When do you need to know your certification body?
As early as possible: as soon as you know you want to certify. Certification bodies often plan three to four months ahead. Request quotes straight away and that waiting time runs alongside building your management system. Wait until everything is ready and you are certified three to four months later. This is how it looks, with ISO 9001 as an example.
- Request quotes As soon as you know you want to certify, in about 5 minutes
- Waiting time at the certification body 3 to 4 months, alongside your build-up
- Build the system About 3 months from scratch
- Run the system At least 3 months, with internal audit and management review
- Stage 1 and stage 2 A few weeks in between
- Resolve nonconformities and decision A few weeks; with a major at most 6 months after stage 2
What determines the time per standard is explained for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001, NEN 7510 and ISO 42001. Already working with fixed agreements, such as work instructions and a complaints log? Then for ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 42001 you are ready in four to five months. Does the certificate have to be there on a fixed date, as for a tender? Then start ten months ahead. 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.
This many certification bodies to compare
This many certification bodies are listed with us per standard. With one request you ask the ones that fit your standard and sector for a quote at the same time.
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”
Marc de Vries
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.”
Harry van Buren
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.”
Mathijs Lansink
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
How long is an ISO certificate valid?
Three years from the decision. The first surveillance audit falls within 12 months, then there is a surveillance audit every calendar year and recertification in the third year.
Which standard suits my company?
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.
How do I choose the right certification body?
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.
What does accreditation mean and why does it matter?
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
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.