AS9100 Certification Cost: A Detailed Guide to Breakdown, Factors, and Savings
AS9100 certification cost: comprehensive breakdown and key insights
Estimated reading time:12 minutes
Key takeaways
AS9100 certification cost isn’t one line item. It’s a bundle of registrar fees, training, internal effort, and ongoing maintenance. The exact price depends on your size, scope, sites, and current quality system. While the bill can feel big up front, the payoff—access to aerospace work, fewer defects, and stronger trust with primes—often outweighs it.
Table of contents
Lead: why AS9100 certification cost matters right now
AS9100 certification cost is the question at the center of most aerospace growth plans. If you’re asking “how much does AS9100 certification cost,” you’re probably also trying to figure out how to budget it without slowing down your business. Good news—you’re in the right place. You’ll get clear cost drivers, where the money goes, and smart ways to trim spend without cutting corners.
And there’s a big upside here. AS9100 is a respected aerospace quality standard. Nail it, and you open doors with primes and tier-one suppliers that you couldn’t open before.
Sources to dig into as you read:
What is AS9100 certification?
AS9100 is a quality management standard for the aerospace sector. It’s built on ISO 9001, but it adds aerospace-specific requirements—think safety, reliability, risk, configuration management, and tighter regulatory compliance. In plain English: it’s ISO 9001 plus what aerospace demands to keep people and planes safe. Understanding the Basic Requirements for ISO 9001 Certification
Why it matters:
Many aerospace OEMs and tier-one suppliers expect it. Sometimes it’s flat-out required before you can bid.
It shows you take quality seriously. That builds trust, which turns into more stable work and, often, better margins.
If you’re trying to forecast AS9100 certification cost, keep this in mind: it’s not just a plaque on the wall. It’s your ticket into aerospace supply chains—and a way to structure your processes so they run cleaner and smarter. See background on why companies invest here: https://www.bprhub.com/blogs/as9100-certification-cost-business-impact
AS9100 certification cost breakdown
So, how much does AS9100 certification cost? The short answer: it depends on your size, scope, sites, and current system maturity. The long answer: let’s break down where the dollars usually go, so your budget makes sense from day one.
1) Initial certification fees (registrar/auditor)
This is usually the largest chunk of your AS9100 certification cost. You’ll work with an accredited certification body (sometimes called a registrar). They quote based on:
Company size and headcount
Complexity of processes
Number of locations and whether they’re in scope
Your geography and any travel needed
Two points to remember:
Rates vary. Quotes are tailored to your situation. See cost models and drivers:
Beware of add-ons. Some registrars charge for travel, admin time, or document review. Ask for a clear breakdown so there are no surprises.
2) Training and preparation expenses
Getting people trained is non-negotiable. The good news is you can right-size it.
Common line items:
Lead auditor training: around $2,000 per attendee for a recognized course. Example: Intertek’s Probitas Authentication–recognized AS9100 lead auditor course athttps://learning.intertek.com/course/aerospace-training/as9100-lead-auditor-probitas-authentication-certified-aerospace-assess/
Staff awareness training: teach teams what AS9100 requires in simple terms.
Process documentation: if your QMS isn’t fully documented, you’ll invest time (and sometimes software) to capture procedures, work instructions, and controls.
Internal audit setup: you’ll need a planned internal audit program before certification.
Consultants or toolkits: some teams bring in an external expert or buy a documentation package to speed things up. This can save time if you don’t have AS9100 experience in-house.
Helpful references on typical prep work and budgeting:
3) Internal resource allocation (the hidden cost)
Even if you keep external spend low, there’s still the cost of time:
Project management hours to plan, train, roll out, and verify changes
Subject-matter experts updating procedures and records
Internal auditors conducting readiness checks
Leaders running management reviews and acting on findings
And, yes, there’s opportunity cost. Every hour spent on the QMS is an hour not spent on another project. It’s worth it, but you should plan for it. More on business impact here: https://www.bprhub.com/blogs/as9100-certification-cost-business-impact
Factors influencing AS9100 certification cost
Every quote feels unique because, honestly, it is. Here are the big levers that change the number.
