Everything You Need to Know About the ISO 9001 Update in 2026

ISO 9001, the globally recognised benchmark for Quality Management Systems (QMS), is being revised, with the new version expected to be published in September 2026. Whether an organisation is currently certified to ISO 9001:2015 or considering certification in the near future, or if you are looking to build your knowledge, now is the perfect time to understand what’s ahead and how to prepare.

This article will walk you through:

No Changes Are Required Yet

The current ISO 9001:2015 standard is now undergoing a scheduled update by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These updates ensure that ISO standards remain relevant in a changing business and technological landscape.

The new version, ISO 9001:2026, is expected to be released in September 2026, and certified organisations will have a three-year transition window to shift from the 2015 version. That means certifications to ISO 9001:2015 will remain valid until September 2029, provided organisations continue to meet the current requirements.

Beware of “Updated ISO 9001” Training – It’s Too Early!

We’ve already seen some providers starting to market ISO 9001:2026 courses or updates, but these are purely speculative. The official standard hasn’t been finalised, and any training claiming to cover the new requirements cannot be accurate at this stage.

Until ISO officially publishes the updated version:

For now, your best strategy is to focus on mastering the current ISO 9001:2015 requirements, which are still in full effect and will provide a solid foundation for adapting to the next version when it arrives.

How You Can Prepare Now, Before the Update Is Released

There’s plenty you can do right now to ensure your ISO knowledge stays relevant and up to date, and it doesn’t require waiting for 2026.

1. Understand the Full ISO 9000 Family

ISO 9001 is just one part of the ISO 9000 series. By exploring how the different parts fit together, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of quality principles.

Recommended resource: Selection and Use of the ISO 9000 Family of Standards

This guide outlines a strategic approach to implementing a quality management system and includes seven key steps that support long-term success, from planning and documenting your QMS to improving and adapting it.

2. Learn How ISO 9001 Works for Smaller Organisations

Not every business has a large team or complex systems. The ISO 9001:2015 for Small Enterprises Handbook is an excellent resource tailored for SMEs, showing how to implement an effective QMS without unnecessary overheads.

3. Explore Integrated Management Systems

If your organisation follows multiple ISO standards, such as ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), or ISO 27001 (Information Security), the Integrated Use of Management System Standards (IUMSS) guidance is ideal. It shows how to streamline your integrated systems for greater efficiency and better audit outcomes.

Should You Delay Studies or Certification Until 2026?

Short answer is NO, and here’s why:

A Process-Based Approach to Your QMS

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the ISO 9001:2026 update is to understand and apply a process-based approach to quality management, a key principle in both the 2015 and upcoming 2026 versions.

Many businesses and professionals make the mistake of treating ISO as a checklist of clauses. In reality, ISO 9001 is all about how your organisation delivers value through effective processes.

By understanding how to build and manage quality processes based on how your business or team actually operates, you’ll:

What Might Change in ISO 9001:2026?

While the new version is still being finalised, we already have clues based on ISO’s current direction:

These adjustments aim to reflect modern business challenges and global priorities, without reinventing the wheel. A strong foundation in ISO 9001:2015 will make adapting to the 2026 version straightforward.

Quick Recap: How to Prepare Now

Here’s your preparation checklist:

Stay Ahead of the Curve

At ICExperts Academy, we specialise in delivering practical, up-to-date ISO training designed for professionals, business owners, and teams looking to get the most out of their Quality Management Systems.

Our Management System Internal Auditor online training is based on the current ISO 9001:2015 standard and is regularly updated in line with official changes. This self-paced course follows a process-based approach, making it ideal for ensuring your Quality Management System remains aligned with current requirements.

Explore our Management System Internal Auditor course or subscribe to our mailing list to stay informed about the 2026 release.