This technical bulletin is applicable to all Asset Management System (AMS) certification bodies.
Following the publication of ISO 55001:2024, this bulletin has been produced to update certification Bodies and stakeholders on the UKAS assessment process and overall timelines for assessment and transition to the revised standard.
Compared with the previous version of the AMS standard (ISO 55001:2014), the main changes in the revised edition include:
- application of the Harmonized Structure for Management System Standards, which includes the incorporation of the common core management system terminological entries in clause 3
- inclusion of new subclauses dealing with asset management decision-making, the strategic asset management plan and knowledge
- making clear that operational planning and control includes life cycle management
- making a clear distinction between how an organisation shall address “risk” and how it shall address “opportunities”
- renaming the subclause “preventive action” to “predictive action” and full technical revision of the content of this subclause (see 10.3)
- a stronger emphasis on leadership and its role in supporting the enablement and success of the asset management system
UKAS has developed a transition plan to support a consistent approach within defined timescales and will be ready to assess against the requirements of the revised standard from 31 October 2024. To enable the transition to progress in a timely manner, UKAS accredited certification bodies are required to submit a gap analysis and supporting evidence of changes made to their management system, confirming understanding and implementation of the revised requirements of ISO 55001:2024 by 31 January 2025. The submission shall also include evidence of the training and authorisation of relevant personnel.
Assessment activity will take place as soon as practicable following submission of the requested information as above, and by no later than 30 April 2025. This will allow certification bodies time to address potential mandatory improvement actions, to complete additional assessment activity (as required), and for UKAS to complete the decision-making process prior to the 31 July 2025 transition deadline. As with any transition, failure to meet the above milestones and complete the transition by the deadline may put accreditation for the relevant scope at risk.
CABs are required to transition existing certifications within 3 years of publication which is by 31 July 2027. Any certificate issued to the previous version will become invalid from this date. The deadline applies to existing and prospective certifications.
Given the nature of the changes introduced by ISO 55001:2024, it is estimated that 2.0 days of effort will be required to technically assess the evidence submitted via a desktop assessment, and to complete the required back-office activities.
If the desktop assessment is unable to verify the effective implementation of requirements of the revised standard, then an office assessment may be required. If areas are identified that do not adequately fulfil the revised requirements, then these will be raised as mandatory improvement actions, and these shall be addressed in the normal way.
Timeline:
| Date | Milestone / activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2024 | UKAS ready to assess against the new requirements. | |
| 31 January 2025 | Certification bodies to submit gap analysis and supporting evidence. | |
| 30 April 2025 | All desktop assessment activity to be completed. | |
| 30 June 2025 | First tranche of decisions to be completed by UKAS for CABs that are ready to transition. | |
| 31 July 2025 | All UKAS transitions of certification bodies completed. | |
| 31 July 2027 | CAB must ensure all AMS clients are transitioned to the revised standard. | |
Should you require any clarification on the above, please contact your Assessment Manager in the first instance. In the absence of your Assessment Manager, one of the following may be able to assist:
- Richard McFarlane: Head of Technical Coordination – [email protected]
- Michael Davie: Technical Focus (AMS) – [email protected]
- Adam Ward: Accreditation Specialist – [email protected]
Download this Technical Bulletin as a pdf here.