Company size and complexity
Bigger teams and more processes take longer to audit.
Complex manufacturing, special processes, and extensive supply chain control can extend audit time.
Multi-site setups raise total effort. Even with sampling, multi-site audits add planning and travel.
See drivers explained by certification bodies:
Current quality management system
Already ISO 9001 certified? You’re partway there. Transition costs into AS9100 are usually lower since core processes and documentation exist.How to Get ISO 9001 Certification
If your QMS is immature or scattered, expect more prep time.
Read more on why your starting point matters:
Geographical location
Auditor travel adds cost, especially for remote sites.
Regional day rates can differ between certification bodies.
Context on regional differences:
Scope of certification
The more processes, departments, and products in scope, the longer the audit.
Tighten scope to what you actually need. Don’t certify processes you don’t use for aerospace work.
Scope guidance:
Comparing AS9100 certification bodies
You’ve got options. Quite a few, actually. Different accredited registrars offer similar services, but with different pricing structures and styles.
References to get oriented:
Pricing structures (what to expect)
Quotes are rarely flat-rate. They’re customized to your size, sites, and scope.
Ask about travel, admin, document review, and any OASIS entry support. These can be add-ons.
Pros and cons to weigh
Reputable auditors with deep aerospace experience add credibility with customers. They may charge more, but their reports carry weight with OEMs and primes.
Lower quotes can look attractive, but make sure you’re not trading short-term savings for long-term headaches, like unclear findings or repeat nonconformities.
Simple comparison snapshot
AS9100 additional costs
These aren’t hidden, but they’re easy to forget when you first ask about AS9100 certification cost. Bake them into your plan from the start.
Recertification and maintenance fees
Surveillance audits happen annually to keep your certificate active.
Recertification is every three years.
There’s an OASIS database participation fee of about $250 per year. See details here:
Audit and compliance expenses
You’ll run internal audits on a schedule each year.
External audits (surveillance and recertification) continue as part of the cycle.
Good practice: budget time and a small training refresh each year to keep skills sharp.
More on expected project costs:
Implementation and technology costs
Many teams adopt QMS software or document control tools to manage procedures, training, nonconformities, and corrective actions.
Whether you choose software or stick with a structured SharePoint drive, there’s still setup time and ongoing administration.
See common implementation considerations:
Budgeting for AS9100 certification
Here’s a clear, step-by-step way to build your budget without getting lost in the weeds.
Step-by-step guide
Identify resources for registrar fees
Request quotes from 2–3 accredited certification bodies.
Share your headcount, processes, scope, and sites. The more precise your data, the clearer the quote.
Estimate training costs
Plan for at least one internal lead auditor (about $2,000 for a recognized course; see https://learning.intertek.com/course/aerospace-training/as9100-lead-auditor-probitas-authentication-certified-aerospace-assess/).
Budget awareness training for key process owners and front-line leads.
If you’re new to AS9100, include time for coaching or an external consultant.
Decide on internal vs. consultant support
Internal: lower external spend, but you’ll invest more internal time and learning.
Consultant: faster ramp-up and fewer missteps. Use them to jump-start gap analysis, documentation, and internal audit readiness.
Hybrid approaches work well: internal owners, external coach for tough spots.
Factor in ongoing/maintenance fees
Annual surveillance audits and three-year recertification.
OASIS database fee (around $250/year).
Internal audits, management review time, and corrective action follow-up.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. You can accelerate your prep while keeping spend in check by using focused tools and templates that guide your gap analysis and documentation.
Try our free gap analysis worksheet to help you get started on your iso 9001 certification journey. Free Gap analysis tool link https://free.falconquality.com/home
Even if you’re aiming for AS9100, a simple ISO 9001 gap view helps you baseline quickly, then you map the aerospace-specific gaps on top. How to Get ISO 9001 Certification
Smarter allocation that saves money long term
Invest in training your internal auditor(s) early. Trained eyes catch issues before the registrar does.
