Let's be honest — most business owners get their ISO certificate, frame it, put it on the wall, and forget about it. Then one day a client asks for a valid certificate and they realise it expired six months ago.
We do not want that to happen to you.
In this post, we are going to walk you through exactly how long your ISO 9001:2015 certification lasts, what the renewal process looks like, and which certification plan makes the most sense for your business. No complicated language, no unnecessary jargon — just clear, practical information.
First, What Exactly Is ISO 9001:2015?
ISO 9001:2015 is the world's most widely recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). When your business is ISO 9001:2015 certified, it tells your clients, partners, and the market one simple thing — you take quality seriously and you have the systems to prove it.
The "9001" refers to the quality management standard and "2015" is simply the year it was last updated. It is applicable to businesses of all sizes — from a two-person startup to a large manufacturing company.
If you are an MSME, a service provider, a manufacturer, or even a consultant — this certification is relevant to you.
So, How Long Is ISO 9001:2015 Certification Valid?
Your ISO 9001:2015 certificate is valid for 3 years.
But here is something most people do not tell you upfront — the 3 years are not completely hands-off. During this period, certification bodies typically conduct annual surveillance audits to make sure your Quality Management System is being actively followed and not just sitting in a folder somewhere.
Here is how the 3-year cycle typically looks:
| Year | Activity |
|---|---|
| Year 0 | Initial Certification Issued |
| Year 1 | 1st Annual Surveillance Audit |
| Year 2 | 2nd Annual Surveillance Audit |
| Year 3 | Recertification / Renewal Audit |
Think of it like a vehicle fitness certificate. It is valid for a period, but you still need to show up for checks in between — and at the end of the cycle, you renew it completely.
What Happens When the 3 Years Are Up?
When your certificate reaches the end of its 3-year validity, you will need to go through a recertification audit. This is essentially a fresh evaluation of your Quality Management System to confirm that your business still meets the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard.
Clear the audit and you get a fresh certificate valid for another 3 years.
Miss the renewal deadline or fail to maintain your QMS during the certification period and your certificate can lapse. A lapsed certificate means you lose the credibility it brings — and in many cases, it can affect your eligibility for government tenders, vendor empanelments, and client contracts.
The good news is that renewal is straightforward if you have been maintaining your processes properly. And we are here to help you do exactly that.
Our ISO 9001:2015 Certification Plans
We believe getting ISO certified should not be complicated or overpriced. That is why we have kept things simple with two clear plans — one for businesses that need a quick, affordable certification, and one for businesses that need the full international recognition.
| Feature | Basic Plan | IAF Certified Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Certification Body | Non-IAF Certified Body | IAF Accredited Body |
| Price | ₹999 | ₹5,000 |
| Certificate Validity | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Recognition | Domestic / Local Use | Global + Government Tenders |
| Audit Type | Document-Based | Full QMS Audit |
| Processing | Fast-Track | Standard |
| Ideal For | MSMEs, Startups, New Businesses | Exporters, Tender Applicants, Corporates |
Plan 1 — Basic ISO 9001:2015 Certification at ₹999
If you are a small business owner, a startup, or an MSME that needs an ISO certificate to build credibility with clients and vendors — this plan is built for you.
At just ₹999, you get a genuine ISO 9001:2015 certificate that you can use for your business profile, client presentations, and local vendor registrations. The certificate is issued by a non-IAF body, which means it may not be accepted for all government tenders or international business — but for everyday domestic business use, it works perfectly well.
This is one of the most affordable ISO certification options available, and it is a great starting point if you are new to the world of quality certifications.
Plan 2 — IAF Accredited ISO 9001:2015 Certification at ₹5,000
If your business is serious about government contracts, export orders, or working with large corporate clients — this is the plan you need.
IAF stands for International Accreditation Forum. It is the global body that oversees accreditation organisations worldwide. An ISO certificate issued by an IAF-accredited certification body is recognised internationally and carries significantly more weight than a non-IAF certificate.
At ₹5,000, this plan gives you a full QMS audit, an internationally recognised certificate valid for 3 years, and the credibility that comes with being certified by an IAF-accredited body. If you are bidding for government tenders or expanding into international markets, this is not optional — it is essential.
How to Renew Your ISO 9001:2015 Certification — Step by Step
Renewal does not have to be stressful. Here is a simple breakdown of what the process looks like:
Step 1 — Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute Start your renewal process at least 2 to 3 months before your certificate expires. This gives you enough time to sort out any gaps in your QMS without rushing.
Step 2 — Review Your Quality Management System Go through your internal processes, documents, and records. Make sure everything is updated and that your team is following the procedures that were certified in the first place.
Step 3 — Contact Us to Initiate Recertification Reach out to us and we will take care of the paperwork and coordinate with the certification body on your behalf. We make the process as smooth as possible.
Step 4 — Recertification Audit The certification body will conduct a recertification audit. Depending on your plan, this could be document-based or a full on-site audit. If your QMS is in order, this is usually a formality.
Step 5 — Receive Your Renewed Certificate Once the audit is cleared, your fresh ISO 9001:2015 certificate is issued — valid for the next cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start with the Basic Plan and upgrade to IAF later?
Absolutely. Many of our clients start with the ₹999 Basic Plan when they are just getting started and upgrade to the IAF Certified Plan when they begin applying for tenders or growing their business. We make that transition easy.
What documents do I need for ISO 9001:2015 certification?
Typically, you will need your business registration documents, a quality policy, documentation of your key business processes, and records showing how you manage quality in your operations. Do not worry — we guide you through all of this as part of our service.
Is ISO 9001:2015 certification legally mandatory?
No, it is not a legal requirement in most industries. But practically speaking, it is becoming increasingly difficult to win tenders, secure large contracts, or build long-term client relationships without it. Think of it as a business necessity rather than a legal one.
What if my certificate has already expired?
If your certificate has lapsed, you will need to go through the initial certification process again rather than a simple renewal. The sooner you act, the better. Reach out to us and we will help you get back on track quickly.
Does the ₹999 plan include surveillance audits?
The Basic Plan at ₹999 is a 1-year certificate. Please speak to our team for details on surveillance requirements specific to your plan.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Still not sure which plan to go with? Here is a simple way to think about it:
- If you are a new business, an MSME, or a startup looking to build credibility — go with the ₹999 Basic Plan.
- If you are applying for government tenders, working with international clients, or want full global recognition — go with the ₹5,000 IAF Certified Plan.
When in doubt, our team is always happy to help you make the right call based on your specific business needs.
Get ISO 9001:2015 Certified Today
Getting ISO certified is one of the smartest investments you can make for your business. It builds trust, opens doors, and signals to the market that you are serious about quality.
We have made the process simple, affordable, and completely guided — so you can focus on running your business while we handle the certification.
👉 Get Certified for ₹999 — Apply Now
👉 Get IAF Certified ISO for ₹5,000 — Apply Now
Have questions or not sure where to start? Give us a call or send us a message — we typically respond within a few hours.
Note: Certification fees and plan details are subject to change. Please contact us or visit our website for the latest pricing and plan information.