What is TickIT?
The TickIT scheme covers the assessment and certification of an organization's software quality management system to ISO 9001. The formal assessment requirements are the same as for ISO 9001, but TickIT certification requires specially qualified auditors supported by detailed guidance on how to interpret ISO 9001 in the software context.
TickIT is applicable to software developers, software maintainers and providers of software services. An important purpose of TickIT is to stimulate organizations to think about what quality means in the context of software development, and how it may be achieved so their processes can become more effective and efficient.
The TickIT initiative was launched in 1991, when a report from the British Department of Trade and Industry showed there was a strong reluctance among software producers to adopt ISO 9001. They felt it to be too general and hard to interpret for the software industry. As a result, the British Computer Society (BCS) lead the initiative to create a detailed method for organization, rules, and procedures for a 9001 scheme applicable to the software sector. The scheme is now global in reach, working under national accreditation arrangements.
A software industry guide to quality management
The goals of the scheme are to:
- Improve market confidence in third party certification of software quality management systems
- Ensure there is authoritative guidance material for all stakeholders
- Establish solid professional competence amongst quality auditors in the software sector
The TickIT Guide book, currently at version 5.5, provides an overview of the entire scheme as well as specific guidance for customers, suppliers and auditors. It draws heavily on established standards such as ISO/IEC 12207 and ISO/IEC 15504 for detailed guidance on software processes.
TickIT auditors are specially trained and subject to professional vetting by an independent registration body to ensure the highest competence levels are achieved. Overall the scheme is fully aligned and harmonized with ISO 9001:2008. This results in an emphasis on continual improvement of software quality by the effective use of a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
Where do I go from here?
To be certified, you need to implement an effective software quality management system complying with the requirements of the standard.
DNV Business Assurance is an accredited third party certification body. We provide relevant training and TickIT certification services. See how you can get started on
the road to certification.