ISO certification cost calculator

The calculator asks a small number of essential questions. Each question directly affects audit duration, which is the core driver of certification costs. Rather than relying on generic pricing, the calculator uses recognised audit‑time variables to give you a realistic indication of what certification will involve.

Below is a step‑by‑step guide to how it works and why each detail is needed.

Step 1: Select your ISO standards

(ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, ISO 22301)

The number and type of standards you select influence how many audit days are needed. Some standards require more time than others, and integrated audits (for example, 9001 + 14001 together) can reduce duplication.
The calculator uses your selection to estimate how long the certification body will need to assess your system.

Why we need this:
Certification bodies base their pricing on the complexity and number of standards being assessed. More standards = more audit time.

Ask the AI agent:
“Is there an advantage to certifying ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 together?”

Step 2: Choose your employee band

(1–10, 11–25, 26–50, 51–100)

Audit duration increases as workforce size increases, because auditors must sample a wider range of activities, interviews, records and processes. The calculator uses broad employee bands to estimate the required audit time without asking for unnecessary detail.

Why we need this:
UKAS rules specify minimum audit time based on headcount. This is one of the biggest influences on certification cost.

Ask the AI agent:
“How does the number of employees affect ISO audit duration?”

Step 3: Enter your number of locations

If your organisation operates across multiple sites, the certification body must sample each site or a proportion of them depending on the scheme. The calculator includes this so the estimate reflects the additional audit days required for multi‑site operations.

Why we need this:
Each site adds complexity and increases the time required for Stage 1, Stage 2 and surveillance audits.

Ask the AI agent:
“Why do multi‑site companies pay more for certification?”

Step 4: Select your UKAS certification body tier

(Local, National or International)

Certification bodies apply different day rates depending on whether they operate locally, nationally or internationally. The calculator gives you the option to choose the tier that best reflects the type of provider you intend to use.
This does not commit you to a specific certification body — it simply helps create a clearer estimate.

Why we need this:
Audit day rates vary significantly between certification bodies, so selecting a tier creates a more realistic estimate.

Ask the AI agent:
“What’s the difference between local and national certification bodies?”

Step 5: Choose your operational risk level

(Low, Medium, High)

Different industries carry different levels of operational, environmental or information‑security risk. Higher‑risk industries typically require more audit time to verify controls and compliance.
Selecting your risk level allows the calculator to adjust the estimate accordingly.

Why we need this:
Risk level is a recognised factor in determining audit sampling and duration.

Ask the AI agent:
“What counts as a ‘high‑risk’ industry for ISO certification?”

Your estimate: what it represents

When you complete these steps, the calculator provides the highest likely cost for your certification body audit.
This includes:

• Stage 1 audit
• Stage 2 certification audit
• Annual surveillance audits
• Recertification audit at year three

Because the calculator uses upper‑range values, your actual quoted cost is often lower once AvISO has reviewed your scope in detail.

The AI agent can walk you through the estimate, explain any cost drivers, and suggest when it may be beneficial to speak with the consultancy team.

‍Why these details matter

Certification costs are governed by UKAS‑defined audit times. These depend on:

• headcount
• number of sites
• complexity of processes
• number of standards
• level of operational risk

The calculator mirrors these factors to produce an estimate that reflects how certification bodies price their work — avoiding unrealistic online prices or guesswork.

By providing these details up front, you receive a more meaningful indication of cost before entering into a formal proposal conversation.