Most certification bodies get a shock when they first see a quotation from an accreditation body. The fees can look unpredictable — even unfair — until you understand what drives them.
I’ve guided dozens of certification bodies through ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation under SANAS, ANAB, UKAS, IAS, and others. And I’ve seen how easily teams overspend simply because they don’t know how these fees are structured.
In this guide, we’ll unpack how accreditation bodies actually calculate their prices, what you’re really paying for, and how to budget smartly without cutting corners. By the end, you’ll see exactly where your money goes — and how to keep more of it in your pocket while still getting accredited.
Every accreditation body uses its own model, but the pattern is similar. First comes the application fee — a one-time charge covering your initial document review and eligibility check. Then come assessment fees, often calculated per assessor-day or per technical area your scheme covers. Finally, you’ll pay annual surveillance or reassessment fees, which keep your accreditation active.
Here’s what I tell clients: always ask for a detailed fee schedule. You want to see how many assessor days they’ve estimated, what the travel costs look like, and whether witness assessments are separate.
Pro Tip: Accreditation bodies sometimes allow virtual document reviews or remote witness audits. That small change can cut costs by 10–20 %. Common Pitfall: Assuming all accreditation bodies use the same formula — they don’t. Each one has its own pricing logic, so don’t compare SANAS to UKAS or IAS directly.
Factors That Influence ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Costs
Several variables quietly drive your total spend:
Scope size: The more certification schemes you offer, the higher the cost.
Complexity: Schemes requiring written exams, practical demonstrations, or multiple competence areas take longer to assess.
Geographic coverage: More locations mean more assessor travel.
Assessment type: Remote audits are cheaper; onsite visits cost more.
In my experience, a small certification body offering one simple scheme can get through accreditation in under USD 10 000. But when you multiply schemes and sites, costs escalate fast.
Pro Tip: Start narrow. Accredit one scheme first, then expand. Pitfall: Expanding your scope too early leads to double work — and double costs.
Real-World Cost Ranges and Typical Budget Scenarios
Here’s what I’ve seen across clients over the past few years:
Small or niche certification body: USD 7 000 – 15 000 (usually one scheme).
Medium organization with multiple schemes: USD 20 000 – 35 000.
Large, multi-country body: USD 40 000 – 60 000 +.
Those figures include both direct costs — application, assessor fees, travel — and indirect costs like staff prep time or documentation consulting.
Pro Tip: Budget at least 15 % extra for unexpected assessor-day extensions or repeat reviews. One of my European clients trimmed their total by coordinating witness assessments for two schemes in a single visit — saving over USD 5 000. That’s the power of smart scheduling.
Hidden or Variable Costs to Watch Out For
Some of the biggest budget shocks come from what isn’t in the quote. Expect extra charges for:
Witness assessments if you run multiple personnel schemes.
Corrective-action follow-up visits.
Translation costs if your documents aren’t in English.
Assessor travel — flights, hotels, per diems can easily exceed USD 2 000 per trip.
Pitfall: Ignoring currency fluctuations. When your accreditation body bills in USD or GBP, those small exchange rate changes can add thousands over a multi-year cycle.
Experience Insight: I had one client save nearly 25 % by batching witness audits for related schemes within a single three-day visit. It’s worth asking about combined scheduling — most accreditation bodies will consider it if you’re prepared.
Cost-Saving Strategies Without Compromising Quality
There’s a right way to save — and it doesn’t involve cutting corners. You can:
Combine ISO/IEC 17024 with another accreditation (like ISO/IEC 17065 or ISO 9001) to share audit days.
Use remote assessments when permitted — they’re faster and cheaper.
Run a solid internal pre-assessment before the official visit to minimize assessor hours.
Keep your documentation tight and organized — messy files mean more assessor time.
Pro Tip: Accreditation assessors appreciate preparation. A clear system often leads to fewer onsite days — and smaller invoices. A client in Asia once saved USD 6 000 by moving all document reviews online and limiting the onsite audit to two days. Preparation literally pays.
Choosing the Right Accreditation Body for Your Budget
It’s tempting to pick whoever quotes the lowest number — but cost shouldn’t be your only metric. Look at:
Recognition: Are they an ILAC-MRA signatory? That matters for international acceptance.
Transparency: Do they provide clear fee breakdowns and policies?
Responsiveness: How quickly do they answer questions?
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Some low-cost options lack global recognition, which can hurt your credibility when clients expect ILAC-backed certificates.
Pro Tip: Request sample fee schedules from at least two accreditation bodies before you commit. That small comparison often clarifies who’s truly cost-effective versus who’s just cheap.
FAQs – ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Pricing
Q1: Why do different accreditation bodies charge so differently? Each operates under its own financial model — influenced by national rules, assessor rates, and internal cost structures. Some subsidize smaller clients; others recover every cent.
Q2: Can I negotiate accreditation fees? Absolutely. You can often negotiate assessor travel costs, combine assessments, or opt for partial remote reviews. The key is to ask early — not after the quotation is finalized.
Q3: How can I keep long-term costs predictable? Maintain solid documentation, plan surveillance audits ahead, and keep your scope lean. Accreditation bodies reward stability with lower oversight costs.
Budget Smart, Stay Credible
Getting ISO/IEC 17024 accredited is an investment, not a bill. When you understand what’s behind the numbers, you make better decisions — and avoid surprises later.
After years of guiding certification bodies through this process, I can tell you: success isn’t about paying less; it’s about spending wisely.
If you’re planning your first ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation or reassessment, don’t guess your budget. Reach out to QSE Academy — we’ll help you map your exact cost projection and build a lean, compliant system that keeps your finances — and your credibility — intact.
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.
