Ask a Nemko Expert

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION - October 14, 2026

QUESTION:

What should I do first to prepare for the ISO 9001:2026 transition?

Answer from Gabriele Howard, Manager, Systems Certification, Region North America:

Start by understanding what has changed—and then compare those changes against your existing Quality Management System.

There’s no need to start from scratch. ISO 9001:2026 builds on the existing ISO 9001 framework, so organizations should first identify which new or revised requirements are relevant to their QMS.

A practical starting point is to:

• Review the changes between ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 9001:2026.

• Conduct a gap assessment of your existing QMS to identify areas that may need attention.

• Prioritize the gaps rather than trying to change everything at once.

• Update processes and documented information where necessary.

• Engage employees and leadership so they understand what is changing and their role in the transition.

• Talk with your certification body about your transition timeline and how the transition will be handled within your certification cycle.

The key is to build on what already works in your QMS and make targeted changes where the new standard requires them. ISO describes the transition as an opportunity to review whether the QMS is still fit for purpose, rather than simply treating it as a compliance exercise.

Ready to begin your transition?

To help organizations understand the upcoming changes and prepare their Quality Management Systems, we are hosting two instructor-led virtual training courses:

ISO 9001:2026 Transition Training
Gain a clear understanding of the new and revised requirements in ISO 9001:2026 and what they mean for your organization.

Auditing 101 Training
Build the skills needed to plan, conduct, and report effective internal audits that support compliance and continual improvement.

Whether you're preparing for the transition, conducting a gap assessment, or looking to strengthen your internal audit program, these practical virtual sessions can help you take the next step with confidence.