ISO 27001 Costs of Certification

Explore the likely costs of ISO 27001 certification. From gap analysis, setup costs and audit and certification - what's the real cost of 27001?

Summary of Costs

The following table summarises the typical ISO 27001 costs as a rough order of magnitude.

Cost ComponentSmall Organisation (10-50 Employees)Medium Organisation (50-250 Employees)Large Organisation (250+ Employees)
Gap Analysis£2,000 – £5,000£4,000 – £8,000£7,000 – £15,000
Pre-Certification Consultancy£3,000 – £10,000£8,000 – £20,000£15,000 – £50,000
Certification Costs£4,000 – £10,000£10,000 – £15,000£15,000 – £25,000
Ongoing Maintenance£1,000 – £3,000 per year£3,000 – £8,000 per year£7,000 – £15,000 per year

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant milestone for organisations dedicated to enhancing their information security management systems (ISMS). Certification demonstrates adherence to information security standards and helps build trust with customers and partners.

Increasingly, it is being seen as a cost of doing business, rather than a ‘nice to have’.

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Understanding the associated costs is important for effective budgeting and planning.

This article examines the factors that influence the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining ISO 27001 certification.

It is essential to note that costs can fluctuate based on various factors, both during the preparation for ISO certification and during the actual audit.

We will examine both aspects.

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ISO 27001 Gap Analysis Costs

The ISO 27001 gap analysis identifies the gaps between your current information security practices and ISO 27001 requirements, providing clarity on the steps and resources needed to achieve certification.

The process involves a thorough review of the organisation’s current security posture compared to the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. The report will help identify areas needing improvement and estimate the cost of addressing these gaps.

While some auditors may include this analysis as part of the overall audit costs, it is commonly treated as a separate expense. Therefore, it is worth clarifying with any prospective auditor what is and is not included in their package. Indeed, it may be that you bring in a completely independent and objective consultant (*cough* me) to assess your ISO position for you.

A thorough gap analysis is essential to identify areas where an organisation does not meet ISO 27001 requirements. The decision to include external consultants in this analysis can influence costs. While involving experts can provide valuable insights and accelerate the certification process, it also adds to the expense.

Typical costs for an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis

  • Small Organisation (10-50 employees): £2,000 – £5,000
  • Medium Organisation (50-250 employees): £4,000 – £8,000
  • Large Organisation (250+ employees): £7,000 – £15,000

The cost variation typically depends on the complexity of your existing systems, the number of processes in place, and the level of detail needed during the review.

For more information on the gap analysis stage, see Network Assured’s article on ISO 27001 costs.

Implementation Costs

Implementation involves implementing policies, procedures, and controls necessary to comply with ISO 27001. The extent of this effort varies significantly depending on your organisation’s current security posture.

The cost of this work can vary significantly depending on the organisation’s size, complexity, and the extent of changes required.

Organisations with minimal pre-existing security measures may need substantial investments in new technology, staff training, and process redesign.

All that said, remember that ISO 27001 isn’t about perfection overnight; it’s about meeting the minimum standards in terms of governance and then identifying improvements to implement in a cycle of continuous improvement. So, what I’m saying is; one step at a time.

ISO 27001 Consultancy Costs

Many organisations engage external consultants to efficiently implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS), particularly when internal expertise is limited.

Typical Consultancy Costs

  • Small Organisation (10-50 employees): £3,000 – £10,000
  • Medium Organisation (50-250 employees): £8,000 – £20,000
  • Large Organisation (250+ employees): £15,000 – £50,000

Smaller organisations often rely on more templated solutions, whereas larger enterprises might require a bespoke approach to fit into existing, often complex, structures. The time required to build the ISMS increases significantly as the organisational size grows.

To understand more about consultancy options, Vanta’s guide on ISO 27001 consultants provides detailed insights.

Training and Awareness 

Educating staff about the new policies and procedures is critical to the success of the ISMS.

