What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems (QMS), setting out how an organisation consistently delivers services that meet customer requirements. It's a globally recognised standard that also covers regulatory requirements.
Detailed description
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems (QMS). While not specific to the translation industry, it provides a framework for organisations to demonstrate their ability to consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
For translation service providers, ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that the organisation has a systematic approach to quality management that extends beyond the translation process itself. It covers organisational leadership and commitment to quality, customer focus and satisfaction measurement, process-based approach to service delivery, risk-based thinking and continual improvement, competence management and training, documentation and record keeping, monitoring, measurement, and analysis of performance, and management review and corrective action.
ISO 9001 complements ISO 17100 (which is specific to translation processes) by providing the broader organisational quality framework within which translation services are delivered. An organisation can have excellent translation processes but poor project management, customer communication, or complaint handling. ISO 9001 addresses these areas.
Certification requires an independent audit by an accredited body and ongoing surveillance audits to maintain certification. This external accountability ensures that quality management is not just documented but actively practiced and continuously improved.
LEXIGO holds ISO 9001 certification alongside ISO 17100 and ISO 27001, demonstrating quality management across the entire organisation, not just within the translation production process.
Why it matters
ISO 9001 certification tells clients that an organisation takes quality management seriously at every level, from leadership commitment through to continuous improvement. For translation providers, this means consistent service delivery, responsive customer communication, effective complaint handling, and systematic improvement based on performance data.
For enterprise and government clients evaluating translation providers, ISO 9001 alongside ISO 17100 provides comprehensive assurance that both the translation output and the service delivery surrounding it meet recognised quality standards.
Related questions about ISO 9001 certification
What does ISO 9001 mean for translation services?
For a translation provider, ISO 9001 certification shows it runs a documented quality management system that is independently audited, covering how it plans work, handles feedback and fixes problems.
What is the difference between ISO 9001 and ISO 17100?
ISO 9001 is a general quality management standard for any organisation. ISO 17100 is specific to translation services and sets requirements for translator competence and revision by a second linguist.
Is ISO 9001 required for translation providers in Australia?
No law requires it, but some government and enterprise buyers ask for ISO certification in tenders and panel requirements.
Who issues ISO 9001 certification?
ISO writes the standard but does not certify organisations. Independent certification bodies audit and certify them, and in Australia these bodies are usually accredited by JAS-ANZ.
How can I verify a provider's ISO 9001 certification?
Ask for the certificate and check the certification body, scope and expiry date.