If you’re getting ready for ISO 22716 certification, one of the first things you’ll want to know is: How long will the audit take?
I’ve worked with countless cosmetic manufacturers over the years, and here’s something I’ve noticed — most of them underestimate audit duration. That can throw off schedules, budgets, and even production timelines.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how ISO 22716 audit man-days are calculated, what factors impact them, and how you can use a simple man-day calculator to estimate your audit time. This way, you’ll know how to plan ahead and avoid surprises.
Understanding ISO 22716 Audit Duration and Man-Days
Before you can plan effectively, it helps to understand what “man-day” actually means. In ISO certification terms, one man-day equals one auditor working for one full day. So, if two auditors spend two days at your site, that’s four man-days, not two.
Certification bodies base their calculations on guidelines like IAF MD 5, which consider the complexity of your operations, number of employees, and risk levels.
Audits are usually divided into:
Stage 1: Document review and readiness check.
Stage 2: On-site audit of your actual processes.
Pro Tip: Always confirm if your quote includes both stages. Some certification bodies split them into separate invoices.
Common Pitfall: Don’t confuse audit days with calendar days. If you’re told your audit will take 3 man-days, it might mean two auditors over two days — not necessarily three days total.
Key Factors That Influence ISO 22716 Audit Man-Days
There’s no flat rate for ISO 22716 audit duration because every cosmetic manufacturer operates differently. Still, a few factors always drive the man-day calculation:
Number of Employees: The more people and shifts, the longer the audit.
Number of Sites: Multi-site operations always add audit time.
Process Complexity: If you handle everything from formulation to packaging, expect a longer audit.
Product Risk Level: Products like sunscreens or medicated cosmetics usually mean deeper inspections.
Outsourced Activities: Using subcontractors or external labs can add days.
Existing Certifications: If you already have ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, your audit time might be reduced.
Pro Tip: Keep your documentation centralized and updated. Well-organized systems often help auditors move faster.
Pitfall to Avoid: Failing to mention outsourced processes early can lead to unplanned extra audit days.
How Certification Bodies Calculate Audit Duration
Every certification body follows standard formulas for audit-time estimation, but their interpretations can vary slightly.
Here’s a simplified view:
No. of Employees
Typical Audit Man-Days
1–10
1–2 days
11–25
2–3 days
26–75
3–4 days
76–200
4–6 days
200+
6+ days
Pro Tip: Ask your certification body what standard they’re using to calculate audit time. The transparent ones will reference IAF MD 5 or an equivalent.
Pitfall to Avoid: Don’t assume small size automatically means a short audit. High-risk or multi-process operations can still take several man-days.
How to Use the ISO 22716 Audit-Duration Calculator
Using a man-day calculator can save you a ton of guesswork. Here’s how it usually works:
Enter your employee count.
Choose how many sites or facilities you operate.
Select your process complexity (low, medium, or high).
Note if you have integrated management systems like ISO 9001.
Hit calculate — and get an estimate of your audit man-days.
That’s it. The calculator gives you a ballpark number so you can plan resources, production schedules, and budgets more accurately.
Pro Tip: Run your numbers early, ideally before you request certification quotes. You’ll understand pricing proposals much better when you already know your expected man-day range.
Pitfall to Avoid: Treat the calculator as a guide, not gospel. Certification bodies may adjust durations slightly based on their own audit history or risk assessment.
Using Audit Duration Data to Plan Your ISO 22716 Project
Once you have a man-day estimate, use it to plan smarter. Audit duration affects everything — from staff scheduling to cost forecasting.
If your audit will take four man-days, you’ll need your key people available for at least those dates. You’ll also need to ensure documentation and records are accessible during the audit.
Real Example: One skincare company I worked with used their man-day estimate to plan downtime in production. They blocked out three audit days, prepped documents in advance, and finished the certification process without disrupting orders.
When you plan ahead like that, the audit becomes a smooth process instead of a stressful scramble.
FAQs: ISO 22716 Audit Duration & Man-Day Calculation
How long does an ISO 22716 certification audit usually take? For small to medium manufacturers, it’s typically 2–6 man-days. Larger or multi-site companies can expect anywhere from 8–12 man-days over multiple stages.
Do Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits count separately? Yes. Stage 1 focuses on documentation and readiness, while Stage 2 reviews operations on-site. Both contribute to your total man-days.
Can integrated systems reduce audit time? Absolutely. If you’re certified to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, many certification bodies offer combined audits that cut down on total man-days — often by 20–30%.
Simplify Your ISO 22716 Audit Planning
Knowing how long your audit will take is more than a scheduling tool — it’s a way to manage costs, reduce stress, and keep your team aligned.
Once you understand how man-days work, you can negotiate confidently, plan efficiently, and focus on what matters most — running your business smoothly while achieving ISO 22716 compliance.
If you’d like to estimate your own audit duration, try our Free ISO 22716 Man-Day Calculator or book a short consultation. We’ll walk you through a tailored assessment based on your company size, operations, and certification goals.
Melissa Lavaro is a seasoned ISO consultant and an enthusiastic advocate for quality management standards. With a rich experience in conducting audits and providing consultancy services, Melissa specializes in helping organizations implement and adapt to ISO standards. Her passion for quality management is evident in her hands-on approach and deep understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Melissa’s expertise and energetic commitment make her a sought-after consultant, dedicated to elevating organizational compliance and performance through practical, insightful guidance.
