Understanding the Full Journey to ISO 17034 Accreditation

Most reference-material producers start their ISO 17034 journey with the same three questions: How much will it cost? How long will it take? What exactly happens during the process?

These are the right questions. ISO 17034 isn’t just about compliance — it’s about proving competence, consistency, and technical reliability.
As someone who’s helped RMPs across multiple industries and regions achieve and maintain accreditation, I’ve seen that success comes from understanding the big picture early — not just the clauses.

This guide breaks down the entire accreditation pathway: the process, the real cost drivers, the expected timeline, and how to plan efficiently from start to finish.

What ISO 17034 Accreditation Really Involves

ISO 17034 is the international standard for Reference Material Producers (RMPs). It demonstrates your organization’s ability to produce reference materials that are stable, homogeneous, and traceable to valid measurement systems.

Accreditation isn’t only about having the right documents. It’s about showing that your production process, equipment, and staff operate under controlled, verified systems.

Key elements include:

• Implementing a documented management system that meets ISO 17034 (and often ISO/IEC 17025).
• Demonstrating technical competence through validation, calibration, and proficiency testing.
• Undergoing an independent assessment by an ILAC-recognized accreditation body.

Pro tip:
View accreditation as a long-term capability project. The documentation supports the system — it doesn’t replace it.

The Accreditation Process Step-by-Step

Before diving into budgets or schedules, it’s important to understand what actually happens during accreditation.
The process follows a structured sequence that ensures both readiness and consistency.

Step 1: Preparation and Management Commitment

Accreditation starts with leadership. Management defines the motivation, assigns a project lead (often the Quality Manager), and commits time and funding.

Step 2: Gap Analysis and Project Planning

A structured gap analysis identifies where your current system meets or misses ISO 17034 requirements.
This becomes your project roadmap — listing tasks, responsibilities, and estimated durations.

Step 3: Documentation and Implementation

Develop and refine your Quality Manual, procedures, and records.
Train staff, perform trial runs, and begin collecting the evidence your assessors will review.

Step 4: Application and Document Review

Submit your formal application and scope to your chosen accreditation body.
They review your documentation and assign assessors specialized in your field.

Step 5: On-Site Assessment

Assessors visit your site to verify competence, observe production, and review records.
You’ll receive findings (if any) that must be addressed through corrective actions.

Step 6: Corrective Actions and Accreditation Decision

Respond with evidence and root-cause analysis. Once your responses are accepted, the accreditation body’s panel reviews your file and issues your certificate.

Pro tip:
Running an internal audit before applying often shortens the overall timeline — you catch and fix issues before assessors do.

Understanding the Cost of ISO 17034 Accreditation

Accreditation costs vary widely depending on scope, region, and accreditation body.
They can be grouped into direct and indirect costs.

Direct Costs

• Application and review fees (administrative and document evaluation)
• Assessment man-days (the biggest portion of cost)
• Travel and accommodation for assessors
• Surveillance and reassessment fees over the accreditation cycle

Indirect Costs

• Internal staff hours for documentation and implementation
• Training, calibration, and participation in proficiency testing
• Preparation time for audits and evidence collection

Real-World Example

A single-matrix chemical producer achieved ISO 17034 accreditation through SANAS for around USD 8,500, including application, document review, assessor travel, and internal preparation.
With focused scope and structured documentation, they achieved accreditation in under a year.

Pro tip:
Always request a detailed fee schedule early. Some accreditation bodies separate travel and assessor time; others include them in daily rates. Transparency avoids budget surprises later.

How Long ISO 17034 Accreditation Takes

A realistic timeline depends on scope, readiness, and coordination with your accreditation body.

Project Type	Typical Duration	Description
Fast-track	6 months	For organizations already aligned with ISO/IEC 17025
Standard	9 – 12 months	Typical single-site RMP implementation
Complex	12 – 18 months	Multi-site or multi-material producers

Factors influencing duration:

• Number of reference-material types and methods
• Staff competence and document readiness
• Accreditation-body lead times for assessor scheduling

Pro tip:
Coordinate ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 assessments when possible. Combined audits can reduce total duration and travel costs by up to 25 %.

Choosing the Right Accreditation Body

Your choice of accreditation body directly affects credibility, cost, and turnaround time.

What to look for:

• ILAC MRA recognition for global acceptance
• Reputation and reach in your target markets
• Assessor expertise in your type of materials
• Transparent communication and fee structure

Criteria	SANAS	ANAB/A2LA	DAkkS	Local AB
ILAC Recognition	✅	✅	✅	⚠️ Varies
Typical Cost	$$	$$$	$$$	$–$$
Lead Time	2–4 mo	3–6 mo	3–6 mo	1–3 mo
Regional Acceptance	Africa/ME	Americas/Asia	Europe	Local only

Pro tip:
Choose based on where your products will be accepted, not just where your company is based. Market recognition is the real value of your certificate.

Estimating Audit Duration (Man-Days Explained)

Audit duration determines both cost and resource planning.
A man-day equals one assessor working for one day. Two assessors for three days = six man-days.

Typical ranges:

• Small single-matrix RMP: 4–6 man-days
• Multi-site or complex RMP: 8–10 man-days

Influencing factors:

• Scope size and number of material types
• Number of production sites
• Complexity of analytical or physical testing involved

Pro tip:
Use a man-day calculator early in planning. Estimating assessment time helps you allocate both budget and staff availability accurately.

Maintaining Accreditation: Surveillance and Reassessment

Accreditation is an ongoing commitment. After approval, you’ll enter a surveillance cycle designed to verify continued compliance.

Typical cycle:

• Annual or 18-month surveillance visits
• Full reassessment every 4 – 5 years

Assessors focus on:

• Internal audits and management reviews
• Changes in scope, staff, or facilities
• Ongoing proficiency testing and calibration records

Pro tip:
Keep your records current all year. Accreditation bodies appreciate steady maintenance, and it keeps surveillance visits quick and straightforward.

FAQs: Cost, Timeline, and Process

Q1: How can we reduce accreditation costs?
Start with a narrow scope focused on your core materials, then expand once accredited. It lowers initial man-days and document volume.

Q2: Can ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 assessments be combined?
Yes. Joint assessments often reduce total duration and cost by 20 – 30 %.

Q3: How long is an ISO 17034 certificate valid?
Usually 4 – 5 years, provided surveillance assessments are successfully completed.

Conclusion – Plan Smart, Invest Wisely

ISO 17034 accreditation isn’t a single event — it’s a strategic project that combines financial planning, technical preparation, and consistent execution.

Organizations that budget early, schedule realistically, and communicate closely with their accreditation bodies achieve faster, smoother results.
They don’t just get accredited — they build systems that continue to perform long after the certificate is issued.

If you’re ready to map your own path, download QSE Academy’s ISO 17034 Cost & Timeline Planner or book a consultation to develop a customized roadmap for your accreditation project.