How Long Does ISO 17034 Accreditation Really Take?

If you’ve ever asked, “How long will this accreditation actually take?” — you’re not alone.
Most reference-material producers underestimate the timeline because they only see the assessment dates, not the preparation behind them.

In my work helping RMPs across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, I’ve seen projects finish in as little as six months — and others drag on for two years. The difference always comes down to planning, communication, and documentation readiness.

This guide maps the entire ISO 17034 journey into six clear stages so you can set realistic expectations, avoid delays, and move confidently toward your accreditation certificate.

Step 1 – Initial Preparation and Management Commitment

Accreditation starts with a decision, not a document. Once leadership agrees to pursue ISO 17034, the next step is securing time, people, and funding.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Management defines why accreditation matters — credibility, regulatory acceptance, or customer trust.
• Key roles are assigned early: Quality Manager, Technical Manager, and production leads.
• A preliminary budget and target timeline are drafted, even if rough.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:
Teams that skip this stage often lose momentum midway. When top management isn’t engaged, internal reviews get delayed, and the project stalls.

Pro tip:
Hold a kick-off meeting where you explain what “competence as an RMP” actually means. Once everyone sees the big picture, motivation follows.

Step 2 – Gap Analysis and Project Plan Development

This is where clarity meets action. A proper gap analysis compares your current processes with every clause of ISO 17034.

You’ll identify what’s already compliant, what needs adjustment, and what’s missing entirely.
Most of my clients discover that 60–70 % of their operations already align with the standard — they just haven’t documented it yet.

Practical flow:

1. Use a structured checklist.
2. Classify each item: “Compliant,” “Partially Compliant,” or “Gap.”
3. Build a 3- to 6-month project plan assigning clear owners and deadlines.

Pro tip:
Don’t assign everything to your quality manager. Spread ownership across departments so progress doesn’t bottleneck.

When you close each gap systematically, you turn an intimidating project into a manageable schedule.

Step 3 – System Documentation and Implementation

Now the real work begins — translating your processes into a documented, auditable system.

Typical deliverables include:

• Quality Manual and controlled procedures
• Records for material production, homogeneity, and stability testing
• Staff training and competency evidence
• Internal audit and management-review records

In my experience:
The fastest teams use pre-built templates and tailor them, instead of writing everything from scratch. It saves months.

Pro tip:
Run your internal audit before applying. It’s your best rehearsal for the actual assessment.

Common mistake:
Writing beautifully formatted documents that nobody follows. Implementation always matters more than appearance.

Step 4 – Application Submission to the Accreditation Body

Once your system has been running smoothly for at least three months, it’s time to apply.

You’ll need to:

• Complete the accreditation form and scope of accreditation.
• Submit your Quality Manual, procedures, and key records.
• Pay the application and document-review fees.

Timeline:
Expect 2 – 4 weeks for administrative review and assessor assignment.

Pro tip:
Keep your scope tight and clear. I’ve seen applications bounce back multiple times because the product or matrix descriptions were vague. Every revision adds weeks.

If you already know which assessors specialize in your field, request them early — it can shorten scheduling time.

Step 5 – Assessment and Corrective Actions

This is where preparation pays off. The assessment includes both document review and on-site evaluation.

For most RMPs, that means:

• 2–3 days of on-site assessment
• 1–2 days of report writing and review
• 2–3 weeks to close any non-conformities (CARs)

What happens:
Assessors evaluate your technical competence, traceability, and record control. They’ll issue CARs for any gaps found.

Pro tip:
Respond quickly and with evidence. Provide the root-cause analysis, correction, and proof of implementation in one response package.

Common pitfall:
Arguing with assessors over findings instead of addressing them. It delays the decision process and rarely changes the outcome.

Step 6 – Accreditation Decision and Surveillance Cycle

Once all corrective actions are accepted, your file goes to the accreditation decision panel.

Typical timeframe:
2 – 6 weeks depending on the body’s review schedule. After approval, you’ll receive your ISO 17034 certificate and get listed on their official directory.

That’s not the end, though. Expect surveillance audits every 12 – 18 months to confirm ongoing compliance.

Pro tip:
Treat surveillance as continuous improvement, not inspection. Keep training records current and perform internal audits regularly so you stay “assessment-ready” year-round.

Realistic Timeline – From Kick-off to Certificate

Here’s what typical RMPs experience:

Type of Organization	Average Duration	Notes
Small, single-matrix RMP	6 – 8 months	Using templates & early prep
Mid-size RMP	9 – 12 months	Standard single-site project
Multi-site or complex scope	12 – 18 months	Includes multiple material types

One mid-size chemical producer I worked with completed ISO 17034 accreditation with SANAS in 10 months by combining its ISO/IEC 17025 audit. Smart coordination saved them two months and one extra assessor trip.

Pro tip:
Track milestones visually — it helps the team see progress and keeps motivation up.

FAQs: ISO 17034 Accreditation Timeline

Q1: What’s the fastest possible timeline?
Around 6 months, if you already run a 17025-based QMS and your documentation is mature.

Q2: How long is the certificate valid?
Usually 4 – 5 years, with surveillance audits every year or 18 months.

Q3: Can ISO 17025 and ISO 17034 audits be combined?
Yes — and it often reduces total time and cost by 20 – 30 %.

Conclusion – Plan Early, Stay on Track

ISO 17034 accreditation isn’t a mystery; it’s a structured six-step journey that rewards planning and consistency.

From my experience, the most successful RMPs treat accreditation as a business project — not an administrative chore. They assign ownership, track milestones, and keep communication open with their accreditation body.

If you’re ready to plan your own project, download QSE Academy’s ISO 17034 Accreditation Timeline Planner, or book a consultation so we can map your path step by step — from the first gap analysis to that final certificate on your wall.