Training costs can vary widely, depending on the scope and depth of the training required.

Comprehensive training programmes ensure that employees understand their roles and responsibilities within the ISMS, fostering a culture of security awareness across the organisation. This component is essential for both achieving certification and maintaining long-term compliance.

You may need to invest in training on the ISO certification standard for individuals (see my article here on certification for individuals) to get them up to speed on information security, or a more comprehensive organisation-wide training approach with online course materials, or in-person training.

You can do this with free materials like my guidance as part of the ISO 27001 Implementation Tookit, or by buying in-person training courses. You’ll need to evaluate the budget you can make available and determine how many people require training, and then adapt to your specific needs.

Internal Audits

Internal audits regularly assess and ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001, proactively identifying and resolving issues before external certification audits. They could, however, carry a cost. Certainly, I have undertaken internal audits for organisations to help assess their current status, which is similar to a gap analysis but with a focus on reviewing actual records as an auditor would.

This could cost around £2k to £4k, depending on the size and nature of the organisation.

The external audit, conducted by an accredited certification body, is a significant cost component and includes both the initial certification audit and ongoing surveillance audits to maintain certification.

an audit meeting

ISO 27001 Certification Fees

Certification fees charged by accredited bodies depend primarily on the organisation’s size, operational complexity, and the number of locations to be audited.

Fees cover the initial certification audit, any follow-up audits required to address non-conformities, and the regular surveillance audits necessary for maintaining certification.

Obtaining quotes from multiple certification bodies is advisable to ensure competitive pricing and services that meet the organisation’s specific needs.

Certification fees primarily cover the costs of the external audit by an accredited body, including the initial certification audit, follow-up audits for non-conformities, and surveillance audits required for maintaining certification.

Typical ISO 27001 Certification Fees

  • Small Organisation (10-50 employees): £4,000 – £10,000
  • Medium Organisation (50-250 employees): £10,000 – £15,000
  • Large Organisation (250+ employees): £15,000 – £25,000

Smaller organisations often rely on more templated solutions, whereas larger enterprises might require a bespoke approach to fit into existing, often complex, structures. The time required to build the ISMS increases significantly as the organisational size grows.

To understand more about consultancy options, Vanta’s guide on ISO 27001 consultants provides detailed insights.

Factors Influencing ISO 27001 Costs

The costs associated with ISO 27001 certification vary widely based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help organisations better estimate and manage their expenses.

Organisation Size and Complexity

The size and complexity of an organisation significantly influence the cost of ISO 27001 certification.

Larger organisations typically have more complex information systems and more extensive operations, requiring a more detailed audit and potentially more significant changes to meet the standards.

While generally facing lower costs, smaller organisations may still incur substantial expenses if their systems are complex.

Existing Security Measures

The current state of an organisation’s security measures plays a crucial role in determining the certification cost.

Organisations with robust, pre-existing security frameworks may find the transition to ISO 27001 compliance less costly and time-consuming. In contrast, organisations starting from a lower baseline may need to invest heavily in new systems, processes, and staff training to meet the standard’s requirements.

Geographical Spread 

An office building

For organisations with operations spread across multiple locations or countries, the costs can increase due to the need for multiple site audits and the potential complexity of implementing uniform security measures across diverse environments.

Travel and logistics expenses for auditors and internal staff involved in the certification process also add to the overall cost.

Recertification Audits 

Recertification audits ensure that the ISMS continues to meet ISO 27001 standards and adapts to new risks and changes in the organisation. The costs associated with these audits should be factored into the ongoing budget for maintaining certification.

ISO 27001 is not a one-time project; it requires ongoing commitment to maintain certification status. This includes internal audits, certification body surveillance audits, and ISMS updates as business needs evolve.

Typical Recertification Fees

  • Small Organisation (10-50 employees): £1,000 – £3,000 per year
  • Medium Organisation (50-250 employees): £3,000 – £8,000 per year
  • Large Organisation (250+ employees): £7,000 – £15,000 per year

Ongoing ISO 27001 certification costs depend on your organisation’s size and complexity. Larger organisations may need dedicated internal resources to ensure ongoing compliance, whereas smaller companies might outsource this responsibility.

