How to Become a Registered ISO 9001 Consultant in India

Becoming a registered ISO 9001 consultant in India involves more than just learning the standard. You must be properly trained, qualified, recognized by professional bodies, and registered as a consultant to offer ISO 9001 implementation services legally and professionally.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know.

✅ Step 1: Get the Required Educational Background

There is no strict educational degree required, but the following help:

Preferred qualifications:

B.Tech / BE / Diploma (any discipline)

BBA / MBA

Graduation in science / management / quality

Post-graduate diploma in quality management

Having an academic foundation improves credibility when registering as a consultant.

✅ Step 2: Gain Industry & Quality Management Experience

Certification bodies and consultant registries require practical experience.

Experience required:

Minimum 2–5 years in Quality, Operations, Production, or Process Management

Hands-on involvement in:

Internal audits

Documentation

Quality control/QMS activities

Process improvement

Consulting is easier when you understand real-world processes.

✅ Step 3: Complete ISO 9001:2015 Training

Before becoming a consultant, you must be trained in the standard requirements.

Essential trainings:

ISO 9001:2015 Awareness Training

ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor Training

ISO 9001:2015 Implementation Training

This gives you the foundation for understanding and coaching organizations.

✅ Step 4: Complete ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course (IRCA / Exemplar Global)

To be registered or recognized, you MUST complete a Lead Auditor Course from a recognized international body.

Accepted global registrations:

CQI–IRCA (UK) Registered Lead Auditor Course

Exemplar Global Certified Lead Auditor Course

After passing the exam, you receive a Lead Auditor Certificate, which is a mandatory qualification for:

Becoming a third-party auditor

Becoming a registered consultant

Getting empaneled with certification bodies

Offering auditing and compliance consulting

⭐ Step 5: Register Yourself as an ISO 9001 Consultant in India

There is no single Indian government authority that registers ISO consultants.

Instead, consultants get recognized through:

A. Professional Registrations

You can register with:

1. CQI–IRCA (UK) – International Registration

You can apply to be:

Auditor

Lead Auditor

Consultant with recognized competency

2. Exemplar Global (USA)

Register yourself as a certified management systems professional.

3. Quality Council of India (QCI)

Register as:

QMS Consultant

QMS Trainer

QMS Expert

QCI recognition adds strong credibility in the Indian market.

4. NABET (National Accreditation Board for Education & Training – under QCI)

You can register as:

NABET Accredited Trainer

NABET Accredited Consultant

This is highly valued in India.

B. Registration as a Business Entity (Mandatory to work commercially)

If you want to provide professional consulting services in India, you must have a legal business identity.

You can register as:

Proprietorship

Partnership firm

LLP

Private Limited Company

Government registrations needed:

PAN & Aadhaar

GST registration (if turnover crosses threshold)

Udyam registration (optional but useful)

Registering your consulting firm increases trust and allows you to work with corporates.

⭐ Step 6: Get Empaneled with Certification Bodies

To work as an ISO 9001 consultant or auditor, empanel yourself with accredited bodies like:

SIS Certifications

TUV

BSI

Bureau Veritas

Intertek

SGS

URS

KVQA

IAS / IAF accredited bodies

They require:

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certificate (IRCA/Exemplar Global)

Resume

KYC docs

Audit log (if available)

Area of expertise

This gives you credibility and work opportunities.

⭐ Step 7: Build Your Competence as a Consultant

You must be able to offer complete ISO 9001 implementation services, including:

Gap analysis

Process mapping

Documentation (Quality Manual, SOPs, etc.)

Risk assessment

Internal audits

Management review

Audit preparation

Continual improvement guidance

Competence is more important than just certificates.

⭐ Step 8: Create Your Professional Profile

To attract clients, build:

✔ A strong LinkedIn profile

Use keywords such as:

ISO 9001 Consultant

Lead Auditor

QMS Expert

✔ A professional website or portfolio

Showcase:

Experience

Industries served

Services

Certifications

✔ Your consultant profile documents

CV

Training certificates

Audit hours

Experience summary

⭐ Step 9: Keep Yourself Updated

ISO standards evolve, so continuous learning is essential.

Recommended upgrades:

ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

ISO 45001 Lead Auditor

ISO 27001 Lead Auditor

Six Sigma Green/Black Belt

Risk management certifications

This improves your consulting scope and income.

⭐ Step 10: Start Online & Offline Marketing

To grow as a registered consultant in India:

Promote your services through:

LinkedIn content

Google Business Profile

Networking with certification bodies

Visiting local industries

Workshops & webinars

Email outreach

Clients choose consultants based on trust and expertise.

🎯 Who Can Become a Registered ISO 9001 Consultant in India?

Anyone with the right qualifications and experience, including:

Quality managers

Internal auditors

Process heads

Engineers

Consultants

Freelancers

Retired professionals

Trainers

🎓 Salary & Earnings of ISO Consultants in India

ISO 9001 consultants in India earn:

✔ Freelance:

₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per project

₹8,000–₹20,000 per audit day

✔ Full-time:

₹4.5 LPA – ₹15 LPA

Senior consultants earn ₹18–25 LPA+

Earning grows significantly with multiple ISO standards.

⭐ Summary: Steps to Become a Registered ISO 9001 Consultant in India

Gain industry experience

Get trained in ISO 9001

Complete Lead Auditor training (IRCA/Exemplar Global)

Register with QCI / NABET / IRCA / Exemplar Global

Register your business legally

Get empaneled with certification bodies

Build consulting competence

Create your professional profile

Expand to other standards

Promote your consulting services