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How long does it take to get ISO certified?

Wesley Van Zyl

Wesley Van Zyl Answered

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Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a big deal for any organization looking to tighten up its information security management systems (ISMS). It’s natural to wonder, “How long does ISO 27001 certification take?” The timeline really depends on your organization’s size, how complex your processes are, and how close you already are to meeting the standards. But don’t worry—let’s break down everything you need to know about the process, timeline, and factors that come into play.

A Quick Overview of the ISO 27001 Certification Process

Before we dive into how long it takes to get ISO certification, it’s helpful to understand the steps involved. The ISO 27001 certification process typically involves three main phases: planning and preparation, the audit, and then maintaining certification after you’ve earned it.

  1. Planning and preparation: This is where you get your house in order. You’ll assign roles within your organization, define the scope of your ISMS, and conduct a thorough risk assessment to see where you currently stand. It’s essential to get all the necessary documentation and controls in place to meet the ISO 27001 requirements.
  2. The audit: The audit happens in two stages. First, the auditor will review your documentation to make sure your ISMS is set up according to the standard. Then, in the second stage, they’ll take a deeper dive, interviewing employees and verifying that the system works in practice.
  3. Maintaining certification: Congratulations—you’re certified! But that’s not the end. ISO certification requires ongoing work, including yearly surveillance audits to make sure everything is still running smoothly and according to ISO-approved standards.

How Long Does ISO 27001 Certification Take?

So, how long does this whole process take? On average, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to get ISO certification. However, if your organization is smaller and you’ve already got a solid ISMS in place, it might only take around 3 months. On the flip side, if you’re starting from scratch or have a more complex system, it could take longer.

Factors That Affect the Timeline

There are several key factors that can speed up or slow down the ISO 27001 certification process:

  • Size and complexity of the organization: Larger organizations with more intricate systems will naturally need more time to implement the necessary changes and documentation. On the other hand, smaller organizations with simpler processes may find the road to certification a bit quicker.
  • Current level of compliance: If you already have some form of information security management in place, you’re in a good spot. Aligning with ISO 27001 standards will likely be easier and faster. If you’re starting from square one, it’ll take more time to build an ISMS that meets the standard.
  • Resource allocation: The more people and time you can dedicate to the project, the faster you’ll reach your goal. Teams that make ISO 27001 certification a priority and allocate enough resources usually see faster progress.
  • Consultant Assistance: If you want to speed things up, hiring an experienced consultant can help. Consultants know the ins and outs of the ISO 27001 requirements, can assist with documentation, and prepare you for audits, which can really help you shave time off the process.

How Much Does ISO 27001 Certification Cost?

A lot of organizations are not only wondering about time but also asking, “How much does ISO 27001 certification cost?” The cost can vary widely depending on the size of your organization, the complexity of your ISMS, and the certification body you choose. On average, ISO 27001 certification costs range from $10,000 to $30,000. Larger companies will likely be on the higher end of that spectrum due to the increased scope and effort involved.

Breaking Down the Costs

To give you a clearer idea of where your money will go, here’s a breakdown of the typical costs involved:

  • Certification body fees: These are the fees paid to the certification body that conducts your audit. The price varies depending on the reputation of the certification body and how complex your ISMS is.
  • Consulting fees: If you decide to hire a consultant to guide you through the process, that will add to the cost. However, it’s often worth it if you’re looking for expertise to help you get ISO-approved faster.
  • Internal resource costs: Don’t forget to factor in the cost of the time and personnel you’ll need to dedicate internally. You might also need to invest in training, new technology, and documentation to meet the ISO 27001 requirements.

Who Needs ISO 27001 Certification?

So, who needs ISO 27001 certification? If your organization handles sensitive information, like personal data, financial details, or intellectual property, ISO 27001 is an excellent framework to protect that information. This is especially true for industries like finance, healthcare, and tech, where information security is non-negotiable.

Additionally, many businesses require their partners to have ISO certification before they’ll sign a deal. So if you’re looking to win contracts in competitive markets, ISO 27001 certification is a big plus.

The Takeaway

So, how long does it take to get ISO 27001 certification? The process generally takes 6 to 12 months, though it can be shorter or longer depending on your organization’s size, complexity, and how prepared you are. By understanding the steps involved and planning your resources accordingly, you can speed up the process and ultimately boost your organization’s security posture.

When you’re ready to get ISO certification, Scytale can help guide you every step of the way, from preparation to maintaining certification. After all, there’s nothing like peace of mind when you know your organization is ISO-approved and on top of its security game!

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