How much does ISO 9001 certification cost? [Comprehensive Guide 2024]

How much does ISO 9001 certification cost? [Comprehensive Guide 2024]

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Tali Kauffmann
Product Marketer at Seal
5 minute read

ISO 9001 certification is a globally recognised standard that ensures your business meets high-quality management principles. While the certification process can seem daunting, understanding the costs involved can help you plan better.

In this guide, we’ll break down the typical costs for small, medium, and large businesses in the US and UK. We’ll also compare fees from various certification bodies to give you a clear idea of what to expect. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, knowing these details can help you make informed decisions and highlight the benefits of achieving ISO 9001 certification.

What is ISO 9001 certification?

ISO 9001 is a globally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). It provides a set of principles that guide organisations in making sure their products and services consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. At its core, ISO 9001 is about adopting a culture of quality within an organisation and trying to continuously improve processes. 

Factors affecting ISO 9001 certification cost

Understanding what influences the cost of ISO 9001 certification can help you plan better and avoid surprises.

Here are the main factors that affect how much you’ll need to budget:

1. Company size and complexity

The bigger and more complex your company is, the more it will cost to get certified. Larger businesses with many departments and employees need more extensive audits, which of course takes more time and resources.

2. Number of locations

If your business operates in multiple locations, you’ll likely pay more. Each site may need to be audited separately to make sure all the locations meet ISO 9001 standards. This adds to the overall cost.

3. Industry type

Some industries, like pharmaceuticals or manufacturing, have stricter requirements and face more intensive audits. Certification can be made more complicated and expensive as a result. 

4. Current level of compliance

How close your company already is to meeting ISO 9001 standards affects the cost. If you’ve already got strong quality management systems in place, you might spend less. Starting from scratch? You’ll probably need more training, process development, and documentation, which can add up.

5. Certification body chosen

Different certification bodies charge different fees and offer varying levels of service. It’s worth shopping around to compare quotes and services to find the best match for your budget and needs.

6. Internal resource availability

Having a dedicated quality management team and internal auditors can save you money. These internal resources can handle a lot of the preparation work. Without a dedicated team, you may need to spend more on external consultants and training.

7. Ongoing maintenance and surveillance audits

Remember, ISO 9001 certification isn’t a one-and-done deal. You’ll need to maintain your certification with regular internal audits and yearly checks by the certification body. These ongoing costs should be part of your budget planning.

Factors Affecting ISO 9001 Certification Costs

Breakdown of ISO 9001 certification costs

Getting ISO 9001 certified involves a few different costs. Let’s break them down so you know what to expect:

Initial consultation fees

Before you start the certification process, many companies opt for an initial consultation. This helps assess your current quality management system (QMS) and pinpoint areas for improvement. Consultation fees can vary, but you might pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Implementation costs

Implementing ISO 9001 standards often means making some changes in your business. Here are the main costs you might face:

  • Training: employees need to learn the new processes and standards. Training sessions can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how many people need training.
  • Documentation: You’ll need proper documentation to comply with ISO 9001. This might mean creating new documents or updating existing ones, which can take time and resources.
  • Process changes: adopting new processes or tweaking existing ones to meet ISO 9001 standards can involve extra costs, especially if you need new equipment or software.

Certification audit costs

The certification process includes multiple audits, each with its own costs. These audits are done by the certification body you choose and are essential for getting and keeping your certification.

Stage 1 Audit (readiness review)

The Stage 1 Audit is a preliminary review to see if you’re ready for the full certification audit. This audit checks your documentation and initial implementation of ISO 9001 standards. The cost for this audit can range from $1,000 to $3,000. 

Stage 2 Audit (certification audit)

The Stage 2 Audit is the main certification audit where auditors evaluate your QMS in detail to ensure it meets all ISO 9001 requirements. This audit is more comprehensive and therefore more expensive, typically costing between $2,000 and $7,000.

Surveillance audits (annual)

To keep your certification, you need annual surveillance audits. These audits check that your QMS is continuing to comply with ISO 9001 standards. The cost for annual surveillance audits ranges from about $1,000 to $5,000 per year. 

Typical costs for ISO 9001 certification

It’s all good and well explaining potential costs, but what if you just want a straightforward ballpark answer? Of course, the expenses vary widely based on the size of your company and the industry you’re in, so take this with a pinch of salt…

But here’s a straightforward look at what you might expect to pay:

Small businesses

For small businesses, getting ISO 9001 certified typically costs between £3,000 and £6,000 in the UK or $5,000 and $10,000 in the USA. This covers everything from the initial consultation and training to the certification audits. Smaller companies benefit from lower costs because they have simpler processes and fewer employees to train.

Medium-sized businesses

Medium-sized businesses usually see costs ranging from £6,000 to £15,000 in the UK or $10,000 to $20,000 in the USA. These higher costs account for more complex organisational structures, additional training needs, and extensive documentation. If you have multiple locations, that can also bump up the price.

Large enterprises

For large enterprises, the cost of ISO 9001 certification can range from £10,000 to £25,000 in the UK or $15,000 to $50,000 in the USA. Large companies face higher costs due to their complexity, the need for extensive training programs, comprehensive documentation, and multiple audits across various departments and locations.

ISO 9001 Certification Cost Ranges for Businesses in the UK and US

Comparing certification bodies

Different certification bodies charge different fees, and it’s worth comparing their costs and services. Here are a few well-known certification bodies and a rough idea of what they might charge:

European certification bodies

US Certification Bodies

Cost Comparison of ISO 9001 Certification by Certification Body

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ISO 9001 certification costs

Here are some of the most common questions and straightforward answers to help you understand what to expect.

What are the costs of ISO 9001 exams?

There aren’t specific "exams" for ISO 9001 certification. Instead, the costs are for the audits conducted by certification bodies to check your compliance with ISO 9001 standards. These include the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, which together can cost from $4,000 to $13,000,, depending on your organisation’s size and complexity.

How hard is it to get ISO 9001 certified?

How difficult it is to get ISO 9001 certified depends on your current quality management practices. If your business already has strong processes in place, the certification process will be easier and potentially cheaper. If you need to make significant changes to meet ISO 9001 standards, it can be more challenging and costly. But with proper planning and support, businesses of all sizes can achieve certification.

Can small businesses afford ISO 9001 certification?

Yes, small businesses can afford ISO 9001 certification. The initial costs might seem high, but the long-term benefits—like improved efficiency, higher customer satisfaction, and better marketability—often outweigh the expenses. Many small businesses find that investing in ISO 9001 certification pays off through increased business opportunities and operational improvements. Plus, there are usually scaled pricing options to fit smaller budgets.