ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation is one of the most important milestones for any Certification Body (CB). It’s proof that your organization is competent, impartial, and capable of providing certification services that meet international standards.
However, many CBs underestimate what’s actually involved — not just the technical preparation but also the financial planning and time investment. Understanding the cost, timeline, and process of accreditation helps you build a realistic roadmap and avoid delays, rework, or unplanned expenses.
This guide breaks down the entire journey into practical, transparent sections so you can approach accreditation with confidence and clarity.
What ISO/IEC 17021-1 Accreditation Really Means
Accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021-1 confirms that a Certification Body operates under a management system that ensures competence, impartiality, and consistency in conducting audits and issuing certificates.
It’s important to distinguish between certification and accreditation:
Certification is what your CB provides to clients (e.g., ISO 9001 certification).
Accreditation is what your CB receives from an independent Accreditation Body (AB) to prove your certification process is credible and compliant.
Accreditation adds credibility, ensures international recognition, and strengthens market trust. It shows clients and regulators that your CB is not just operating — it’s operating according to globally recognized rules.
Pro Tip: Accreditation doesn’t just verify your documents. It demonstrates that your certification process works consistently and impartially in real-world conditions.
Estimating the Cost of Accreditation
Every Accreditation Body has its own pricing model, but most costs fall into predictable categories. Understanding these components helps you plan your budget early and prevent surprises.
Typical Cost Components:
Application & Documentation Review: Covers the evaluation of your submitted management-system documents.
Office Assessment: Review of your procedures, impartiality structure, and competence framework.
Witness Assessments: Observations of your auditors performing real client audits.
Annual Surveillance Fees: Recurring costs for maintaining your accreditation status.
Assessor Travel & Logistics: Costs vary depending on your location and available assessors.
What Influences Total Cost:
The number of certification schemes you plan to offer (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc.).
The complexity of your scope and number of auditors.
The chosen Accreditation Body’s fee model (governmental vs. private).
Pro Tip: Always request a detailed fee schedule that includes administrative fees, daily assessor rates, and renewal costs. Transparency early on avoids hidden expenses later.
Common Mistake: Budgeting only for the initial assessment. Annual surveillance and re-accreditation cycles are part of the ongoing cost.
Mapping the Accreditation Timeline
Accreditation isn’t a single event — it’s a structured, multi-stage process that usually spans six to eight months. Each step builds on the last, and the timing can vary depending on how quickly you respond to assessor feedback and schedule witness audits.
Typical Timeline Breakdown:
Phase
Activity
Estimated Duration
1
Preparation & Gap Analysis
4 weeks
2
Application & Documentation Submission
4 weeks
3
Document Review & Stage 1 Assessment
4 weeks
4
Office & Witness Audits
8 weeks
5
Corrective Actions & Final Review
6 weeks
6
Accreditation Decision
4 weeks
Example: A medium-sized Certification Body seeking accreditation for ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 typically completes the process within seven months, provided their documentation is complete and corrective actions are implemented promptly.
Pro Tip: Build in buffer time for assessor availability — many Accreditation Bodies schedule audits several months in advance.
Each Accreditation Body follows ISO/IEC 17011, but the structure of the process is generally similar across all.
Phase 1: Preparation & Gap Analysis Perform an internal audit of your management system, review it against ISO/IEC 17021-1 clauses, and fix any gaps before submission.
Phase 2: Application & Documentation Submission Submit the application form, impartiality policy, auditor-competence records, and certification process documentation. Ensure all files are properly version-controlled.
Phase 3: Document Review & Stage 1 Assessment Assessors evaluate your system documents. Respond quickly to queries or requests for clarification.
Phase 4: Office & Witness Audits Assessors visit your CB to verify your processes in action. Witness assessments confirm that your auditors apply your procedures consistently.
Phase 5: Corrective Actions & Accreditation Decision Submit evidence for any nonconformities or observations. The AB’s decision committee reviews the full report before granting accreditation.
Pro Tip: Treat assessors as partners in improvement — clarity and responsiveness build trust and speed up the decision phase.
Accreditation doesn’t end with certificate issuance. Every year, Accreditation Bodies conduct surveillance visits to confirm your CB continues to comply with ISO/IEC 17021-1.
These visits review key processes such as:
Impartiality-committee activities
Auditor-competence maintenance
Internal audits and management reviews
Certification decision and complaint handling
Implementation of any new or revised standards
Pro Tip: Keep your internal audits and management reviews updated throughout the year. Being audit-ready all the time ensures smooth surveillance visits and a strong compliance record.
Common Mistake: Waiting for surveillance announcements before updating documentation. Accreditation is maintained through continuous readiness.
Q1. How much does accreditation usually cost? Depending on your scope and Accreditation Body, expect anywhere from USD 15 000 to 35 000 for the full initial process.
Q2. How long does the process take? Typically 6 to 8 months, depending on documentation completeness and assessor availability.
Q3. Can the process be accelerated? Not officially, but quick document responses and early witness-audit scheduling can reduce waiting times.
Q4. What happens after accreditation? Your CB undergoes annual surveillance visits and a full reassessment every five years to maintain accredited status.
Plan Smart, Budget Wisely, Stay Consistent
Achieving ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation is a structured journey — one that blends financial planning, procedural discipline, and long-term system maintenance.
When you understand the costs, plan realistic timelines, and follow a consistent process, accreditation becomes predictable, not overwhelming. The key is to treat it as a continuous system of improvement rather than a one-time milestone.
Need expert help creating your ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation roadmap or preparing for your next assessment? Contact QSE Academy for customized implementation support, cost-planning templates, and accreditation-readiness checklists tailored to your scope and region.
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.
