How Much Does ISO 22301 Certification Cost?

Businesses face risks ranging from cyberattacks and IT outages to natural disasters and supply chain disruptions. To remain resilient, organisations are increasingly turning to ISO 22301:2019 – the international standard for Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS).

But before beginning the certification journey, one of the most common questions businesses ask is:
“What is the cost of ISO 22301 certification?”

The answer depends on several factors. Below, we explore what drives the cost, typical price ranges, and how to budget effectively for ISO 22301.

Understanding ISO 22301 Certification

ISO 22301 sets out the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a business continuity management system. Its goal is to help organisations prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive incidents while ensuring critical services continue.

Certification involves an independent audit by an accredited certification body to confirm that your organisation complies with ISO 22301 requirements.

Need more detailed breakdown of the process? Chat with us for a quick guidance!

Factors That Influence the Cost of ISO 22301 Certification

The cost of achieving certification varies widely depending on the organisation. Here are the main factors:

1. Size of the Organisation

• Larger organisations with multiple sites require more time for audits and documentation review.
• Smaller companies may pay less, but complexity can still raise costs (e.g., if multiple processes or services are involved).

2. Scope of Certification

• A narrow scope (covering only one department or service) is less costly than a company-wide BCMS.
• The broader the scope, the higher the cost of auditing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance.

3. Current Level of Preparedness

• Organisations with strong risk management or ISO certifications already in place (e.g., ISO 27001) may need fewer changes.
• Businesses starting from scratch often face higher consultancy and implementation costs.

4. Certification Body Fees

• Certification bodies charge based on audit days, scope, and complexity.
• Costs include the initial certification audit and surveillance audits (usually annual) to maintain certification.

5. Internal vs. External Resources

• Using in-house expertise may reduce costs but requires time and knowledge.
• Hiring consultants adds to expenses but speeds up implementation and reduces mistakes.

Typical Costs for ISO 22301 Certification

While exact figures vary, here is a general breakdown of what organisations can expect:

• Gap Analysis (Optional): £1,000 – £5,000
• Consultancy/Implementation Support: £5,000 – £30,000 (depending on size and complexity)
• Training (Staff & Internal Auditors): £500 – £5,000
• Certification Audit Fees: £3,000 – £10,000 (plus annual surveillance audits at £2,000 – £6,000)
• Internal Resources: Time spent by employees preparing, documenting, and maintaining the BCMS.

In total, most small to mid-sized businesses in the UK can expect ISO 22301 certification costs between £10,000 and £40,000 over the first three years (including implementation and certification). Larger or highly regulated organisations may spend significantly more.

To get customised support specific to your organisation, please get in touch with us.

How to Reduce the Cost of ISO 22301 Certification

1. Define a Clear Scope – Only certify the critical processes needed for compliance.
2. Leverage Existing Standards – If you already have ISO 27001 or ISO 9001, integrate them to reduce duplication.
3. Use Internal Resources – Train existing staff to manage the BCMS rather than relying entirely on external consultants.
4. Choose the Right Certification Body – Compare quotes but ensure they are UKAS-accredited for credibility.
5. Plan for the Long Term – Budget not only for certification but also for ongoing surveillance and recertification audits.

Why the Investment Is Worth It

While ISO 22301 certification represents a significant investment, the benefits often outweigh the costs:

• Resilience – Ensure your business can withstand disruptions and recover quickly.
• Compliance – Meet regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Trust – Demonstrate to customers, partners, and stakeholders that you take business continuity seriously.
• Competitive Advantage – Stand out in tenders and contracts where resilience is a key requirement.
• Cost Savings – Minimise financial and reputational losses during unexpected incidents.

Final Thoughts

The cost of ISO 22301 certification varies depending on your organisation’s size, scope, and existing preparedness, but most small to medium businesses can expect to invest between £10,000 and £40,000 in the first three years.

Ultimately, certification should be viewed not as an expense but as an investment in business resilience, customer confidence, and long-term stability.

Request your initial consutation and free quote:

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.