ISO/IEC 42006:2025 — AIMS Audit & Certification Requirements
Artificial intelligence is moving from experimental technology to a regulated, mission-critical system used in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public services. As adoption grows, so does the need for consistent oversight, transparency, and accountability. ISO/IEC 42006:2025 — Information technology – Artificial intelligence – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of artificial intelligence management systems addresses this need by defining requirements for auditing and certifying artificial intelligence management systems (AIMS).
What Is ISO/IEC 42006:2025?
The requirements contained in ISO/IEC 42006:2025, when implemented, support the demonstration of competence, consistency and reliability by the bodies performing auditing and certification of an Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS) according to ISO/IEC 42001 for organizations that provide, develop or use AI systems. It assures that conformity assessment bodies (often referred to as certification bodies) have the competence, consistency, and impartiality needed to evaluate AI risk management, ethics, and transparency.
As part of the broader ISO/IEC information technology standards, ISO/IEC 42006:2025 strives to promote global consistency and transparency in the certification of AI systems.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 42006:2025
Implementing the requirements ofISO/IEC 42006:2025 offers various benefits:
- Clearer expectations for certifying bodies evaluating AI management systems
- Enhanced trust in AIMS certification results
- Support for robust, consistent auditing of AI-related risks and controls as relevant to the management system
- Increased transparency and confidence for customers and regulators
Certification bodies performing audits of AI management systems based on ISO/IEC 42001, as well as accreditation bodies assessing those certification bodies are expected to be the primary users of ISO/IEC 42006:2025.
Importance of AIMS Audit and Certification Processes
As AI becomes more embedded in everyday operations, audit and certification processes play a central role in shaping responsible innovation. Audit and certification processes are systematic, independent evaluations (audits) that verify if an organization’s systems, products, or services meet specific, predetermined standards. These processes are essential for assuring that AI management systems are safe, ethical, and effective—especially as their adoption increases across critical sectors like healthcare, finance, and government.
The audit and certification process outlined in ISO/IEC 42006:2025 sets out the additional requirements for bodies that audit and certify Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS) according to ISO/IEC 42001. ISO/IEC 42006:2025 assures that the audit and certification of AI management systems is performed consistently and credibly, giving customers and stakeholders confidence that certified organizations meet the expectations set out in ISO/IEC 42001.
Achieve ISO/IEC 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management System Accreditation
Certification bodies that audit and certify Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS) demonstrate their competence, impartiality, and reliability through external and independent accreditation, using the criteria set out in ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 42006:2025. Accreditation is the formal recognition that a certification body is competent to audit and certify organizations’ AIMS for ISO/IEC 42001.
For certification bodies seeking accreditation for AIMS certification, ANAB’s ISO/IEC 42001 Accreditation Program evaluates their competence against these requirements, giving organizations confidence in the AIMS certificates those bodies issue.
Build Expertise with ISO/IEC 42006 Training
Understanding the additional requirements introduced by ISO/IEC 42006:2025 is essential for certification bodies, auditors, and accreditation professionals involved in AI management system certification. ANAB’s Understanding ISO/IEC 42006 AI Certification training course provides an overview of the standard’s requirements, explains how it complements ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 42001. The ANAB training course also helps participants prepare to conduct or support consistent, reliable AI management system audits.
Where to Find ISO/IEC 42006:2025
ISO/IEC 42006:2025 is a foundational step in standardizing how artificial intelligence systems are audited and certified. By defining clear expectations for auditors and certification bodies, this international standard helps provide the need for responsible oversight of AIMS.
ISO/IEC 42006:2025 — Information technology – Artificial intelligence – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of artificial intelligence management systems is available on the ANSI Webstore.
