What Is the Certificate?
EN 9100 is the European-published version of AS9100 and defines quality management system requirements for organisations that design and/or manufacture in the aerospace, space and defence sector. It is equivalent to AS9100 in content; the difference is the publishing body. Certificates are registered in the IAQG's OASIS database and are recognised worldwide.
Who Needs It?
- Firms supplying European aerospace prime manufacturers
- Aircraft and spacecraft parts manufacturers
- Defence-industry subcontractors
- Engineering organisations carrying design responsibility
Is It Mandatory?
Not legally mandatory; effectively mandatory contractually. European aerospace manufacturers require their suppliers to hold an EN 9100 certificate (or its equivalent, AS9100). Aviation authorities' (EASA) design and production organisation approvals are separate, binding processes.
Scope of the Standard
- All ISO 9001 requirements form the basis
- Product safety and the management of safety-critical items
- Prevention of counterfeit parts
- Configuration management
- Risk management and operational risk
- Project management and work-transfer planning
- Design and development verification, validation and testing
- The capability and approval of special processes
- First article inspection (FAI)
- Supplier approval and verification of purchased product
- Production process verification, traceability and product preservation
- On-time delivery performance and customer satisfaction
Certification Process
- 1ApplicationThe organisation's field of activity, headcount, number of sites and scope boundaries are determined. The number of audit days is calculated from this information.
- 2Document Review (Stage 1)The management system documentation, scope definition, risk assessment and internal-audit/management-review records are examined; readiness for the on-site audit is assessed.
- 3Certification Audit (Stage 2)It is verified on site that the system is implemented and effective. Findings are classified as major/minor nonconformity or observation.
- 4Closing NonconformitiesThe organisation submits a root-cause analysis and corrective action plan. The certificate is not issued until major nonconformities are closed.
- 5Issuing the CertificateThe certificate is issued after review by an independent decision-maker. The audit team cannot make the certification decision.
- 6Surveillance AuditsA surveillance audit is carried out at least once a year during the certificate's validity. The first surveillance cannot exceed 12 months from the last day of Stage 2.
- 7RecertificationAt the end of three years, the entire system is re-audited; it must be completed before the certificate expires.
Period of Validity
Management system certificates are valid for three years. At least one surveillance audit is carried out per year during this period; the certificate is suspended if surveillance is not carried out. A recertification audit is completed at the end of the third year.
Required Documents
- Trade registry record and operating licence
- The organisation's organisation chart and headcount
- The list of sites/branches within scope
- The management system manual or process documentation
- Internal audit and management review records
- Legal permits, licences and operating documents, if any
Certification Cost
There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.
- The headcount within scope (directly determines the number of audit days)
- The number of sites and branches; whether multi-site sampling applies
- The activity's risk level and process complexity
- The number of standards to be certified — an integrated audit reduces the number of days
- The three-year cycle: certification + two surveillance audits
Accreditation
Management system certification is carried out within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1. The certification body is accredited by an accreditation body party to the IAF multilateral recognition agreement (IAF MLA); This agreement establishes a chain of international recognition that ensures that a document issued in one country is accepted in other countries. EUROLAB has internationally recognized accreditation from IAF member accreditation bodies within the scope of ISO/IEC 17021-1.
The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.
Scope and authorisationsRelated Certifications
EN 9110Aerospace Maintenance Quality Management
EN 9120Aerospace Distribution Quality Management
AS9100Aerospace Quality Management
AS9110Aerospace Maintenance Quality Management
AS9120Aerospace Distribution Quality Management
NADCAPSpecial Process Accreditation
DO-178CAerospace Software Assurance
DO-254Aerospace Hardware Assurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a separate audit required for the EN version?
No. The AS, EN and JISQ versions are technically equivalent under the IAQG scheme and are met with a single audit. Which version appears on the certificate is determined by the region of the certification body and your customer's request.
What is OASIS registration?
It is the IAQG's online database holding aerospace certificates. Your certificate is registered there, and your customers can check its validity directly; without registration a certificate is not recognised under the scheme.