Use a structured QMS tool or disciplined document control. It keeps your system clean and audit-ready, so surveillance years are easier (and cheaper in the long run).
Keep scope tight. Certify what you need for aerospace work, not every corner of the company.
For more budgeting angles and real-world impacts:
AS9100 ROI
Let’s talk payback. Because cost without outcome is just… cost.
What companies report once they’re certified:
Access to higher-value aerospace contracts and preferred supplier lists
Better process control, which means fewer defects and less rework
Clearer roles and metrics that help managers act faster
Stronger customer confidence (which tends to stick)
Many organizations see higher customer satisfaction, fewer quality escapes, and a more consistent delivery rhythm. That’s not fluff; it’s what disciplined systems do over time. Read examples and outcomes here:
AS9100 cost-saving tips
You asked, we deliver. Here are practical ways to reduce spend without cutting quality.
In-house vs. consultants: pick your spots
Do in-house: basic documentation, process mapping, and internal audits once your team is trained.
Bring in help: initial gap assessment, tricky aerospace clauses, readiness checks before the Stage 2 audit.
Aim for a short, focused engagement that transfers knowledge to your team. More on picking your approach:
Online training and smart resources
Online courses let you train auditors without travel costs or downtime. A recognized option is Intertek’s lead auditor course:
Documentation packages and templates
All-in-one templates can speed up implementation if your team can tailor them to your processes.
Watch for templates that include required records and practical examples, not just policy shells. See factors that influence cost and effort:
One more tip: don’t over-document. Write what you do, do what you write. Simple, clear procedures are easier to train and audit.
FAQs
How long does AS9100 certification take?
Timelines vary by size and readiness. Many teams plan several months to build the system and complete internal audits before the registrar’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.
Do we need AS9100 if we already have ISO 9001?
If you want aerospace work, usually yes. AS9100 includes ISO 9001 but adds aerospace-specific requirements that customers expect.
What is the OASIS fee and who pays it?
It’s an industry database fee connected to aerospace certifications, about $250 per year. Companies pay it as part of maintaining their certification records. See: https://www.iapmoscb.org/mike-drop-new-iaqg-oasis-fee-what-aerospace-companies-need-to-know/
What drives registrar fees up or down?
Headcount, process complexity, number of sites, scope, and travel. Quotes are customized. More: https://auva.com/2025/06/16/as9100-cost-breakdown/
Can online training cover auditor requirements?
Yes, if the course is recognized and covers AS9100 audit principles in depth. Example: Intertek’s recognized course at https://learning.intertek.com/course/aerospace-training/as9100-lead-auditor-probitas-authentication-certified-aerospace-assess/
How often are audits after we’re certified?
You’ll have annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit every three years. See: https://auva.com/2025/06/16/as9100-cost-breakdown/
What’s the fastest way to estimate our total AS9100 certification cost?
Gather your size, scope, and site details and request quotes from 2–3 accredited bodies. Add training (~$2,000 per lead auditor trainee), internal resource time, and maintenance costs like the OASIS fee.
Conclusion & Next Steps
AS9100 certification opens doors. It signals to aerospace customers that your quality system is tight, your processes are disciplined, and your team takes risk and safety seriously. AS9100 certification cost will vary with your size, scope, and readiness—but once you spread the investment across new contracts, fewer defects, and stronger relationships, the math usually works in your favor.
Your next steps:
Map your scope and sites, then get 2–3 registrar quotes so you can compare apples to apples.
Plan training early—especially for your internal auditor(s).
Decide where you’ll use consultants for speed and where your team can handle the work.
Build the maintenance budget now so surveillance years are smooth.
Want a quick head start on your baseline? Try our free gap analysis worksheet to help you get started on your iso 9001 certification journey. Free Gap analysis tool link https://free.falconquality.com/home
If you’re ready for tailored numbers and a clear rollout plan, request a personalized estimate for how much does AS9100 certification cost from accredited certification bodies and compare scope, travel, and support details side by side.
