Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Accreditation Timeline: Step-by-Step to 2026

Whether you’re planning your first accreditation or preparing to transition from the 2010 version, the 2026 deadline for full compliance with ISO/IEC 17043:2023 is non-negotiable. But here’s what I’ve learned from guiding PT providers through these transitions—you don’t need to panic. You just need a plan.

A clear, month-by-month roadmap can turn what feels like a massive project into something manageable. In this article, I’ll break down exactly what needs to happen between now and the end of 2026. No fluff. Just a practical, realistic timeline that puts you in control.

Understanding the 2026 Deadline and Transition Period

Let’s start with the facts.

Most accreditation bodies, following ILAC guidance, are requiring that all PT providers transition to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 by the end of 2026. Some may close the door earlier—so check with your specific body. If you’re seeking new accreditation, you’ll be assessed against the 2023 version only.

The 2023 revision isn’t a small update. It introduces:

• Clearer requirements for impartiality and risk
• More focus on data handling and statistical validity
• Revised management system expectations (clause 8 options)

All of this takes time to understand, implement, and embed in your system. So don’t wait.

Year-by-Year Timeline: 2024 to 2026

Here’s a breakdown of how to pace your work over the next two years.

Mid–Late 2024: Gap Analysis and Planning

This phase is all about understanding where you stand today.

• Do a full clause-by-clause gap analysis between your current system and ISO/IEC 17043:2023.
• Identify where your current policies, procedures, and records don’t align.
• Build a transition plan that includes responsible persons, target dates, and internal milestones.
• If you’re newly applying, this is where you scope your PT activities and understand what documentation you’ll need.

Example: I recently helped a provider discover that their process for statistical evaluation wasn’t fully validated. Identifying that in 2024 gave them a full year to fix it—before assessors got involved.

Early–Mid 2025: System Updates and Internal Audit

This is where you move from planning to action.

• Update your QMS documentation—policies, SOPs, forms—to reflect the new standard.
• Train staff on what’s changed. Don’t just send a memo—hold short interactive sessions.
• Run a focused internal audit against ISO/IEC 17043:2023 to test your system updates.
• Log any nonconformities, and begin addressing them now—not later.

Note: If you choose management system Option A or B (clause 8), ensure it’s fully documented and practiced. Assessors will ask about this in detail.

Late 2025: Management Review and Pre-Assessment

By the end of 2025, your new system should be in place and in use.

• Conduct a management review to evaluate how well the changes are working.
• Collect feedback from scheme participants or staff involved in recent PT rounds.
• If your accreditation body offers it, request a pre-assessment. This helps surface issues early and builds confidence in your system.
• Finalize your application package: submit updated scope, documentation, and readiness checklist.

Early 2026: Final Review and Accreditation Visit

Now it’s go time.

• Make sure all corrective actions from your internal audit or pre-assessment are closed.
• Organize your objective evidence—training logs, risk assessments, PT scheme reports, etc.
• Prepare your team for the audit process, especially anyone responsible for technical activities or quality management.
• Host the accreditation visit, answer findings clearly, and submit responses promptly.

By End of 2026: Fully Accredited to ISO/IEC 17043:2023

If all goes well, you’ll receive your certificate before the deadline. Congratulations!

Now’s the time to:

• Communicate your updated accreditation status to participants, partners, and clients.
• Review lessons learned from the process and apply them to continual improvement efforts.
• Align your long-term QMS goals to ensure sustainability beyond 2026.

Tips for Staying on Track Throughout the Timeline

Let’s face it—two years fly by when you’re busy running PT schemes. Here’s how to keep momentum:

• Schedule transition checkpoints every quarter in your QMS calendar.
• Assign ownership for each update—don’t let one person carry the whole burden.
• Avoid backloading everything into 2026. Internal training and reviews take longer than expected.
• Create shared folders for transition documentation so your whole team stays informed.

Pro Tips

• Pro Tip: Start updating your documents before training staff. You’ll need real examples of implementation to train effectively.
• Pro Tip: Use a clause-by-clause checklist to track progress and catch gaps.
• Pro Tip: Contact your accreditation body early to confirm their specific transition dates and submission requirements.
• Pro Tip: If you offer multiple PT schemes, implement changes in one first. Use it as a pilot before scaling across your system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s look at where PT providers tend to get stuck.

Waiting too long to start

If you begin in 2026, you’ll be rushed. Most accreditation bodies need several months for processing and scheduling audits.

Underestimating the depth of changes

The 2023 version affects more than just forms—it impacts leadership, data integrity, impartiality controls, and risk.

Making changes in isolation

If you update documents without staff buy-in or training, you’re not implementing—you’re just editing.

Not retaining records

Assessors want to see evidence of implementation, not just intentions. That means meeting minutes, version histories, and completed training logs.

FAQs

Q: Do we follow this timeline if we’re a first-time applicant?
Yes. The same steps apply whether you’re transitioning or applying for the first time—just shift the focus toward preparing your initial scope and baseline documentation.

Q: How long does accreditation take from submission to approval?
Typically six to twelve months. That depends on your readiness, the completeness of your documentation, and your accreditation body’s schedule.

Q: Can we still use the 2010 version for now?
You can—for a limited time. But any audits or applications scheduled near the cutoff will almost certainly require alignment with the 2023 version.

Don’t Let the Deadline Dictate the Quality of Your System

A successful transition to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 isn’t just about compliance—it’s about proving that your system works, your staff understands it, and your PT schemes are consistent, impartial, and statistically valid.

In my experience, providers who start early and treat the transition as an improvement opportunity always come out stronger—not just “certified.”

Need help mapping out your own timeline?
I’ve got a transition tracker you can download, or we can walk through your current QMS together and build a plan that gets you certified by 2026—without the last-minute scramble.

Just reach out. Let’s make this simple.