Managing ISO 27001 Certification Costs

The ISO 27001 certification price will vary widely based on the factors previously discussed. However, understanding the general cost range and considerations can help organisations budget and plan for certification.

people reviewing a screen

Importance of Obtaining Multiple Quotes 

Given the variability in costs, organisations should obtain multiple quotes from certification bodies and consultants.

This approach helps in comparing prices and services, ensuring that the organisation gets the best value for its investment.

Engaging with different providers can also provide insights into the scope of services offered and potential hidden costs.

Consideration of Both Upfront and Ongoing Costs

It is essential to consider both the upfront and ongoing costs of ISO 27001 certification.

Upfront costs include the initial assessment, implementation, and certification fees. However, maintaining certification also involves ongoing expenses, such as internal and external audits, continuous training, and periodic updates to the Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Organisations should plan for these ongoing costs to ensure long-term compliance and maximise the benefits of certification.

Other Considerations

  1. Use Templates and Tools – Utilising available templates for policies, risk assessments, and procedures can save significant time and consultancy costs. Many high-quality, free, or low-cost templates are available online that can streamline the setup of your ISMS.
  2. In-House Expertise – If possible, build internal expertise by training your staff. This reduces the need for external consultants. Investing in internal ISO 27001 training can also help to maintain compliance without relying heavily on third-party support.
  3. Phased Implementation – Instead of achieving certification all at once, consider a phased approach. Implementing controls in stages allows you to spread the costs over time and also helps manage resources effectively without overwhelming the organisation.
  4. Choose the Right Certification Body – Certification bodies may charge varying fees, so it’s worth comparing several options to find the most cost-effective one. However, make sure they are accredited and reputable to avoid any issues down the line.
  5. Perform a Thorough Gap Analysis – A detailed gap analysis can prevent unexpected costs later. Addressing gaps early will help avoid additional consultancy fees and the potential need for repeated audits.
  6. Leverage Existing Systems and Processes – Where possible, integrate ISO 27001 requirements into existing processes instead of creating new ones. This can save both time and resources when setting up the ISMS.
  7. Negotiate Fixed-Price Contracts – When working with consultants, consider negotiating fixed-price contracts rather than open-ended agreements. This ensures you clearly understand the costs involved without the risk of overruns.

Conclusion – ISO 27001 Certification Fees

Investing in ISO 27001 certification offers numerous benefits, including enhanced information security, increased customer trust, and potential competitive advantages. While the costs associated with certification can be significant, they are a valuable investment in safeguarding sensitive information and demonstrating a commitment to best practices in information security management.

Planning and budgeting for ISO 27001 certification costs are crucial for ensuring a smooth certification process. By understanding the various cost components and factors influencing the total expenditure, organisations can make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively. Obtaining multiple quotes and considering both upfront and ongoing costs will further aid in financial planning.

Ultimately, the value of ISO 27001 certification extends beyond compliance; it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience in the face of evolving security threats. For organisations committed to maintaining high standards of information security, the benefits of certification far outweigh the direct costs of ISO 27001.

Additional Reading

For other articles that may support you, please take a look at the following;

How To Write an ISO 27001 Project Plan

How To Perform an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis

Building an ISO 27001 Business Case

The ISO 27001 Clauses: Learn How They Work

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Written by

Alan Parker

Alan Parker is an experienced IT governance consultant who’s spent over 30 years helping SMEs and IT teams simplify complex IT challenges. With an Honours Degree in Information Systems, ITIL v3 Expert certification, ITIL v4 Bridge, and PRINCE2 Practitioner accreditation, Alan’s expertise covers project management, ISO 27001 compliance, and service management best practices. Recently named IT Project Expert of the Year (2024, UK).

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