How long does an ISO certification audit take?

How Long Does an ISO Certification Audit Take?

The process of obtaining an ISO certificate requires a certification audit, the duration of which may vary depending on several factors. In this article, we explain the elements that influence the length of the audit and the regulations and guidelines that govern its conduct.

Factors Influencing the Duration of an ISO Certification Audit

The length of a certification audit depends on factors such as:

1. Size of the organization – The number of employees and the organizational structure significantly impact the audit's duration.
2. Scope of certification – The more processes and departments subject to evaluation, the longer the audit will take.
3. Complexity of the management system – Organizations with more intricate processes require a more detailed analysis.
4. Locations – If the organization has multiple branches, the audit may necessitate visits to each location.
5. Type of ISO standard – Audits for more specific standards, such as ISO 27001 (information security management), take longer than those for ISO 9001 (quality management).

Regulations Governing Audit Duration

Certification bodies with accreditations must adhere to guidelines set by accreditation institutions. These regulations include:

• ISO/IEC 17021-1 – A standard outlining general requirements for bodies certifying management systems.
• IAF MD 5 – A document specifying audit durations (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) based on the number of employees and other parameters.

It’s important to note that the calculated audit duration should be similar regardless of the certifying body. If you compare offers and notice a significant difference in audit time, contact the certification body to ensure all information in the quotation form was correctly understood.

Examples of Audit Durations

Based on the IAF MD 5 document, the estimated durations for initial audits (Stage 1 + Stage 2) for quality management systems (ISO 9001) are as follows:

• Small organization (1–5 employees): Minimum of 1.5 auditor-days
• Organization (50–100 employees): 5–7 auditor-days, depending on scope and process complexity
• Organization (150+ employees): 8 or more auditor-days, proportional to staff size and system complexity

Surveillance audits typically take about 1/3 of the initial audit time, while recertification audits usually take 2/3 of that time.

Each standard allows for specific adjustments to audit time, such as reductions (e.g., for mature management systems) or extensions (e.g., for complex logistics or high-risk processes). However, these adjustments must be thoroughly justified by the certification body and shared with the client. For example:

• Audit time may be reduced if the organization has experience operating a management system or uses integrated management systems.
• Conversely, audits involving complex processes or high-risk locations may require additional time.

Conclusion

The duration of an ISO certification audit depends on various factors, such as the organization’s size, complexity, certification scope, and the ISO standard requirements. Regulations like the IAF MD 5 documents ensure transparency and standardization of the process. Proper analysis and preparation by the organization can significantly streamline the audit.

If you have questions about audit duration or have received offers with differing audit times, contact the certification body or reach out to us directly to ensure all information is correctly understood. By using Certiget’s services from the start, you can be confident that all necessary data for preparing a quote will be submitted consistently. This allows you to focus on your business while providing the required information only once.