ISO 9001:2026 published: what has changed and how to prepare for the transition
Discover the changes and Behaviour’s training pathways to update your knowledge, prepare for audits and support the development of your Quality Management System.
⏱️ Estimated reading time: 5–6 minutes
The new edition of ISO 9001 was published on 16 September 2026. For organisations and quality professionals, this is the time to understand the changes and prepare to apply them within their Quality Management Systems.
What has changed in ISO 9001:2026?
The sixth edition retains the process approach, the PDCA cycle and the standard’s core structure. However, it places greater emphasis on quality culture and ethical behaviour, distinguishes more clearly between the treatment of risks and opportunities and gives greater attention to planning changes and evaluating their effectiveness.
Annex A has been expanded to clarify the interpretation of requirements without introducing additional requirements. The approach to climate change remains as introduced by the 2024 Amendment.
Transition does not mean starting again: it means assessing the impact of the revision, retaining what remains suitable and updating processes, competence and evidence where necessary. Behaviour’s training supports this work through pathways tailored to different responsibilities in quality management.
ISO 9001 Transition: update your knowledge for the new edition
The ISO 9001 Transition (2015 → 2026) course enables all professionals working in quality to bring their knowledge up to date with ISO 9001:2026, regardless of whether they already hold a certification. Familiarity with the 2015 edition or practical experience in the field is recommended.
Over two days, participants analyse the differences between editions, assess their impact and work on preparing a transition plan. The training helps identify what to retain, what to update and what evidence to prepare, supporting system updates and preparation for audits.
It also prepares participants for the Certified ISO 9001:2026 Transition certification, awarded after passing the exam and meeting the applicable requirements.
VIEW THE ISO 9001 TRANSITION COURSE
Do you already hold a Behaviour ISO 9001:2015 certification?
For eligible holders of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and ISO 9001 Lead Implementer certifications, the training, exam and completion of the applicable process enable them to transition their certification to the 2026 edition while retaining the level already achieved. This pathway updates the knowledge that underpins their professional roles, in accordance with the conditions of the relevant scheme.
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor: prepare for audits against the new edition
The ISO 9001 Lead Auditor course develops the skills to plan, conduct and lead audits, interpreting ISO 9001:2026 requirements and assessing the system’s conformity and effectiveness.
Through practical exercises and a case study, the course covers evidence collection, the formulation of findings, reporting and the follow-up of corrective actions. While Transition focuses on updating knowledge between editions, this pathway explores the complete audit process in depth.
Training for different responsibilities in quality management
The ISO 9001 Lead Implementer course explores the methodology for implementing, operating, maintaining and improving the QMS, linking the standard’s requirements to the organisation’s processes and results.
The ISO 9001 Foundation course provides a structured understanding of the requirements and their application, building a foundation for supporting the management and improvement of the system.
The ISO 9001 Risk Management course explores the integration of risk into processes, supporting prioritisation, risk treatment and informed decision-making.
The ISO 9001 Essentials course introduces the standard’s fundamentals, principles and structure, enabling informed participation in quality initiatives.
The ISO 9001 Employee Readiness course prepares employees for their day-to-day contribution: following processes, using up-to-date information, acting ethically, reporting deviations and contributing to improvement.
Upcoming courses — Live Online
| Course | Next course dates | Following course dates |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001 Transition | 29 and 30 September 2026 | 20 and 23 November 2026 |
| ISO 9001 Lead Auditor | 26–29 October 2026 | 18–21 January 2027 |
| ISO 9001 Lead Implementer | 26–29 October 2026 | 9–12 February 2027 |
| ISO 9001 Foundation | 26 and 27 October 2026 | 18 and 19 January 2027 |
| ISO 9001 Risk Management | 25 and 28 September 2026 | 20 and 23 November 2026 |
| ISO 9001 Essentials | 15 October 2026 | 28 January 2027 |
| ISO 9001 Employee Readiness | 23 October 2026 | 29 January 2027 |
Prepare for your next step in quality management
Find the pathway that suits your role. For registrations, team training or help choosing a course, contact training@behaviour-group.com.
Frequently asked questions about ISO 9001:2026 and the transition
Can I attend ISO 9001 Transition without an existing certification?
What certification can I obtain through ISO 9001 Transition?
How do I update my Behaviour ISO 9001:2015 certification?
Does Transition replace Lead Auditor or Lead Implementer?
Does the transition require the entire Quality Management System to be implemented again?
Does the training automatically update the organisation’s ISO 9001 certification?
Date:
Author: Behaviour
Copying or reproducing this article is not authorised.