Every company and organisation are unique. Their sizes, demands, industries, aims, and procedures differ, as well as their goals. This makes it challenging to estimate, based on your own research, how long it will take your organisation to attain ISO certification.
For an ISO management system to be successfully implemented in your company, you must be dedicated to the entire process. When your audit dates are approaching, this entails making the necessary adjustments in accordance with ISO criteria and remaining consistent and up to date on ISO revisions.
Each company will have a different timeline for implementing an ISO standard within their organisation. On average, going through the entire ISO process, including implementation from start to finish, may take around three months to a year.
The time it takes to implement an ISO may be determined by how much change needs to be made to your organisation’s current internal processes. Some areas of your business may already be ISO compliant, whereas others may not – therefore, certain companies may need more time than others to finish full implementation. This will depend on what framework you currently use to run your organisations.
What determines how long it can take to become ISO certified?
The process can seem daunting, and you may expect ISO implementation to be done within a few weeks or a couple of months at best. Still, realistically, several factors must be weighed to determine the time it may take for your organisation to become ISO certified.
Factors that contribute to how long ISO certification will take includes:
- Size of the organisation
- Number of employees in your organisation
- ISO standard you want to become certified to
- Current organisational framework
- If you already have another ISO framework in place
For instance, the ISO certification process may take longer if your organisation is larger or has more employees because there would be a longer process to examine and implement.
If your organisation is minimal, the implementation process and certification may be completed sooner than a large more complex one.
Certification may take longer depending on the ISO standard you wish to implement or the industry you are in if regulations and laws are in place that need to be examined. This will also vary depending on the nation your firm is headquartered in – as in specific countries; ISO may be required for certain businesses.
What is the process towards ISO certification?
The process towards ISO certification involves several steps, each taking a different amount of time depending on the number of variables.
You and your IMSM consultant must first discuss the objectives you hope to realise through ISO certification.
Your internal processes and procedures will be documented once your primary objectives have been established, and an IMSM consultant will look over your organisation’s current practices to see if they comply with the ISO standard you want to be certified to.
After this first evaluation is finished, the IMSM assessor will work with you to create a comprehensive set of management system documents that is relevant to the ISO standard you are obtaining certification to. This set of documents, which will be customised for your organisation, will lay out the guidelines for how your company should conduct itself in accordance with the ISO standard you are implementing.
Additionally, ensuring that your organisation and employees understand the implementation process is essential. Therefore, IMSM offers tailored training programmes for your management system representative(s) to ensure a complete understanding of implementation and consistency across your organisation.
Following the adopting of essential procedures and having attained a thorough grasp of the ISO standard, you will submit your management system to your selected third-party certifying body that is appropriate for your business.
Once it has been determined that your company complies with the ISO standard, certification will be granted.
IMSM’s 5 step certification process
What slows down the ISO certification process?
Multiple roadblocks may appear on your route to earning ISO certification, including delays and difficulties adjusting, time management issues, and a lack of commitment to the process.
Variables that slow down successful ISO implementation include:
- Lack of commitment
- Lack of supportive management and colleagues
- Lack of time
- Laws and regulations in your organisation’s country
- What ISO standard/certification your organisation wishes to implement
- How much your organisation currently conforms to ISO
Various internal and external reasons can cause delays in ISO certification. It is advisable to apply the ISO implementation framework correctly rather than rushing it since implementing an ISO standard must be done appropriately and consistently in line with the standard’s requirements.
What can I do to make my ISO certification processes quicker?
You can make the ISO certification process run smoothly and without delay by removing roadblocks and setbacks on your way there. You can take the following actions to speed up the process:
- Remaining dedicated to the process
- Swiftly responding to updates and requests
- Scheduling availability
- Being organised and having all documents available
- Ensuring all personnel are on board with the process
I am interested in ISO certification
If you are interested in gaining ISO certification for your organisation, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our expert representatives at IMSM.
Please get in touch with us to request your consultation, and we can advise you of the best ISO standard best suited for your organisation and get you started on your journey toward ISO certification.
