ISO/IEC 42001

ISO/IEC 42001 – Certification of an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS)

With the increasing use of artificial intelligence, the requirements for security, transparency, and reliable control of AI systems are also rising. The international standard ISO/IEC 42001 defines the requirements for an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). It supports organizations in operating AI applications in a structured, responsible, and legally compliant manner.

An ISO/IEC 42001 certification provides objective and credible evidence of the effectiveness of your AIMS and strengthens the trust of customers, partners, and other stakeholders in the responsible use of your AI systems. Experienced auditors develop a customized audit program and assess the standard’s requirements in a practical and transparent manner. You receive detailed feedback on the conformity, maturity level, and optimization potential of your AIMS. Enabling you to continuously improve the quality, reliability, and controllability of your AI applications.

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Why pursue ISO/IEC 42001 certification?

The standard provides a systematic framework to:

identify and manage risks associated with AI
establish clear responsibilities and processes for AI
implement technical and organizational measures for secure AI operations
ensure transparency, traceability, and quality of AI systems
support compliance with regulatory requirements, such as the EU AI Act

A certified AIMS strengthens confidence in AI processes and enhances organization-wide governance in the use of AI technologies.

Target groups for certification according to ISO/IEC 42001

The certification is relevant for:

companies that develop, operate, or integrate AI systems
service providers that use AI-based methods for analysis, automation, or decision-making
organizations required to meet regulatory obligations related to AI
companies with existing management systems (ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 45001)

The standard is industry-neutral and suitable for organizations of all sizes.

Advantages of a ISO/IEC 42001 certification

Independent and expert evaluation of your AIMS
Transparent audit processes conducted by experienced auditors
Evidence of controlled and responsible use of AI
Strengthened trust and credibility among stakeholders
Systematic reduction of technical, ethical, and operational risks
Support in meeting future regulatory requirements

Audit process for ISO/IEC 42001 certification

1

01 Inquiry and Offer

Submission of inquiry, preparation and explanation of the offer.

2

02 Audit Preparation

Contracting, scheduling, and development of an individual audit plan.

3

03 Stage 1 Audit

Understanding the organization and AI systems, and assessing certification readiness.

4

04 Stage 2 Audit

Assessment of implementation, effectiveness, and identification of improvement opportunities.

5

05 Certification Decision

Rapid, independent four-eyes decision and review.

6

06 Issuance of the Certificate

Formal issuance of the certification.

7

07 Surveillance Audits/ Re-Certification

Regular monitoring of system development and effectiveness, followed by re-certification after three years.

Key elements of an AIMS according to ISO/IEC 42001

Governance structures and responsibilities
Procedures for AI risk and impact assessment
Guidelines for data quality, data management, and model maintenance
Control mechanisms for reliability, security, and transparency
Traceability of AI-driven decisions
Human oversight and intervention capabilities
Monitoring, internal auditing, and continuous improvement

Transition and standard-related notes

ISO/IEC 42001 complements existing management system standards and can be integrated into established management systems. Adjustments to regulatory requirements, particularly in connection with the EU AI Act, should be considered at an early stage.

FAQ about ISO/IEC 42001

ISO/IEC 42001 is an international standard for an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). It defines the requirements for establishing, operating, and continuously improving a structured framework for the responsible and secure use of AI systems.

ISO/IEC 42001 certification is relevant for organizations of any size and industry that develop, operate, or integrate AI systems for example, software providers, service companies using AI-supported processes, organizations with existing quality or security management systems, or entities subject to regulatory requirements related to AI.

Demonstrates responsible and controlled use of AI to customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Systematic management of AI-related risks (e.g., security, transparency, compliance).
Enhanced governance, transparency, and traceability of AI processes.
Support in meeting regulatory requirements and preparing for future legal obligations.
Structured documentation and continuous improvement of AI management.

An organization must implement a functioning AIMS. This includes defining governance structures, conducting risk and impact assessments, establishing data and model management processes, implementing control mechanisms, and setting up monitoring and continuous improvement procedures.

No. As with most ISO standards, certification is voluntary. Whether an organization pursues certification depends on its internal strategy, its use of AI, and the expectations of customers or regulators.

Yes. ISO/IEC 42001 can be integrated into existing management systems and can complement other standards to jointly manage governance, quality, security, and compliance.

An ISO/IEC 42001 certification provides a strong foundation for regulatory compliance and traceability. However, it does not automatically fulfill all legal requirements. Organizations should assess whether additional national or regional obligations apply and address them accordingly.