If you’re looking into ISO certification for your business, one of the first things you’ll want to understand is the cost. It’s a sensible question, and while prices can vary depending on your organisation and the type of certification you’re aiming for, there are options to suit businesses of all sizes and budgets.
Whether you’re a small company working towards ISO 9001 or a growing organisation looking to strengthen your information security with ISO 27001, there’s flexibility in how you approach certification, including the price. From internal preparation to external audits, you can tailor the process to match your needs and resources.
In this guide, we’ll talk you through the typical costs of some of the most widely used ISO Standards, what influences those costs, and how certification can pay off in the long run. We’ll also share tips on how to keep costs manageable and make the most of your investment with the right support.
What affects the cost of ISO certification?
There’s no strict price tag when it comes to ISO certification. The overall cost depends on several factors, all of which influence how much time, support, and auditing will be involved. Understanding these factors can help you plan your budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs along the way.
Company size and number of employees
Larger companies will often need longer audits, more documentation, and more complex systems, which can increase the cost. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, often benefit from shorter, simpler certification processes.
Complexity of your processes
If your business operates across multiple sites or office spaces, offers a wide range of services, or has detailed supply chains, the certification process will likely be more involved. The more complex your operations, the more time it may take to audit and verify everything properly.
Whether you’re starting from scratch
If you’re already following some of the ISO requirements or have quality, environmental, or information security systems in place, you’ll likely need less preparation. Starting from scratch may lead to more upfront work, such as gap analysis, training, and documentation support, which can increase the starting cost.
Use of consultants vs in-house resources
Some businesses choose to bring in external consultants or use online platforms to guide them through the process, while others handle everything internally. While hiring a consultant is an additional cost, it can often reduce the time it takes to achieve certification and make sure you’re fully prepared for your audit.
Choice of certification body
Not all certification bodies charge the same fees. Accredited certification bodies may have different pricing structures depending on their reputation, service level, and audit approach. It’s worth getting a few quotes to compare your options.
Ongoing surveillance and renewal fees
ISO certification is an ongoing commitment. Most Standards require annual surveillance audits and recertification every three years. These recurring costs should be factored into your long-term budget.
What are the most common ISO certifications and their costs?
ISO certifications are valuable tools for businesses aiming to improve systems such as quality, security, environmental sustainability, and occupational Health & Safety. The costs of gaining these certifications can vary based on factors like company size, complexity, and existing systems. Below, we’ve broken down the typical costs for the most sought-after ISO Standards.
How much does ISO 9001 certification cost?
ISO 9001 is all about quality management. It helps you run your business more smoothly, reduce mistakes, and keep your customers happy.
If you’re a small business, you can usually get started with an initial certification fee of around £1,300 and then annual fees of £1,000 – £2,000 that cover yearly audits. Some packages include a gap analysis to see where you’re at, support with building your quality management system, help getting ready for your audit, and access to templates and tools to keep everything on track.
While some providers bundle these services together, others may charge separately for each stage – such as documentation reviews, system setup, or training. In some cases, you may also need to bring in an external consultant, which can increase costs significantly. It’s always worth checking exactly what’s included up front to avoid hidden fees.
How much does ISO 27001 certification cost?
ISO 27001 is the go-to Standard for managing information security. It helps protect sensitive data, manage risk, and show clients and regulators that you’re taking security seriously.
For most smaller businesses, pricing starts at around £4,000 for initial certification you’ve got multiple sites or a complex IT setup, costs might be higher. Ongoing annual fees—typically for surveillance audits—can range depending on your provider and the complexity of your setup but are around £1,000 – £2,000.
What’s usually included? Support with setting up your information security management system (ISMS), risk assessment templates, policy documents, and a certification audit. You’ll also get annual check-ins to help you stay on top of your security responsibilities. However, not all providers include everything in one price.
Costs can increase if you need staff training, detailed risk management planning, or help with internal audits. Be sure to clarify what’s included to avoid unexpected fees.
