ABOUT TL 9000

TL 9000 defines the ICT industry's quality management system requirements for the design, development, production, delivery, installation, and maintenance of products and services. It also provides a measurement system that, when implemented, allows a company to track performance and improve results.

Does my company have to be ISO 9000 certified before seeking TL 9000 registration?

Even though the TL 9000 is derived from ISO 9001, a company does not need ISO certification prior to seeking TL 9000 registration certification. It should be noted an organization certified to TL 9000 is also certified to ISO 9001 because all of the ISO 9001 requirements are included in TL 9000.

Do I need to join the TIA QuEST Forum to get a TL 9000 certification?

No, organizations can be TL 9000 certified independent of TIA QuEST Forum membership. However, TIA QuEST Forum membership offers additional benefits like access to monthly Performance Data Reports, Best Practices Knowledge Library, free unlimited registrations, and more.

How does an organization become certified to TL 9000?

Certification to TL 9000 is granted by utilizing the third-party conformity assessment process from an accredited TL 9000 Certification Body. See How to Certify to find out more.

How long will it take for my company to become TL 9000 certified?

The process can take from 6 to 18 months. It varies with the size of the company, existing quality management systems, scope of certification (hardware, software, and service), and the amount of dedicated internal and external resources to support this effort.

How much will a TL 9000 implementation cost?

It depends on the scope and magnitude of your project. Total costs will depend on the number of categories to be registered, breadth of TL 9000 certification, external consultant and training resources needed. See more about Registration Management System fees.

Will the scope of TL 9000 certification allow for multiple sites and/or multiple products?

Yes. TL 9000 supports three distinct certifications — TL 9000-H for hardware, TL 9000-S for software, and TL 9000-V for services. It allows for a certification to cover hardware, software, services, or any combination thereof.

The TL 9000 certification may include an entire company, an organizational unit, a facility, or a limited, defined product line as mutually agreed by the supplier and the certification body. The scope of TL 9000 certification will be clearly defined on the TL 9000 registration profile in the RMS and on the certification body's certificate.

Can a company that manufactures both hardware and software be certified separately?

Yes. The company can certify for TL 9000-H, TL 9000-S, or both (TL 9000-HS).

What are the measurements reported to TIA QuEST Forum?

The complete set of measurements is defined in the TL 9000 Quality Management System Measurements Handbook. The set of measurements reported by a certification is determined by the category and certification type (H, S, V). Data templates defining the exact set TL 9000 measurements in a category and certification type are available via the TL 9000 public web site in the Alerts section under Data Submissions.

What is included in the TL 9000 handbooks?

TL 9000 is a two-part system covering both management and measurement. The Requirements Handbook establishes and details hardware, software and services quality system requirements and provides a consistent set of parameters specific to the global ICT industry. This book is essential for ICT suppliers or service providers looking to improve quality and reliability while reducing the cost of poor quality.

The Measurements Handbook is a comprehensive guide to measurements processing, usage, responsibilities and requirements. This book defines the minimum set of performance measurements to assess progress and evaluate results of quality management system implementation.

Who is responsible for maintaining TL 9000 handbooks?

The TIA QuEST Forum is responsible for maintaining the TL 9000 Quality Management System Handbooks and is responsible for maintaining compatibility with other sets of requirements and standards.

What is the current version of the TL 9000 handbooks?

See the TL 9000 Handbook Status page for information on the current versions of the TL 9000 handbooks

Release 5.0 of the TL 9000 Measurements Handbook became effective December 31, 2012 and remains valid.

How often are TL 9000 Quality Management System Requirements and Measurements Handbooks updated?

The handbooks are updated on an "as needed" basis to reflect changes in the ICT industry and its needs. Appendix A of the Measurements Handbook, the Category Tables, is updated every 9-18 months to keep up with the changing products and services utilized and offered by the ICT industry.

Where can I buy the TL 9000 handbooks?

The TL 9000 handbooks can be purchased online.

How do I obtain training on TL 9000 Quality Management System Requirements and Measurements?

The TIA QuEST Forum has developed sanctioned training materials that are provided by selected Training Providers. To be sure you are receiving correct training on TL 9000, utilize on the TIA QuEST Forum selected Training Provider(s) for your area. You can contact your trainer of choice directly.

What is the Registration Management System (RMS)?

The Registration Management System (RMS) provides information on an organization’s certification to the TL 9000 standard and proof that all the measurement requirements are being met. It contains information on primary contacts, certification body, scope of certification, certification status, and more.

Do I have to be a TIA QuEST Forum member to access RMS information?

No. Information about all certified organizations on the RMS is open to the public. There is some data that is available only to the TL 9000 registrant and their certification body.

Who can access my organization's RMS data for entry purposes?

Account management access is limited to the primary registration administrator or designate.

Are statistics and data available on TL 9000 certifications?

Yes. RMS maintains searchable global information on all certified TL 9000 organizations, certification bodies and accreditation bodies. It also provides alphabetical, state, country, and regional listings of certifications. Statistics on registrations and certified certifications, and category and data submissions trends are also available.