ISO 9000 is a family of quality management standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This guide explains what is the ISO 9000 standard, how it differs from ISO 9001, and the seven core principles that drive effective quality management systems worldwide.
In this article:
So, what is an ISO 9000? In simple terms, it refers to a family of international standards focused on quality management and quality assurance. These standards provide organisations with a framework to ensure their products and services consistently meet customer requirements.
What is the ISO 9000 family of standards exactly? First published in 1987, it has become one of the most widely recognised quality management frameworks globally. The ISO 9000 standard serves as the foundation that defines the core concepts, principles, and vocabulary used throughout the entire quality management series.
Many people then ask what is ISO 9001? – this contains the actual requirements for certification. Organisations looking to implement these standards can benefit from professional ISO 9001 training courses to build competence in quality management principles.
The family comprises several interconnected documents, each serving a distinct purpose within the quality management framework:
| Standard | Title | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9000 | Fundamentals and Vocabulary | Defines core concepts and terminology |
| ISO 9001 | Requirements | Specifies QMS requirements for certification |
| ISO 9004 | Managing for Sustained Success | Provides guidance for performance improvement |
ISO 9000:2005 establishes the fundamental concepts and vocabulary that underpin all quality management standards. It defines key terms such as “quality,” “process,” and “continual improvement.” What is the latest ISO 9000 standard? This version was updated to ISO 9000:2015, which is currently in use.
ISO 9001:2015 is the certifiable standard within the family. It outlines the specific requirements an organisation must meet to achieve certification, focusing on demonstrating the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
ISO 9004 extends beyond ISO 9001, offering guidance for organisations seeking to improve overall performance. While ISO 9004:2000 was the earlier version, it has since been updated to ISO 9004:2018, focusing on achieving sustained success.
One of the most common points of confusion is understanding what is an ISO 9000 compared to ISO 9001. While closely related, they serve different purposes:
| Aspect | ISO 9000 | ISO 9001 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Defines concepts and vocabulary | Specifies certification requirements |
| Certification | Not certifiable | Certifiable standard |
| Content | Foundational principles and terms | Specific requirements for QMS |
| Use | Reference and education | Implementation and auditing |
In essence, ISO 9000 provides the “what and why” of quality management, while ISO 9001 provides the “how.” What is an ISO 9000 certification? Organisations seeking this are actually pursuing ISO 9001 certification, using ISO 9000 as their foundational reference.
The ISO 9000 standard is built upon seven quality management principles that form the foundation of effective quality management systems:
Implementing ISO 9000 principles delivers significant advantages:
Understanding what is an ISO 9000 and the broader family of standards is essential for implementing a quality management system. Professional training equips you with the knowledge to interpret requirements, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our ISO 9001 training courses to find the right programme for your needs.
ISO 9000 is a set of international standards that help organisations establish effective quality management practices. It provides the foundational concepts and vocabulary used across all ISO quality management standards.
No, ISO 9000 certification is not a legal requirement in most industries. However, some sectors and contracts may require it, and many organisations pursue certification voluntarily to demonstrate their commitment to quality.
The seven quality management principles defined in ISO 9000 are customer focus, leadership, engagement of people, process approach, improvement, evidence-based decision making, and relationship management. These principles provide a framework for effective quality management and underpin the requirements of ISO 9001. Organisations use them to guide decision-making, improve performance, and deliver consistent results.
ISO 9000 explains the core concepts, principles, and terminology of quality management, helping organisations understand the foundations of a quality management system. ISO 9001, by contrast, sets out the specific requirements an organisation must meet to achieve certification. You cannot be certified to ISO 9000 – certification is achieved by demonstrating conformity with ISO 9001.