How to Get AS9100 Certification: Boost Your Aerospace Business

In aerospace, quality is not a differentiator—it is a prerequisite. OEMs, defense contractors, and tier suppliers all operate in an environment where safety, compliance, and consistency are non-negotiable. AS9100 certification exists to meet this exact demand.

For organizations looking to enter or grow within the aerospace supply chain, understanding how to get AS9100 certification is a strategic step toward credibility, long-term contracts, and sustainable growth.

With this blog, we break down the process of how to get AS9100 certification, its benefits, and its real-world impact to simplify the journey.

AS9100 Certification: Building Aerospace Quality, Safety, and Trust

1. What is AS9100 Certification?

AS9100 is a globally recognized, aerospace-specific quality management system developed under the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG).

While it builds on ISO 9001 foundations, it introduces additional provisions designed to serve as a bedrock for operational excellence, ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.

The standard applies to all aspects of aerospace activities, including:

• Design and development

• Manufacturing and production

• Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)

• Distribution and supply chain operations

AS9100 acts as a compass guiding aerospace organizations toward precision, compliance, and superior quality performance.

2. Why AS9100 Certification Matters

Consider this real-world example:

A small aerospace supplier in Florida reported a 20% revenue increase within 18 months of certification after becoming eligible for OEM contracts that were previously out of reach.

That impact is not unique. Achieving AS9100 (often alongside ISO 9001) provides a quality passport for aerospace businesses:

1. Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce errors, improve delivery times, and optimize resource management.

2. Safety & Risk Management: Emphasis on safe practices and risk identification reduces operational disruptions.

3. Continuous Improvement & Sustainable Growth: Ensures resilience in changing markets.

4. Customer Confidence & Retention: Transparent, auditable processes strengthen trust and loyalty.

5. Product Quality & Compliance: Ensures parts meet exacting specifications and regulatory requirements.

6. Revenue Growth: Unlocks eligibility for contracts that require AS9100 certification.

This growing demand is reflected in market data.

The global AS9100 Certification Service market was valued at US$ 6,274 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 15,130 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.6%. (Source)

This clearly signals that aerospace companies worldwide are investing heavily in certification to remain competitive.

How AS9100 & ISO 9001 Certification Improve Your Business

Many business industries are overwhelmed by the process of how to get AS9100 certification. But it's manageable if done in steps.

1. Learn About the Standard

The first step in learning how to get AS9100 certification is understanding how it expands beyond ISO 9001. Key actions include:

• Reading the AS9100 standard in detail

• Attending workshop or training

• Learning the aerospace-specific rules beyond ISO 9001

Assigning a quality manager to lead the certification project helped a company reduce the timeline from 12 months to 8 months.

2. Perform a Gap Analysis

A gap analysis checks where your current processes don’t meet AS9100 requirements. Follow these steps:

• Map current processes

• Identify missing documents or procedures

• Identifying gaps related to risk management, traceability, or supplier oversight

• Prioritize gaps based on operational and safety risk

For example, if inspections exist but risk tracking is missing, that gap must be addressed before audit readiness.

3. Plan Your Certification Project

AS9100 certification is a project, not a quick task. A typical small supplier plan looks like this:

• Months 1–2: Gap analysis and training

• Months 3–4: Document QMS processes

• Month 5: Internal audits and corrections

• Month 6: Certification audit

Clear timelines, defined roles, and realistic budgets prevent delays and rework later in the process.

4. Train Your Team

AS9100 only works when employees understand their role in quality. Best practices include:

• Conduct simple, role-specific training

• Explaining why each step matters

• Use real production examples

In one manufacturing facility, weekly 30-minute quality workshops reduced assembly errors by 25% in just two months—a strong example of how training drives measurable improvement.

5. Document and Implement Your QMS

Your Quality Management System (QMS) is a guidebook showing how your company works:

• Include policies, goals, and responsibilities

• Cover every process: production, delivery, inspections

• Keep simple checklists, instructions, and records

During this phase, one organization uncovered 15 process inefficiencies during documentation, fixing them before the certification audit.

