Frequently Asked Questions

Some answers to questions we are commonly asked

What's the difference between 9001, 9002 and 9003?

ISO 9001, 9002, & 9003 were developed as a series of standards (commonly known as ISO 9000), these were standards all of the same level but differed in number depending on what industry you were in. For example if you were a multi-million pound despatch company you would be 9002, whereas if you were a small architectural practice you would be 9001 because you had a design element in your business.

Many thought the numbers were like a Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate so in the year 2000 the ISO combined all three standards into ISO 9001:2000 (which has since been reviewed to ISO 9001:2008) meaning that 9002 and 9003 no longer exist. This means that everyone who seeks this type of certification is now ISO 9001 registered.

Why is it sometimes called 9000?

As mentioned above ISO 9000 is used as the collective for the 9000 group of standards which used to contain 9001, 9002 and 9003, however since the year 2000 only 9001 out of the three still exists. Many people will ask for ISO 9000 certification meaning one of the series which is why we have it in our literature.

To add further confusion ISO 9000 is a standard in its own right holding the terms and definitions used in ISO 9001.

Are your staff experienced in my field?

The CQS team are experienced across a whole range of industries, wherever possible we will ensure that someone experienced in your industry is sent to you.