How much does ISO 14001 certification cost?
If you’re working to improve your environmental impact, ISO 14001 can help. It’s the Standard for building an environmental management system that helps you stay compliant and show your commitment to sustainability.
For small businesses, certification typically starts at around £1,300, with ongoing annual fees of around £1,000- £2,000 to cover surveillance audits. That usually covers an initial environmental review, your environmental management plan, templates for tracking your goals, and the certification audit.
Remember not all providers include everything up front. Some may charge extra for core services like environmental risk assessments, documentation reviews, or audit readiness support. If you’re in a high-impact industry, operate across multiple sites, or need specialist advice, overall costs may increase—especially if external consultancy is required.
How much does ISO 45001 certification cost?
ISO 45001 focuses on Health & Safety in the workplace. It’s designed to help you manage risks, meet legal requirements, and create a safer working environment for your team.
Most small businesses can expect to pay from £ 1,300 for initial certification and annual surveillance audit fees of around £1,000 – £2,000. Packages often include a gap analysis, support in developing your Health & Safety management system, templates for procedures and risk assessments, and preparation for your certification audit.
As with other Standards, not all providers offer everything under one price. You may encounter extra charges for consultancy, audit preparation, or policy development. The final cost depends on a few things, such as how many employees you have, and how many sites you operate.
While these are good benchmark figures, prices and packages vary depending on who you choose to certify with and how much help you need. If you’re just starting out, it’s worth researching by checking the UKAS website and comparing to non-UKAS options to find an accredited certification body that fits your needs.
Why ISO certification benefits your business in the long run
While ISO certification does come with an upfront cost, many businesses find it pays for itself over time. Whether you’re aiming to improve your internal processes or open doors to new opportunities, becoming ISO certified brings a range of long-term benefits that can positively impact your business.
Financial ROI: Better processes, fewer errors
At its core, ISO certification is about efficiency and consistency. Whether it’s ISO 45001 helping you fine-tune your Health & Safety processes or ISO 27001 tightening your data security, the systems you put in place lead to:
- Fewer mistakes and rework
- Streamlined operations that reduce wasted time and resources
- Improved productivity across teams
These improvements translate into cost savings over time. For example, reducing quality defects or data breaches can prevent expensive problems down the line and save you both time and money.
Competitive advantage in your industry
ISO certification is often a requirement for tenders, contracts, or supplier frameworks – especially when working with large corporations, government bodies, or regulated industries. Even when it’s not mandatory, certification sends a clear signal that your business meets internationally recognised Standards.
This can help you:
- Stand out against non-certified competitors
- Win new contracts and access larger markets
- Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to quality or compliance
Building customer confidence and reputation
ISO certification enhances trust, a valuable asset for any business. Displaying your certification shows customers, clients, and partners that you take quality, safety, security, or environmental impact seriously. This can:
- Boost customer confidence in your services
- Help you attract more business through word of mouth or online reviews
- Strengthen your brand reputation over time
Reducing risk and strengthening compliance
Each ISO Standard is built around a process of identifying, managing, and reducing risk, whether it’s data security risks in ISO 27001 or Health & Safety hazards in ISO 45001.
This proactive approach helps you:
- Stay compliant with relevant legislation and regulations
- Avoid costly fines or legal issues
- Build a safer, more stable business foundation
Together, these benefits make ISO certification not just a one-off achievement, but a smart investment in the future of your business.
Get ISO certification-ready with Be Certified
ISO certification can feel like a big task, but it doesn’t have to be. At Be Certified, we make it easier to get prepared, stay on track, and pass your audit with confidence.
Whether you’re aiming for ISO 9001, 27001 or 45001, our certification platform gives you the tools and support to get it done without the added stress.
What you get with Be Certified:
- Templates that save you hours of work
- Clear guidance on what auditors expect
- Expert support through your chosen ISO Standard
We keep things simple, practical, and focused so you can get certified without the stress.
Ready to get started? Book your demo today or get in touch – we’re here to help!
