DQS audits demonstrate the effectiveness of your AI management system under the world's first international standard for AI governance. Build the credible foundation customers, procurement teams, and regulators look for as AI deployment grows in scale, reach, and scrutiny.
Certification under the leading AI MS standard.
DQS contributes to AI governance frameworks.
Auditors who understand AI lifecycle and risk.
Consistent audits across your AI development sites.
ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international management-system standard dedicated to artificial intelligence. As regulators step up — through the EU AI Act, sector-specific rules, and evolving customer requirements — organizations need a structured way to demonstrate that AI is governed responsibly. ISO 42001 certification provides exactly that: a third-party-validated AI management system, recognized internationally.
Typical Effects of ISO 42001 Certification in practice
The value of certification extends beyond external proof of conformity. Many organizations use recurring audits and assessment processes as a framework for continuous improvement, operational transparency, and stronger cross-functional alignment. In practice, companies often report effects such as:
Save time and internal effort with a clearly structured certification process. Request your personal quote for your ISO 42001 certification now.
ISO 42001 certification supports organizations developing, deploying, or operating AI systems:
A clear process means fewer questions and faster results. These are the stages of your ISO 42001 certification with DQS — transparent from start to finish.
From inquiry to quotation
Once your AI management system has been implemented across the organization, it is ready for certification. Your initial interaction with DQS focuses on your AI use cases, lifecycle activities, deployment contexts, and impact scope. Based on this, you receive a detailed quote tailored to your individual needs.
ISO 42001 Certification audit: Stage 1 and Stage 2
The certification audit begins with a system analysis (stage 1 audit) as well as an evaluation of your documentation, AI impact assessments, the results of your management review, and your internal audits. The goal is to determine whether your management system is adequately developed and ready for certification. In the next stage, the system audit (stage 2), your auditor evaluates the effectiveness of all management-system processes — including AI governance, data management, transparency, and human-oversight controls — on-site or through suitable remote techniques. After the audit is completed, you will receive a detailed presentation of the results in a closing meeting.
ISO 42001 Certificate
After the certification audit, the results are evaluated by the independent certification body of DQS. You will receive an audit report documenting the audit results. If all standard requirements are met, following a positive certification decision, you will receive the ISO 42001 certificate of DQS.
Surveillance audits
To ensure continuous improvement and the ongoing effectiveness of your AI management system, key system components are audited at least once a year, during which potential areas for improvement are once again identified.
ISO 42001 Recertification
An ISO 42001 certificate is valid for three years. Well before expiration, a recertification is performed to confirm ongoing conformity with the ISO 42001 standard requirements. If all requirements of the standard are met, a new internationally recognized certificate will be issued.
Once your organization meets these requirements, you are ready to contact DQS to begin your ISO 42001 certification.
ISO 42001 certification can be efficiently combined with ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701, and ISO 9001 audits. A bundled approach reduces audit duplication for organizations managing AI, information security, and privacy in parallel.
How Long does ISO 42001 Certification Take?
From inquiry to certificate, most organizations complete initial certification in 4 to 9 months, depending on AI portfolio complexity and the maturity of governance, risk, and impact processes. Learn more in our ISO 42001 Knowledge Center.
How Long is an ISO 42001 Certificate valid?
ISO 42001 certificates are valid for three years, with annual surveillance audits. Recertification confirms continued conformity. Learn more in our ISO 42001 Knowledge Center.
What does an ISO 42001 Certification Cost?
Cost depends on organization size, scope of AI systems, number of sites, and complexity of the AI lifecycle activities in scope. Request a quote to receive a tailored offer.
What is the effort involved in achieving ISO 42001 Certification for my company?
Most effort goes into formalizing AI governance, conducting AI impact assessments, and operationalizing data, transparency, and human-oversight controls. Mature ISO 27001 systems provide a strong starting point. Learn more in our ISO 42001 Knowledge Center.
