AS9100 vs ISO 9001: Complete Comparison
Understand the key differences between AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 for machine shops. Learn which certification you need and the path to achieve it.
~100
Additional Requirements in AS9100
4-8 Months
Upgrade from ISO 9001
$15-50K
AS9100 Certification Cost
Required
For Boeing, Lockheed, etc.
ISO 9001:2015
The international standard for quality management systems. Applicable to any organization, in any industry. Focuses on customer satisfaction, process management, and continuous improvement.
- General manufacturing baseline
- Lower implementation cost
- Faster certification timeline
AS9100D
The aerospace quality management standard. Includes all ISO 9001 requirements plus approximately 100 additional aerospace-specific requirements for safety, reliability, and configuration control.
- Required for aerospace OEM supply chains
- Enhanced product safety controls
- Listed in OASIS database
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | ISO 9001 | AS9100 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Standard | Standalone QMS standard | Builds on ISO 9001 with aerospace additions |
| Industry Focus | General manufacturing, any industry | Aerospace, defense, and space only |
| Risk Management | Basic risk-based thinking | Formal operational risk management required |
| Configuration Management | Not required | Mandatory for product and documentation |
| Product Safety | Not specifically addressed | Explicit product safety requirements |
| Human Factors | General competence requirements | Specific human factors awareness requirements |
| Counterfeit Parts Prevention | Not addressed | Mandatory prevention program |
| Special Processes | General validation requirements | Strict control and validation of special processes |
| First Article Inspection | Not specifically required | AS9102 FAI typically required |
| Supplier Flow-Down | Basic supplier control | Comprehensive flow-down of requirements |
| On-Time Delivery Tracking | Not specifically required | Mandatory OTD monitoring |
| Customer Property | Basic protection requirements | Enhanced including tooling and test equipment |
| Certification Cost | $5,000 - $15,000 | $15,000 - $50,000 |
| Audit Frequency | Annual surveillance, 3-year recertification | Same, but more rigorous audits |
| Market Access | General manufacturing | Required for aerospace OEM supply chains |
Key AS9100 Additions
These are the major additions that AS9100D makes beyond ISO 9001 requirements. Each represents additional procedures, training, and documentation.
Configuration Management (8.1.2)
Maintain documented configuration of products and control changes throughout the lifecycle. Track all design changes, deviations, and waivers.
Product Safety (8.1.3)
Assess and manage product safety throughout design and production. Identify safety-critical items and maintain awareness.
Counterfeit Parts Prevention (8.1.4)
Establish documented process to prevent counterfeit or suspect parts. Control purchasing sources and maintain traceability.
Operation Planning - Risk (8.1.1)
Plan and control processes considering operational risks. This goes beyond general risk-based thinking to specific operational analysis.
Control of Special Processes (8.5.1.2)
Special processes (heat treat, welding, NDT, plating) require additional validation, operator certification, and process controls.
Production Process Verification (8.5.1.3)
Verify production processes capable of achieving requirements. Document and maintain process capability evidence.
Human Factors (7.1.4)
Consider human factors in process design. Train personnel on human factors awareness to minimize errors.
First Article Inspection (8.6)
Typically requires AS9102 compliant first article inspection for new parts, after design changes, or process changes.
Work Transfer (8.5.1.1)
Control the transfer of work between facilities or suppliers. Ensure quality is maintained during transitions.
On-Time Delivery (9.1.2)
Monitor and report on-time delivery performance. Take action when performance falls below targets.
Path to AS9100 Certification
Achieve ISO 9001 First
Most shops start with ISO 9001 to establish a quality foundation. This typically takes 6-12 months for a new QMS.
Gap Analysis
Conduct AS9100 gap analysis to identify additional requirements. Focus on configuration management, product safety, and counterfeit prevention.
Implement AS9100 Additions
Update procedures, train personnel, and implement the ~100 additional AS9100 requirements. Typically 4-8 months.
Internal Audit
Conduct internal audit to AS9100 requirements. Address findings and verify corrective actions are effective.
Management Review
Hold management review covering all AS9100 requirements including OTD metrics and risk management effectiveness.
Stage 1 Audit
Registrar reviews documentation readiness. Identifies any major gaps before proceeding to Stage 2.
Stage 2 Audit
Full on-site certification audit. Auditors verify implementation of all AS9100 requirements.
Certification & OASIS
Upon passing, receive AS9100D certificate. Registration is published in the IAQG OASIS database for customer verification.
Which Certification Do You Need?
ISO 9001 is Sufficient If:
- • You serve general manufacturing markets only
- • No aerospace or defense customers are targeted
- • Budget constraints are significant
- • You're establishing your first QMS
- • You want a foundation before AS9100
You Need AS9100 If:
- • You want to supply aerospace OEMs directly
- • Your customers require it in contracts
- • You manufacture flight-critical parts
- • You need OASIS database listing
- • Defense/space work is a target market
Important Considerations
- • AS9100 certification alone doesn't guarantee aerospace work - you'll also need customer-specific approvals
- • Many processes (heat treat, NDT, coatings) require separate Nadcap accreditation
- • ITAR registration is separate from AS9100 and required for most defense work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AS9100 required to work with aerospace companies?
Most major aerospace OEMs (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, etc.) require AS9100 certification for direct suppliers. Some Tier 2 and Tier 3 work may be possible with ISO 9001, but you'll be excluded from many opportunities without AS9100.
Can I get AS9100 without ISO 9001?
Yes, but it's not recommended. AS9100 includes all ISO 9001 requirements plus aerospace-specific additions. You can achieve AS9100 directly, but having ISO 9001 first provides a foundation and spreads the implementation effort.
How much does AS9100 certification cost?
Total costs range from $15,000-$50,000+ including consulting, training, documentation, and registrar fees. Small shops (under 50 employees) typically pay $15,000-$25,000. Annual surveillance audits add $5,000-$10,000/year.
How long does AS9100 certification take?
From scratch: 12-18 months. If already ISO 9001 certified: 4-8 months for the upgrade. This includes gap analysis, implementation, internal audit, and the two-stage certification audit.
What is OASIS and why does it matter?
OASIS (Online Aerospace Supplier Information System) is the IAQG database where aerospace certifications are published. Customers can verify your certification status. Being listed in OASIS is essential for aerospace supply chain qualification.
Do I need Nadcap if I have AS9100?
They serve different purposes. AS9100 is a QMS certification. Nadcap accredits specific special processes (heat treat, NDT, welding, etc.). Many aerospace customers require both AS9100 and Nadcap for applicable processes.
What's the difference between AS9100D and earlier versions?
AS9100D (current version) aligns with ISO 9001:2015 and adds requirements for counterfeit parts prevention, human factors, product safety, and enhanced risk management. Transition from AS9100C was required by 2018.
Is AS9100 recognized internationally?
Yes. AS9100 (Americas), EN9100 (Europe), and JISQ9100 (Asia-Pacific) are technically identical standards. Certification to any one is recognized globally through the IAQG.
Find Certified Machine Shops
Browse our directory of AS9100 and ISO 9001 certified machine shops, verified through government databases.