AS9100 Certification Bodies: What You Need to Know
If you are searching for AS9100 certification bodies, you are likely preparing to enter or expand within the aerospace, aviation, or defense supply chain.
Choosing the right certification body (also called a registrar) is critical — but selection should come after your system is ready.
At Wintersmith Advisory, we do not issue certificates.
We prepare organizations to succeed when certification bodies arrive.
This guide explains:
What AS9100 certification bodies do
How they differ
How to choose one
How to avoid common selection mistakes
What Is an AS9100 Certification Body?
An AS9100 certification body is an independent third-party organization accredited to conduct audits against the AS9100 standard and issue certification.
To perform AS9100 audits, the certification body must:
Be accredited by an approved accreditation body
Operate under the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) scheme
Use IAQG-certified aerospace auditors
Enter audit results into the OASIS database
Certification bodies assess:
Conformity to AS9100 requirements
Effectiveness of the Quality Management System
Risk management processes
Product safety controls
Counterfeit parts prevention
Configuration management
They do not help you design your system. That is the consultant’s role.
Are All AS9100 Certification Bodies the Same?
Technically, they audit to the same standard.
Practically, they differ in:
Industry expertise
Auditor experience
Geographic presence
Audit scheduling flexibility
Cost structure
Customer service responsiveness
The standard is fixed. The audit experience is not.
How to Choose an AS9100 Certification Body
When evaluating AS9100 certification bodies, consider:
1. IAQG Accreditation Status
Verify that the certification body is recognized within the IAQG scheme and listed appropriately.
Without IAQG recognition, your certificate will not be accepted in aerospace supply chains.
2. Aerospace Experience
Ask:
Do auditors have experience in your sector (machining, electronics, composites, assembly, etc.)?
Do they understand your product type?
Have they audited similar-sized organizations?
Sector familiarity improves audit relevance and efficiency.
3. Audit Duration & Structure
AS9100 audits are longer and more detailed than ISO 9001 audits.
Clarify:
Stage 1 readiness review expectations
Stage 2 certification audit duration
Surveillance audit frequency
Re-certification cycle
Understanding timing prevents operational disruption.
4. Cost Considerations
Costs vary based on:
Employee count
Scope complexity
Design responsibility
Multi-site operations
Risk classification
Certification bodies charge audit day rates and administrative fees.
Lower price does not always mean better value.
5. Auditor Continuity
Consistency matters.
Frequent auditor changes can:
Increase learning curve time
Create inconsistent interpretations
Slow improvement momentum
Ask about auditor assignment stability.
What Certification Bodies Do Not Do
AS9100 certification bodies:
Do not build your procedures
Do not write your quality manual
Do not coach you during audits
Do not advise on corrective action solutions
Their role is independent verification.
This separation preserves audit integrity.
Preparing Before You Contact Certification Bodies
Many organizations approach registrars too early.
Before engaging AS9100 certification bodies, you should have:
A fully implemented AS9100-compliant QMS
Completed internal audits
Conducted management review
Addressed nonconformities
Established risk management controls
Implemented product safety processes
Established counterfeit prevention procedures
Premature audits increase the likelihood of findings.
The Relationship Between Consultants and Certification Bodies
Consultants prepare the system.
Certification bodies verify it.
A good consultant ensures:
You understand the intent of each clause
Your documentation reflects operational reality
Employees are audit-ready
Risk controls are effective
Findings are minimized
Certification bodies ensure:
Compliance
Objectivity
Aerospace scheme integrity
The roles are complementary — not interchangeable.
Common Mistakes When Selecting AS9100 Certification Bodies
Choosing based only on cost
Failing to verify IAQG recognition
Not evaluating aerospace sector experience
Underestimating audit duration
Ignoring multi-site audit complexity
Rushing into certification without readiness
Strategic selection reduces long-term friction.
Timeline Overview
Typical AS9100 certification path:
System design & implementation
Internal audit cycle
Management review
Stage 1 audit (readiness)
Stage 2 audit (certification)
Corrective action closure
Certification issuance
Annual surveillance audits
Certification bodies participate beginning at Stage 1.
Why Preparation Matters More Than Registrar Selection
The certification body evaluates what exists.
If your QMS is:
Poorly documented
Weak in risk controls
Inconsistent in supplier oversight
Missing product safety integration
The outcome will reflect those gaps — regardless of which certification body you choose.
Strong preparation determines audit success.
How Wintersmith Advisory Supports AS9100 Certification
We help organizations:
Conduct AS9100 gap assessments
Build aerospace-compliant QMS documentation
Integrate risk-based thinking
Implement product safety frameworks
Strengthen supplier controls
Prepare for Stage 1 & Stage 2 audits
Coach teams for audit confidence
We remain independent from certification bodies to protect audit objectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we switch AS9100 certification bodies?
Yes. Transfers are possible under IAQG rules, subject to review and documentation.
Do certification bodies vary in strictness?
All must follow AS9100 scheme rules, but interpretation style and audit approach may vary.
How long does AS9100 certification take?
Most organizations complete implementation and certification in 6–12 months depending on maturity.
Do we need ISO 9001 first?
No. AS9100 includes ISO 9001 requirements.
Choosing AS9100 Certification Bodies with Confidence
If you are evaluating AS9100 certification bodies, the most important step is ensuring your system is audit-ready before engagement.
The right registrar verifies your system.
The right preparation ensures you succeed.
At Wintersmith Advisory, we help aerospace manufacturers build compliant, scalable systems that perform — long before the auditors arrive.
Contact us.
info@wintersmithadvisory.com
(801) 558-3928