Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

How Much Does ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Accreditation Cost? Full Breakdown

If you’re thinking about getting accredited to ISO/IEC 17043:2023, one of your first questions is probably:
“How much is this going to cost us?”

It’s a fair concern. For PT providers, the cost of accreditation isn’t always transparent upfront. And too often, organizations either underestimate what’s involved or get hit with unexpected fees later.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or transitioning from the 2010 version, this article lays out the real financial picture—so you can plan with clarity and confidence.

What Really Drives the Cost of ISO/IEC 17043 Accreditation?

The total cost varies depending on several factors, but almost every provider will deal with five core categories:

1. Fees charged by your accreditation body
2. Internal system preparation and staff time
3. External consulting or training (if needed)
4. Audit-related expenses, including assessor travel
5. Ongoing surveillance and reassessment over time

Let’s break each one down.

Initial Accreditation Fees: What to Expect

Accreditation bodies usually have publicly available fee schedules, but they don’t always include the full picture. Here are the standard fees you’ll encounter during the application process:

• Application or registration fee: Typically $500 to $1,000
• Document review fee: $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of your QMS
• Assessment fee: $1,500 to $2,500 per auditor, per day (plus taxes, if applicable)
• Assessor travel and lodging: Reimbursed directly by your organization
• Certificate or approval fee: May range from $200 to $500

If your PT program is straightforward, the assessment may take one to two days. For providers with multiple schemes or locations, it could stretch to four or more. That time adds up fast.

Estimated Total for Initial Fees: Between $7,000 and $15,000 for most providers.

Internal System Preparation Costs

This is where the hidden costs begin.

Long before auditors arrive, your team will spend time reviewing procedures, updating documents, running mock rounds, and possibly revising the structure of your QMS.

Common in-house activities include:

• Performing a gap analysis
• Writing or updating SOPs, policies, and forms
• Holding internal training and awareness sessions
• Conducting internal audits
• Gathering objective evidence for compliance

Even if you don’t pay for external help, these tasks can easily consume 100 to 200 hours of staff time. If you value that time at $30 to $50/hour, you’re looking at an internal cost of $3,000 to $10,000.

Consulting, Training, and External Support

While not mandatory, hiring a consultant can help speed up implementation and reduce uncertainty—especially if your team is unfamiliar with ISO/IEC 17043 or you’re short on internal quality expertise.

Typical services include:

• Complete implementation support
• Review of documents and readiness assessments
• Internal auditor training
• Statistical validation assistance (for PT evaluations)

Cost ranges:

• Hourly consulting: $100 to $200 per hour
• Flat-rate implementation packages: $3,000 to $10,000
• Group training sessions or workshops: $1,000 to $3,000

You can minimize this by handling document work in-house and only using consultants for critical reviews or training.

On-Site Audit and Travel Expenses

Even after you pay audit day rates, you’ll need to reimburse assessors for travel-related costs. These may include:

• Flights or transportation
• Hotel accommodations
• Meals and per diem rates
• Visa or administrative costs (for international assessments)

If your facility is remote or in another country from the accreditation body, this portion of the cost can be significant—sometimes $1,000 to $3,000 depending on location and duration.

Always clarify these expectations in advance with your accreditation body.

Ongoing Costs: Surveillance and Reassessment

Getting accredited isn’t the end of the road. Maintaining your accreditation means preparing for future visits, keeping documentation current, and addressing any new findings or changes in your scope.

Typical ongoing costs:

• Annual or biennial surveillance audit: $3,000 to $6,000
• Full reassessment every 4–5 years: Often mirrors the initial audit cost
• Internal reviews and document updates: Ongoing labor, training, and system upkeep

If you budget $3,000 to $5,000 per year for maintenance, you’ll be in a good position to stay compliant and audit-ready.

Pro Tips for Cost-Effective Accreditation

• Pro Tip: Ask your accreditation body for a detailed quote early in the process. Many offer free cost estimates based on your program scope.
• Pro Tip: Don’t overlook internal time—treat it like a real budget line item. Hours spent on system setup, training, and review add up fast.
• Pro Tip: Start with a focused scope. Certifying just one or two PT schemes can reduce audit days and simplify the initial effort.
• Pro Tip: Train a small team to handle implementation and audits internally. That investment pays off in every cycle.

Common Mistakes That Inflate the Budget

Ignoring Staff Time

Many labs assume staff can manage accreditation “on the side.” But without dedicated time, deadlines slip and stress builds.

Relying Too Heavily on External Help

Some consultants charge by the hour and take on everything—including tasks your own team could do. Use them wisely.

Failing to Budget for Future Audits

Surveillance and reassessment are predictable—and often forgotten during the initial budget phase.

Expanding Scope Too Quickly

Adding too many schemes or services during your first application increases complexity and cost. Start lean, then grow.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a consultant to get accredited?
Not necessarily. Many PT providers self-implement successfully, especially with a strong internal quality team. Consultants are helpful—but not required.

Q: Will costs increase if I operate multiple PT schemes?
Yes. More schemes typically mean more document review, more technical evaluation, and longer audit time.

Q: Can I apply with a limited scope and expand later?
Absolutely. This is a common and strategic approach—especially for organizations working with limited budgets.

Know What You’re Investing In

ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation isn’t just a line item—it’s a strategic investment. It strengthens your credibility, boosts participant trust, and opens access to new markets.

The total cost depends on your scope, readiness, and how much support you need—but with planning, it’s entirely manageable. Most PT providers I’ve worked with recover the investment through improved operations, higher participation, and fewer technical errors over time.

Want help estimating your own costs? I’ve created a customizable ISO/IEC 17043 budget planner that breaks it down by scope, staff, and audit type.

Let me know, and I’ll send it your way.