How Long Does It Take to Get ISO Certified?
One of the most common questions we hear from businesses starting their ISO journey is, “How long will it take to get certified?” It’s a fair question – after all, time is money, and you want to plan ahead. The short answer? It depends. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
The Average Timeline
For most small to medium-sized businesses, ISO certification typically takes between 3 to 6 months. This can vary based on several factors, including:
- The size and complexity of your business
- Whether you already have some systems and documentation in place
- How much internal resource you can dedicate to the process
- Which ISO standard you’re aiming for (e.g., ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environmental, ISO 45001 for health and safety, etc.)
Do you need a tailored time and cost estimate for your business? Ask us about the quote.
What Affects the Timeline?
Let’s look at a few key factors that influence how long your ISO certification might take:
1. Your Starting Point
If your business already follows structured processes and keeps good records, you might have a head start. Businesses with very little documentation or inconsistent procedures might need more time to get ready.
2. The Standard You’re Aiming For
Some standards are more complex than others. For example, ISO 27001 (Information Security) tends to take longer due to its technical nature, while ISO 9001 (Quality Management) is often more straightforward, especially for businesses already focused on customer satisfaction and continual improvement.
3. Available Resources
Having a dedicated team or project lead for your ISO implementation can speed things up. If you’re juggling ISO with other priorities, things may move a bit slower—and that’s totally fine!
4. Working with a Consultant
Bringing in an ISO consultant can make the process quicker and smoother. A good consultant helps you avoid common pitfalls, provides templates, and ensures you’re on track for your certification audit.
Considering help of external advisors? Chat with us for a quick timeline and scope of preparation overview.
A Typical Timeline Looks Like This:
| Stage | Timeframe |
| Initial gap analysis & planning | 1–2 weeks |
| System development & training | 4–8 weeks |
| Implementation & evidence gathering | 4–6 weeks |
| Internal audit & management review | 2–3 weeks |
| Certification audit (Stage 1 & 2) | 2–4 weeks (incl. report time) |
Can You Get Certified Faster?
Yes, in some cases. If you’re motivated, have support from top management, and bring in expert help, certification can be completed in as little as 8–10 weeks. But remember: rushing through it might mean missing important steps that actually benefit your business long term.
Final Thoughts
Getting ISO certified isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about improving how your business runs. So while speed is important, focusing on doing it right is even more valuable. Whether you’re aiming for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or another standard, the process should bring lasting improvements to your systems, efficiency, and reputation.
Need help speeding things up or figuring out where to start?
We’re always here for a chat, just book your call back:
About Us
Candy Management Consultants has guided UK businesses through stress-free ISO certifications since 2017. Our 100% first-pass success rate comes from tailoring frameworks to your operations and personalised approach – not checklists, at fixed day rates, transparent per-project contracts and with the help of the modern ISO management software.
