Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Transition Checklist

The 2023 revision of ISO/IEC 17043 brings in some significant updates—new structure, new requirements, and new expectations. If you’re a PT provider accredited under the 2010 version, you’re probably asking: How do we make this transition without missing anything?

That’s where a checklist becomes your best friend.

I’ve worked with PT providers who’ve successfully transitioned to updated ISO standards before (think ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001). What separates those who glide through from those who panic before their reassessment? One thing: a structured, documented plan.

So, if you’re looking to transition with confidence, avoid nonconformities, and get your team aligned, this checklist is for you.

Why You Need a Transition Checklist

Let’s be real—standards don’t just change for fun. Updates are made to reflect modern risks, expectations, and alignment with other management system frameworks.

The 2023 version of ISO/IEC 17043 is now built on the Annex SL structure, the same backbone as ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001. That means:

• New clause structure
• Fresh language and terminology
• Emphasis on risk-based thinking, leadership, communication, and improvement

A checklist helps you:

• Understand the changes clearly
• Assign responsibilities
• Keep progress visible
• Demonstrate due diligence to your accreditation body

This isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about being audit-ready and future-focused.

Phase 1: Initial Review and Planning

What to Do First:

• Buy and read the ISO/IEC 17043:2023 standard—don’t rely on summaries alone.
• Compare it to the 2010 version and highlight key structural shifts.
• Share a summary of major changes with leadership and technical teams.
• Assign a transition leader or team—someone must own this.
• Set a timeline based on your next reassessment or surveillance audit.

Example: One PT provider I worked with gave themselves a six-month window and scheduled monthly check-ins. By the third month, they’d already completed 60% of their gap closure.

Phase 2: Clause-by-Clause Gap Analysis

What to Evaluate:

• Go through each new clause and ask: Do we meet this? How do we prove it?
• Focus on new or updated clauses, especially:
  • Clause 4 – Impartiality
  • Clause 7 – Process Requirements
  • Clause 9 – Risk-based Thinking
  • Clause 10 – Improvement
• Compare these to your current documentation and controls.

Tip: Use a three-column table: Clause | Current Status | Action Needed

This becomes your working tool for updates, training, and progress tracking.

Phase 3: Documentation Updates

Now that you’ve identified the gaps, it’s time to fix them.

Key Actions:

• Update your quality manual to reflect the 2023 structure.
• Revise procedures to align with:
  • Updated clause references
  • Risk controls and impartiality declarations
  • More robust improvement tracking
• Make sure forms and records match new terminology and expectations.

Watch out: Many PT providers forget to update internal references—make sure all documents, training materials, and audit checklists use the new clause numbers.

Phase 4: Training and Communication

A transition isn’t complete unless your people are on board.

What to Cover:

• Train staff on the structure of the new standard
• Explain how risk and improvement are now embedded throughout the system
• Clarify roles related to impartiality, confidentiality, and leadership accountability
• Communicate why these changes matter—not just what they are

Example: One organization held a half-day workshop to walk through the changes using real examples from their PT schemes. It led to better questions, better engagement, and smoother implementation.

Phase 5: Internal Audits and Management Review

Before your next external audit, your system needs to be tested against the 2023 version.

Steps to Take:

• Revise internal audit checklists to match new clause numbers and concepts
• Conduct a full-scope internal audit against the 2023 standard
• Log findings and assign corrective actions
• Include your transition status in the next management review

This phase is your dress rehearsal. Treat it seriously, and your actual audit will be far less stressful.

Phase 6: Accreditation Body Notification and Audit Prep

Once you’re confident in your transition progress:

Final Actions:

• Inform your accreditation body (AB) of your transition plan
• Submit required documentation (e.g., updated QMS summary or gap analysis)
• Ask if your AB has specific transition milestones or expectations
• Confirm which audit (surveillance or reassessment) will be based on the 2023 version

Most ABs will provide a timeline for transitioning—usually two to three years from the publication date of the new standard—but don’t wait until the last minute. Early preparation avoids surprises.

Pro Tips

• Pro Tip: Use a spreadsheet to track every clause, its status, required action, and owner. Keep it live and updated weekly.
• Pro Tip: Create a “transition binder” (digital or physical) that includes your gap analysis, updated procedures, and audit results.
• Pro Tip: Prioritize clauses that are brand new or significantly changed—Clause 9 on risk is a big one.
• Pro Tip: Include the transition status in your staff meetings—keep it visible so it doesn’t become an afterthought.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting Until the Last Minute

The closer your reassessment audit gets, the more pressure you’ll feel. Spread the work over time, starting now.

Updating Documents Without Context

Simply changing clause numbers isn’t enough. You need to reflect the intent of the new requirements in your procedures and operations.

Not Involving the Right People

Transitioning isn’t just the quality manager’s job. Include technical staff, scheme coordinators, and top management—many new clauses affect their responsibilities.

FAQs

Q: What’s the official deadline to transition to ISO/IEC 17043:2023?
Check with your accreditation body. Most are allowing a transition window through 2025 or early 2026, but some may set earlier dates depending on your reassessment cycle.

Q: Do I need to hire a consultant to complete the transition?
Not necessarily—but having someone guide the gap analysis or audit prep can help if your resources are tight or you’re short on experience.

Q: Can we stay dual-referenced to both versions during the transition?
Temporarily, yes. But ultimately, you’ll need to show full compliance with the 2023 version and phase out references to the 2010 edition.

Plan It Like a Project

Transitioning to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 isn’t just about meeting new requirements—it’s about strengthening your system and showing that your organization can adapt, improve, and lead.

The PT providers I’ve helped through successful transitions didn’t wait until their auditor knocked. They planned ahead, involved the right people, and used a structured checklist to guide every step.

If you’d like a ready-to-use transition checklist template, mapped to the 2023 standard clause-by-clause, let me know. It’s the same tool I’ve used to guide other labs through smooth, confident transitions—and I’m happy to share it.