Average lead time
Most SMEs are ready for the certification audit in three to six months. Factors affecting lead time:
Starting point
Do you already work in a structured way? Then it goes faster.
Available time
Someone has to lead the project.
Complexity
More processes, locations or employees = more work.
Gap analysis 1-2 weeks
Building a system 2-4 months
Implementation 1-2 months
Internal audit 2-4 weeks
Management review 1 day
Certification audit 1-3 days
Total 4 to 7,5 months
Phase 1 and phase 2
The certification audit consists of two phases:
Phase 1
Documentation review
- Duration
- Half to full day
- What's happening
- Auditor reviews your documentation and assesses whether you are ready for phase 2
Phase 2
On-site audit
- Duration
- One to three days
- What's happening
- Auditor checks whether you do in practice what you have recorded
There is usually two to four weeks between phase 1 and phase 2, so that you can resolve any shortcomings.