This study analyzes the correlation found between the competitive position gained by the different countries and the number of ISO 9001:2000 certifications such countries hold. For this purpose, data released by the world observatory Institute of Management Development – IMD and also by the International Organization for Standardization – ISO – for the 2001-2005 time span were used. The results evidence the existence of a weak positive relationship between the competitive position and the number of certified companies. Results also indicate that the main relationship between the different certifications, within a country’s competitiveness context, lies in the strengthening of sector-wise infrastructure, rather than in the improvement of business efficiency. Accordingly, it may be inferred that the impact of ISO 9001 certifications cannot be seen in the differentiation status experienced by a specific organization but rather in the potential strengthening of a whole sector when a significant number of companies obtain the certification.