ISO 9001:2015 - Verbal Forms

Verbal Forms used in the ISO 9001:2015 standard

​​When reading the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, pay close attention to the way each clause is worded.  There are several verbal forms used intentionally throughout the standard, each with a specific meaning:

• "Shall": Indicates a requirement;
• "Should"; Indicates a recommendation;
• ​"May": Indicates a permission;
• "Can": indicates a possibility or capability.

​You may also see the term "NOTE" in various sections during  your review. Where used, the information that follows is used for guidance in understanding or in clarifying the associated  requirement.