What Is AS9100 Certification?

What Is AS9100?

AS9100 is a Quality Management System standard specifically developed for the aerospace industry. It is based on ISO 9001 but includes additional aerospace-specific requirements focused on:

• Product safety

• Counterfeit parts prevention

• Risk-based thinking

• Configuration management

• Operational risk control

• Special process oversight

The current version widely implemented is AS9100 Rev D.

What Does AS9100 Certification Mean?

AS9100 certification means:

• Your organization’s QMS has been audited by an accredited certification body

• Your processes meet AS9100 requirements

• Your system is implemented and effective

• You have demonstrated aerospace-specific risk controls

Certification signals to customers and regulators that your organization operates with aerospace-level discipline and control.

Why Is AS9100 Important?

AS9100 certification is often required for:

• Aerospace manufacturing suppliers

• Defense contractors

• Aviation parts manufacturers

• Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations

• Precision machining suppliers serving aerospace OEMs

Without certification, many aerospace companies cannot access approved supplier lists.

How Is AS9100 Different from ISO 9001?

While ISO 9001 focuses on general quality management, AS9100 includes additional aerospace controls such as:

• Expanded risk management requirements

• Product safety emphasis

• Counterfeit part prevention controls

• Configuration management discipline

• Enhanced supplier oversight

• Operational risk controls

It is a more rigorous, industry-specific standard.

What Does the Certification Process Involve?

AS9100 certification typically includes:

1. Gap assessment

2. QMS development or upgrade

3. Implementation and training

4. Internal audits

5. Management review

6. Stage 1 audit (documentation review)

7. Stage 2 audit (implementation verification)

8. Corrective action closure

Certification is granted after successful completion of the audit cycle.

How Long Does AS9100 Certification Last?

Once certified:

• Certification is valid for three years

• Annual surveillance audits are required

• Recertification audit occurs every three years

Continuous compliance is required to maintain certification.

Who Grants AS9100 Certification?

AS9100 certification is granted by accredited third-party certification bodies (registrars). These organizations conduct formal audits to verify compliance.

Consultants help prepare your system — certification bodies issue the certificate.

What Are the Benefits of AS9100 Certification?

Organizations gain:

• Access to aerospace supply chains

• Increased customer confidence

• Improved operational control

• Stronger risk management

• Reduced audit findings

• Competitive differentiation

Certification often opens doors to contracts that would otherwise be unavailable.

Is AS9100 Certification Right for Your Organization?

AS9100 is appropriate if:

• You manufacture aerospace components

• You supply aerospace OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers

• You plan to enter the aerospace market

• Customers require aerospace-level quality systems

If you’re unsure, a structured gap assessment can clarify readiness.

Why Work with Wintersmith Advisory?

We support aerospace organizations through:

• Gap assessments

• QMS implementation

• Risk framework development

• Internal audit execution

• Management review preparation

• Certification body coordination

Our approach is:

• Clause-aligned

• Aerospace-focused

• Practical and implementation-driven

• Designed for audit defensibility

We help you understand AS9100 — and achieve it.