When do you need to start?
Enter your submission date and see when you need to start at the latest and when each step must be done. A first certificate takes about eight months from scratch, although this can vary slightly by standard. Plan for ten months: then you still have time if the auditor finds a major nonconformity or the certification body can only come later.
Submitting on 1 September 2027? Then start by 1 November 2026 at the latest.
- Request quotes with your deadline 10 months ahead, in about 5 minutes 1 November 2026
- Waiting time at the certification body 3 to 4 months, alongside your build-up 1 March 2027
- Build the system About 3 months from scratch 1 February 2027
- Run the system At least 3 months, with internal audit and management review 1 May 2027
- Stage 1 and stage 2 A few weeks in between; what the auditor does per stage 1 June 2027
- Resolve nonconformities and decision A few weeks 1 July 2027
- Slack 2 months for a major or a full schedule 1 September 2027
The date per step is when it must be done, with ISO 9001 from scratch as the example. What determines the time per standard is explained for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, NEN 7510 and ISO 42001. If you already work with fixed agreements, it can be done in four to five months. Is speed crucial? Then also consider implementation support: an implementation partner can take over the research and writing and so speed up the build-up. Running your system and the waiting time at the certification body do not get shorter.
Does the tender come before the certificate?
If you only see the tender when it is published, a European open tender usually gives you at least 45 days, about six weeks. You will not get a first certificate in that time. If the tender asks for a certificate, you must already be certified or have started well before publication. If that is not possible, this is what you can do.
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Ask
Ask in the clarification round whether the certificate may also be provided at the start of the contract, and which other evidence counts. -
Provide other evidence
In a European tender the contracting authority must also accept other evidence of equivalent measures, if you could not obtain the certificate in time through no fault of your own (article 2.96 of the Dutch Public Procurement Act). Think of your manual, your internal audit, your management review and a signed order with a certification body including the audit date. -
Fill in honestly
Do not state in the self-declaration that you have a certificate if you do not have it yet. The contracting authority requests the evidence from the bidder who is awarded the contract. -
Start now for the next one
If you start your system now, you will have the certificate for a next tender.
Whether a contracting authority may require the certificate is answered in the questions below. What the audits cost is listed per standard, for example for ISO 9001.
They requested quotes via CertificeerWijzer
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Several quotations within 1 day
“As a start-up founder you already have enough on your plate. Quickly finding the right partner so you can keep building your company is worth its weight in gold. Happy with our certification body and auditor”
Founder, Dufond B.V. · ISO 27001 -
Switched in 3 weeks
“The switching process went smoothly and professionally. Within 3 weeks we had switched, and the new certification body understands our process approach much better.”
Managing Director, Zeno Zorg B.V. · ISO 9001 -
Saving: €1,500/year
“Thanks to CertificeerWijzer we switched to a certification body that fits our organisation much better. We save €1,500 a year and the audits are at least as good.”
Director, FleGo B.V. · ISO 27001 + NEN 7510
How to get the best partner at a good price
You enter your details once and receive several quotes. Then you choose which party may support your company.
Frequently asked questions
May a contracting authority require an ISO certificate?
Yes, if the requirement is proportionate to the risks of the contract. That is in the Dutch Public Procurement Act 2012 and the Proportionality Guide. An ordinary business customer decides its own requirements.
What if I do not have the certificate in time?
Ask in the clarification round whether the certificate may also be provided at the start of the contract. In a European tender the authority must also accept other evidence of equivalent measures if you could not obtain the certificate in time through no fault of your own.
Do I need to 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.
Am I committed to anything?
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.