How long does ISO certification take?

The short answer

There is no standard duration. Two organizations seeking certification to the same standard can take very different amounts of time. We do not state typical numbers of weeks or months, because any figure would be a guess about your situation.

What drives the timeline

Where your management system starts

An organization that already has documented processes, records and internal checks has less to build than one starting from scratch. Most of the elapsed time is usually this preparation, not the audits themselves.

Size, sites and complexity

More sites, people and processes mean more to implement and more to audit. See the cost factors on certification cost, which overlap with timing.

Scope and standard

Some standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001 or ISO 22000, involve technical controls that take time to put in place and prove.

Management involvement

A system that leadership supports and staff use tends to move faster than one written only to satisfy an auditor.

Findings from the audits

If auditors raise nonconformities, you need to correct them and provide evidence before a certification decision. How long that takes depends on the issue.

Certification body availability

Audit scheduling depends on auditor competence and availability for your sector and location, and on the body's own process for review and decision.

The steps involved

The certification body's own steps, from application and contract review through Stage 1, Stage 2 and the certification decision, are described in how it works. Read Stage 1 vs Stage 2 audit for what to expect between them.

Be careful with speed claims

Claims such as certification within days or a guaranteed date should make you cautious. A credible certification body bases its schedule on audit time and on evidence that your system works. Ask:

• Which accredited certification body will issue the certificate, and for which scope?
• How many audit days has it calculated, and how was that worked out?
• Does the certificate state the scope and the accreditation body?

Read how to spot misleading ISO certificate claims and accreditation check.

Tender or customer deadlines

If you need certification for a tender or customer, tell the certification body early and check the tender document for what it accepts. See ISO certification for tenders. Certification on a deadline cannot be assured.