Getting Started with ISO 9001

First things first: The latest version of the standard, ISO 9001:2008, is scheduled for release in a few weeks. Visit ASQ's Hot Topics page on the new standard for details, and sign up to be notified by e-mail when the new standard is ready for purchase.

Once you have those bases covered, a good starting point for ISO 9001 is a concrete explanation of what the standard is and how it works. The book ISO 9001:2000 Explained, Second Edition was written by 3 U.S. experts who worked on the standard at the international level. Each chapter in the book is organized by the different standard requirements, and contains the actual ISO 9001:2000 language, followed by an explanation of the intent of each clause.

Once you understand the basics of the standard, you’ll want to consult with a third-party registrar/auditor who can answer more specific questions. ASQ’s Website-based discussion board "Ask a Quality Professional" includes a specific discussion topic that can help: " When should you bring an ISO registrar on board?"

In conjunction with finding a third-party auditor, you’ll need copies of the standards themselves – there are 3 in the series. You can purchase each of the 3 separately or you can buy them as a package, which is cheaper. The title is ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9000-2000 Series - Quality Management Standards.This specially priced package includes: ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9000-2000 (Fundamentals and Vocabulary), ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9001-2000 (Requirements), and ANSI/ISO/ASQ Q9004-2000 (Guidelines for Performance Improvement).

ASQ offers many other ISO 9000-related resources as well. And ASQ members receive discounts on many of our products, including books related to standards. Membership also gives you access to a network of other professionals who may be able to help answer questions you may have. Learn more about membership.