AS9100 Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aerospace Companies

The 8 Key Steps in the AS9100 Certification Process

1. Define Scope and Organizational Context

Before documentation begins, you must:

• Define the scope of your QMS

• Identify applicable products and services

• Map key processes (design, production, purchasing, etc.)

• Identify interested parties (customers, regulators, suppliers)

• Determine risks and opportunities

A clearly defined scope prevents certification delays later.

2. Conduct an AS9100 Gap Assessment

A structured gap assessment compares your current practices to AS9100 requirements.

This step identifies:

• Missing procedures

• Weak process controls

• Documentation gaps

• Inconsistent implementation

• Risk management deficiencies

This is where most aerospace companies underestimate effort.

3. Develop and Structure the QMS

Next, your organization develops or restructures documentation, including:

• Quality policy and objectives

• Process interaction map

• Risk management process

• Configuration management controls

• Supplier evaluation controls

• Production and inspection procedures

• Internal audit and management review processes

The goal is not paperwork — it is operational control aligned to aerospace expectations.

4. Implement the System

Documentation alone does not equal certification readiness.

You must:

• Train personnel

• Implement process controls

• Begin record retention

• Track KPIs

• Demonstrate risk-based thinking

• Execute supplier oversight

• Control nonconformities properly

Implementation typically requires 2–4 months of operational evidence before audit.

5. Perform Internal Audits

Before certification, your organization must conduct a full internal audit covering:

• All AS9100 clauses

• All operational processes

• Effectiveness verification

Internal audits must identify real issues — not just confirm documentation exists.

6. Conduct Management Review

Top management must formally review:

• Audit results

• Customer feedback

• Process performance

• Supplier performance

• Risk status

• Opportunities for improvement

• Resource needs

Management review demonstrates leadership engagement — a major focus in aerospace audits.

7. Stage 1 Audit (Readiness Review)

The certification body conducts a documentation and readiness review.

They verify:

• Scope accuracy

• Documented system completeness

• Internal audit completion

• Management review completion

• Certification readiness

Stage 1 does not grant certification — it confirms preparedness.

8. Stage 2 Audit (Certification Audit)

The Stage 2 audit evaluates:

• Process effectiveness

• Risk controls in action

• Production traceability

• Configuration management

• Supplier management

• Product conformity

• Nonconformance handling

If major nonconformities are avoided or resolved, certification is granted.

How Long Does the AS9100 Certification Process Take?

Typical timeline:

• Small organizations (under 15 employees): 4–6 months

• Mid-size aerospace manufacturers: 6–9 months

• Complex multi-site organizations: 9–12+ months

Timeline depends more on leadership engagement and operational maturity than company size.

Common Pitfalls in the AS9100 Certification Process

Many companies struggle because they:

• Treat AS9100 as a paperwork exercise

• Underestimate risk management depth

• Ignore configuration management rigor

• Fail to integrate supplier controls

• Delay internal audit execution

• Involve leadership too late

The process is strategic — not administrative.

How Wintersmith Advisory Supports the AS9100 Certification Process

As an aerospace-focused consulting firm, we guide organizations through:

• Gap assessments

• QMS architecture design

• Risk and configuration management integration

• Process mapping and KPI structure

• Internal audit execution

• Management review facilitation

• Audit readiness preparation

We do not act as a certification body.
We prepare you to pass with confidence — and build a system that supports growth, customer trust, and operational control.

Is Your Organization Ready to Begin the AS9100 Certification Process?

If your customers are requesting certification, or if you are entering aerospace markets, the earlier you begin structured implementation, the smoother the path to certification.

The AS9100 certification process rewards preparation, discipline, and leadership engagement.

When executed correctly, it becomes more than certification — it becomes operational alignment with aerospace excellence.