For procurement professionals and engineers, the sourcing process is often a high-stakes puzzle. Finding a supplier isn’t just about who can supply the product or service they need; it’s about who can meet rigorous standards for quality, safety, security, and sustainability. Whether a buyer is looking for a CMMC-certified semiconductor manufacturer or an SQF-certified private label supplier of food flavorings, certain certifications are non-negotiable.
Thomas helps solve the sourcing puzzle by making certifications a core part of the supplier discovery experience. By allowing suppliers to prominently feature their credentials, Thomas ensures that "qualified" isn't just a buzzword — it's a searchable attribute.
Thomas has engineered its search functionality to match the precise language of industrial procurement. Once a search is initiated, buyers can use the dropdown filters on the left side of the results page to quickly narrow down to a select few suppliers that possess the specific quality certifications or registrations required for their project.
There are dozens of filters listed under the Quality Certifications and Other Certifications/Registrations categories that buyers can use to narrow down their search on Thomas. From ISO and CMMC certifications to FDA registration and EPA facility compliance, buyers can select all of the qualifications they’re looking for in a supplier.
Thomas makes it easy for suppliers to showcase their hard-earned credentials and for buyers to find them at a glance. To add certifications to your company profile, simply log in to your Thomas Supplier Dashboard, go to the Company Profile Manager, and click on Certifications. You’ll be able to select the certifications that you want to add to your profile from a list.
Once they are added to your profile, certifications are visible to users in the following places:
When a buyer applies a certification filter to their search, the relevant credentials are featured directly on the supplier cards on the search results page. This allows for immediate "pre-qualification," saving the buyer from clicking through dozens of profiles to find the right fit. From the search results page, buyers can select suppliers to add to their shortlists, or click into a supplier’s profile for more information.
Every supplier has a dedicated certifications tab on their profile. This section acts as a centralized vault for validation. Within this tab, suppliers have three ways to demonstrate compliance:
In a competitive marketplace, your certifications are a powerful competitive advantage — but only if buyers can find them. By leveraging the certification tools on Thomas, you transform your profile from a simple listing into a sales tool that meets buyers exactly where they are searching.
Is your profile working as hard as it should? Log in to your Thomas Supplier Dashboard to upload your latest certificates and ensure your business is visible to the buyers who need your expertise most.
Thomas collaborated with NSF on two on-demand webinars that can help you prepare for CMMC requirements, avoid common compliance pitfalls, and understand what to expect during a CMMC assessment. This series offers a practical overview of the CMMC certification framework that many suppliers must meet to remain eligible for Department of War contracts. Watch the webinars.