6. Certification Audit

The audit has two stages:

• Stage 1: Review documentation for completeness

• Stage 2: On-site verification that processes are functioning

Conducting a pre-audit or mock audit beforehand helps identify weaknesses early and significantly improves first-time pass rates.

7. Address Nonconformities & Achieve Certification

If nonconformities are identified, they must be resolved through documented corrective actions. Once closed, certification is granted; it signals to OEMs and regulators that operational resilience unlocks opportunities for organizations to meet aerospace quality expectations.

8. Continual Improvement

AS9100 is not a one-time achievement. Ongoing monitoring, internal audits, and management reviews ensure long-term compliance and business improvement.

AS9100 Certification: Real-World Impacts

Imagine components operating at 500+ miles per hour, exposed to extreme heat, cold, and vibration. AS9100 exists to ensure these parts maintain integrity under the harshest conditions. OEMs rely on AS9100-certified suppliers because it proves:

• Reliable communication

• Robust quality systems

• Proven safety and compliance controls

This is why AS9100 certification is often required before NADCAP auditing can even begin.

1. Some Industries That Benefit Most From AS9100 Certification

AS9100 is widely adopted across:

• Aerospace manufacturing

• Defense contracting

• Space and launch systems

• Surface treatment and special processes

Below are some aerospace industry experiences:

2. Blue Origin  (AS9100-Certified Supply Chain Focus)

AS9100 certification reinforces Blue Origin’s zero-failure mindset by ensuring its suppliers meet strict aerospace quality, safety, and risk controls.

It is critical for dependable spacecraft design, precision manufacturing, and successful launch missions.

3. AZZ Surface Technologies (AS9100-Certified Special Processes)

AS9100 certification validates AZZ’s controlled, traceable surface treatment processes, ensuring coatings and finishes meet aerospace durability and compliance standards.

 It is making AZZ a trusted partner for high-reliability aerospace and defense components.

How to Get AS9100 Certification With KSQA?

KSQA specializes in ISO 9001 and AS9100 certification support, helping aerospace organizations move through certification with clarity and confidence. KSQA’s approach focuses on:

• Clear understanding of AS9100 requirements

• Structured gap analysis and audit readiness

• Hybrid and virtual audit support to reduce cost and disruption

• Referrals to trusted AS9100 consultants when specialized guidance is needed

Rather than overwhelming teams with theory, KSQA emphasizes practical implementation aligned with real aerospace operations.

FAQS

1. How long does it take to get AS9100 certification?

Most small to mid-sized aerospace organizations achieve AS9100 certification within 6 to 9 months, depending on process maturity, training, and audit readiness.

2. Is ISO 9001 required before AS9100 certification?

No, but AS9100 is built on ISO 9001 principles. Companies already ISO 9001 certified typically complete AS9100 faster and with fewer gaps.

3. Which version of AS9100 is required today?

AS9100D is the current and widely accepted version, aligned with ISO 9001:2015 and required by most OEMs and aerospace regulators.

4. What is the cost of AS9100 certification?

Costs vary based on company size, scope, and audit complexity, but structured gap analysis and hybrid audits can significantly reduce overall certification expenses.

5. Who needs AS9100 certification?

Any organization involved in aerospace, defense, aviation, space, MRO, or aerospace supply chains that designs, manufactures, or supplies critical components benefits from AS9100 Certification.

Final Thought

AS9100 certification is more than a quality seal—it’s a strategic business asset. It drives operational excellence, ensures compliance, strengthens customer relationships, and unlocks new market opportunities. With KSQA guidance, aerospace companies can:

• Navigate the AS9100 certification process efficiently

• Connect with top consultants for tailored support

• Implement hybrid audits and continuous improvement programs

• Achieve lasting business value across the aerospace supply chain

Book your AS9100 readiness assessment today and take the next step toward OEM approval, long-term contracts, and sustainable aerospace growth!