{"id":16504,"date":"2023-01-03T10:18:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T09:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandcompliance.com\/?post_type=docs&p=16504"},"modified":"2026-07-15T13:06:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T11:06:00","password":"","slug":"how-long-iso-certification","status":"publish","type":"docs","link":"https:\/\/brandcompliance.com\/en\/docs\/how-long-iso-certification\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does ISO certification take?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HowMany organizations interested in ISO certification<\/a> want to know how much time the certification process will take. How long does the process with a certification body take before an ISO certificate can be issued? There is no fixed timeframe. The total lead time depends on factors such as the organization\u2019s preparation, audit planning and any required follow-up of audit findings. The audit time itself is determined using a fixed method. In this article, we explain how the required audit time is established.<\/p>\n

Initial audit<\/h2>\n

To obtain ISO certification, an organization goes through an initial audit. An initial audit usually consists of a stage 1 audit and a stage 2 audit. During the stage 1 audit<\/a>, the auditor assesses whether the organization is ready for stage 2. This is done, among other things, by reviewing documented information within the management system and the organization\u2019s understanding of the requirements of the standard. During the stage 2 audit<\/a>, the implementation and effectiveness of the management system are assessed. Are processes carried out as described? Is the policy followed? Are employees aware of their contribution to the management system?<\/p>\n

Determining audit time<\/h2>\n

The audit time for an initial audit is determined on the basis of applicable accreditation and scheme requirements. These requirements specify the principles that certification bodies, such as Brand Compliance, must apply when determining audit time. For management system certification, ISO\/IEC 17021-1 is an important accreditation standard. For ISO 27001 certification, additional requirements from ISO\/IEC 27006-1 apply. These standards specify requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems and, in the case of ISO\/IEC 27006-1, information security management systems.<\/p>\n

Example<\/h3>\n

As an example, consider ISO 27001 certification<\/a>. For ISO 27001, audit time is determined on the basis of the applicable requirements for information security management systems. For a small organization, this results in a minimum audit time for the initial audit. Part of this time is spent on audit activities with the organization, either on site or by using remote audit techniques. Another part is spent on audit-related activities, such as preparing the audit, drawing up the audit plan and writing the audit report.<\/p>\n

Factors that affect audit time<\/h3>\n

In addition to the number of FTEs, other factors may affect the audit time. Examples include:<\/p>\n