ISO 42001
ISO42k.com
ISO42k = ISO 42001

The AI certification,
explained simply.

ISO 42001 is the world's first international standard for how organizations manage AI. Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic already have it. Here's everything you need to know.

ISO 42001 certification logo

ISO42k is our shorthand for ISO/IEC 42001:2023 — the international standard for AI Management Systems. The “42k” refers to ISO's 42000 series of AI standards. This site is your free, plain-language guide.

Five pillars of ISO 42001

The standard is built around five core principles for responsible AI

Security

Protecting AI systems from unauthorized access and threats

Safety

Ensuring AI operations don't pose risks to people or systems

Fairness

Promoting unbiased, equitable AI decision-making

Transparency

Providing clear insights into how AI processes work

Data Quality

Overseeing the accuracy and integrity of data used by AI

ISO 42001 at a glance

Dec 2023
Published by ISO/IEC
72%
Of orgs now use AI (McKinsey 2024)
9
Control categories in Annex A
3 years
Certification cycle

Who needs ISO 42001?

SaaS companies
Building AI-powered features or using LLMs in your product
Enterprise IT
Deploying AI tools across business operations
Regulated industries
Healthcare, finance, government with AI compliance needs
AI service providers
Consulting firms and system integrators working with AI
Startups
AI-native companies wanting to build trust early
Procurement teams
Organizations evaluating AI vendor governance

Ready to understand ISO 42001?

Start with the fundamentals and work your way to a full implementation roadmap. No jargon, no fluff.