Develops and maintains AS9110 standard requirements
2. Accreditation Bodies (such as ANAB): Accredit and oversee certification bodies
3. Certification Bodies: Conduct audits and issue AS9110 certificates
4. OASIS Database: Maintains the official record of all certified organizations

This system ensures AS9110 certificates maintain credibility and recognition throughout the global aerospace industry.

How Does BPRHub Help with AS9110 Certification?

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BPRHub's AI-powered platform delivers comprehensive support for aerospace maintenance, organizations seeking AS9110 certification:

Intelligent Compliance Backbone: AI QCG connects documents, suppliers, audits, and risks, ensuring safety, reliability, and certification readiness at all times across aerospace operations.

Predictive Risk Management: The platform provides early warnings on quality escapes, supply chain delays, and safety issues, helping organizations proactively address potential certification challenges.

BPRHub's expertise ensures aerospace maintenance organizations choose properly accredited certification bodies while building robust quality management capabilities that support supplier quality management and quality metrics for aerospace and defense operations.

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Key Takeaways

→ Only accredited Certification Bodies have the authority to issue valid AS9110 certificates - not consultants, training organizations, or unaccredited entities

→ ANAB-accredited certification bodies provide the most widely recognized AS9110 certificates in the United States, ensuring global acceptance

→ The IAQG develops AS9110 standards but does not issue certificates - maintaining proper separation between standard development and certification activities

→ Certificate validity requires a proper accreditation chain from IAQG recognition through accreditation body oversight to certification body authority

→ OASIS database registration is mandatory for all AS9110 certified organizations, verifying legitimate certification status

→ Choosing the right certification body significantly impacts certificate value and industry recognition, making due diligence essential for aerospace maintenance organizations

FAQs

Can a consultant or training company issue AS9110 certificates? 

No, only properly accredited Certification Bodies have the authority to issue AS9110 certificates. Consultants and training companies can help prepare organizations for certification, but cannot issue valid certificates themselves.

What's the difference between ANAB accreditation and IAQG recognition? 

ANAB is an accreditation body that accredits certification bodies, while IAQG is the standard development organization that recognizes accreditation bodies. IAQG recognizes ANAB as a qualified accreditation body for AS9110 certification programs.

How can I verify if a certification body has proper authority for AS9110? 

Check the certification body's accreditation status through ANAB's directory of accredited organizations or verify their inclusion in the IAQG OASIS database as an approved certification body.

Is AS9110 certification mandatory for aerospace maintenance organizations? 

While not legally mandatory, AS9110 certification is increasingly required by major aerospace manufacturers and is often specified in procurement requirements for maintenance service providers.

What happens if my organization receives an AS9110 certificate from an unaccredited body? 

Certificates from unaccredited bodies lack industry recognition and will not be accepted by aerospace customers or included in the OASIS database, potentially limiting business opportunities and contract eligibility.

How long does AS9110 certification remain valid? 

AS9110 certificates are typically valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain certification status throughout the certification cycle.