One of the first questions every certification body asks is, “How long will ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation take?” It’s a fair question — because timelines directly affect budgets, staff planning, and client commitments.
In my years guiding certification bodies through SANAS, ANAB, UKAS, and IAS processes, I’ve seen projects finished in just four months — and others drag on for over a year. The difference isn’t luck; it’s planning.
This guide walks you through each stage of the accreditation journey in six clear steps. You’ll see what happens at every phase, realistic timeframes, and practical ways to keep your project moving forward — without burning out your team or your budget.
Step 1 – Planning & Gap Analysis (2–4 Weeks)
Every successful accreditation starts with a clear-eyed look at where you stand today. That’s what the gap analysis is all about — comparing your current system against ISO/IEC 17024 requirements.
During this phase, you’ll:
Define the scope of your certification schemes.
Review what documents already exist (and what’s missing).
Assign internal responsibilities and build a high-level timeline.
Pro Tip: Appoint one internal coordinator early. Projects derail fast when “everyone” owns the timeline — which usually means no one does.
Common Pitfall: Rushing this step or skipping documentation review. You’ll only end up rewriting later, costing time and money you could’ve saved upfront.
Step 2 – System Development & Document Preparation (4–8 Weeks)
This is where the real work begins. You’ll design and write the documents that bring your system to life — your Certification Scheme Manual, Exam Procedures, Impartiality Policy, and Management System Manual.
The goal isn’t to drown your staff in paperwork. It’s to build a lean, practical system that shows how your certification process ensures competence, impartiality, and consistency.
In my experience, small certification bodies finish documentation within six weeks when they follow a structured schedule. Using templates or ready-to-adapt toolkits can easily halve that time.
Pro Tip: Keep your documents functional, not theoretical. Write for the people who will actually use them. Pitfall: Over-documenting — I’ve seen teams produce 200-page manuals no one ever reads.
Once your system is in place, it’s time to test it internally. Conduct an internal audit to make sure every requirement of ISO/IEC 17024 is covered and working. Follow it with a management review meeting to assess performance, resources, and readiness.
Use this step to find your own weaknesses before an assessor does. Pro Tip: Work from an internal-audit checklist mapped clause-by-clause to ISO/IEC 17024. You’ll spot issues faster and have proof of compliance ready to show later.
Common Mistake: Treating the internal audit as a box-checking exercise. The best certification bodies use it as a real test-run — identifying what’s unclear, inconsistent, or still theoretical.
Step 4 – Application to Accreditation Body & Document Review (3–6 Weeks)
Now you’re ready to go public. Submit your application to your chosen accreditation body — SANAS, ANAB, UKAS, IAS, or another recognized authority — along with your documentation package.
They’ll start with a desktop review of your documents to confirm completeness and alignment with the standard. Expect clarifications or revision requests; it’s normal.
Pro Tip: Keep a clean master document register. When the reviewer asks for version 2.3 of your Impartiality Procedure, you shouldn’t waste a day hunting it down. Pitfall: Slow communication. Every unanswered email adds days or even weeks to your project timeline.
Once your documentation passes review, the accreditation body schedules your onsite assessment and witness audit.
Assessors visit your office (or connect remotely) to verify how your system operates in real life — how impartiality is maintained, how exams are conducted, and how competence is evaluated. They’ll also observe actual certification activities (witnessing) to confirm your exam and decision-making processes work as described.
A small single-scheme body may need around 3–4 man-days for this stage, while multi-scheme operations may require 10 or more.
Pro Tip: Pre-plan candidate exams for witnessing early. Re-scheduling witness sessions can delay your accreditation by months. Pitfall: Unprepared records or unavailable staff. Nothing frustrates assessors faster than missing evidence.
Step 6 – Corrective Actions & Final Decision (2–6 Weeks)
After the assessment, you’ll receive a list of findings — observations and non-conformities. Your job: implement corrective actions, submit evidence, and close them out quickly.
Accreditation bodies review your responses, and once everything checks out, they make the final decision and issue your accreditation certificate.
Pro Tip: Respond to findings within 10 days. Fast, detailed responses often impress assessors and speed up the decision. Experience Insight: Well-prepared clients close findings within two weeks and get accredited within 4–6 months total.
Q1: What’s the fastest I can get accredited? If your documentation is ready and you respond promptly to every review, 4 months is achievable. But for most, 6 months is realistic and stress-free.
Q2: Can the process take longer than a year? Yes — usually because of slow corrective-action responses or unclear documentation. Consistency and communication are what keep timelines short.
Q3: Do all accreditation bodies follow the same schedule? Not exactly. Each body has its own internal lead times, but the 6-step framework remains the same. Always confirm expected review cycles when you apply.
Plan Ahead, Stay Consistent
Getting ISO/IEC 17024 accredited isn’t just about passing an assessment — it’s about managing your time and effort wisely. When you follow a structured timeline, assign ownership, and stay responsive, you can reach accreditation faster than most expect.
I’ve guided dozens of certification bodies through this exact six-step path — and the difference always comes down to planning and follow-through.
If you’re ready to map your own timeline and want expert help staying on track, QSE Academy can design a customized project plan and milestone tracker that gets you accredited — without the unnecessary detours.
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.
