Frequently asked questions

Yes, 100% free. You pay nothing for our advice, the comparison or the support. Only when you actually choose a certification body do you pay the normal audit costs for your ISO certification - directly to them, not to us.

Certification bodies pay for visibility on our platform. You pay nothing - not for comparing, not for advice. The rates certification bodies charge you are the same as when you approach them directly.

You tell us what you are looking for, and we match you with suitable certification bodies. You receive several quotations, compare them on price and approach, and choose yourself. We support you throughout the process if you wish.

No, nothing at all. You are free to decline quotations, choose another certification body, or decide not to certify at all. No obligations, no small print.

This depends on the size of your organisation and the chosen standard. For an average SME, the process from preparation to certificate usually takes 3 to 6 months. This includes implementing the management system and the audit by the certification body.

Costs vary widely depending on company size, number of locations and the chosen standard. On average, the annual audit costs for an SME are between €2,000 and €5,000. In addition, there are one-off implementation costs if you hire a consultancy.

It is not required, but it can speed up the process considerably. A consultancy helps you set up your management system and prepares you for the audit. Especially for companies without in-house quality expertise this is often valuable.

The best known are ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 27001 (information security) and ISO 14001 (environment). There are also sector-specific standards such as NEN 7510 (healthcare IT) and ISO 22000 (food safety). We help you find the right match.

Look for accreditation (the Dutch accreditation body, UKAS or similar) - this guarantees international recognition. Through CertificeerWijzer you only work with accredited certification bodies, so you do not need to worry about that. Also look at sector experience, availability of auditors and value for money.

Accreditation means that a certification body has itself been checked by an independent supervisor, such as the Dutch accreditation body. This guarantees that your certificate is recognised internationally and that the audit is objective. Read more about how the certification chain works

Yes, you are free to change certification body. Under the international rules (IAF MD 2) you may switch as long as your certificate is valid and not suspended. Your current certification body may not withdraw your certificate just because you switch. The new certification body does carry out a short check of your file before taking over the certification. Read more about the rules

Your certificate remains valid during and after the switch. The new certification body takes over the certification for the same standard and within your existing certification cycle. There is no interruption in your certificate status.

The new certification body reviews your latest audit reports, any open nonconformities and your complaints history. This is called a 'pre-transfer review'. You give permission for your current certification body to share this information. For most companies this is a formality that is arranged within a few days. Read how switching works

In most cases not. The new certification body sees this file check as part of its intake and customer acquisition. Still, it is wise to ask the new certification body in advance, so you do not face any surprises.

On average, switching takes 2-4 weeks from the moment you choose a new certification body. This depends on the availability of the new auditor and the transfer of documentation. We support the whole process and make sure the planning runs smoothly.

Switching itself is generally free: certification bodies usually charge no switching costs, and our service is free and without obligation. What you pay afterwards for the audits and the certificate differs per certification body. Some work with an all-in price, others charge separately for the application, the audits and the certificate. So always compare the total price for the rest of your three-year cycle, not just the first audit.

Then you can simply switch. The new certification body accepts the recent audit and plans the next audit according to the existing schedule. Your audit cycle continues. Only if there are open major nonconformities do you need to resolve them before the switch is final.

Understandable that you think about that. But a new auditor also brings advantages: a fresh look at your processes and sometimes valuable insights your current auditor overlooks. Moreover, new auditors receive your complete file, so they do not start from scratch. Read why companies switch

Less than you think. Most of the work lies with the certification bodies, not with you. You provide your current audit reports and give permission for the transfer. We arrange the rest: collecting quotations, comparing them and coordinating the transfer. Read the full story

Not necessarily. All certification bodies work under internationally recognised accreditation requirements, whether they are accredited by the national accreditation body, UKAS or another body within the IAF network. Price differences arise from company size, efficiency and commercial choices - not from differences in quality. An audit by a cheaper certification body is just as valid as one by a more expensive one.