Summary of Costs

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

Cost Component	Small 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’.

The total expense can range widely based on factors such as your organisation’s size, complexity, chosen certification route, and the approach to implementation.

In this article, I’ll break down typical ISO 27001 costs – from preparation through certification and beyond – and provide tips to manage them efficiently.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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 bring them up to speed on information security, or consider a more comprehensive organisation-wide training approach with online course materials or in-person training.

You can do this with free materials, such as my guidance as part of the ISO 27001 Implementation Toolkit, or by purchasing in-person training courses. You’ll need to evaluate the budget you can make available, determine how many people require training, and then adapt it 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 between £ 2,000 and £ 4,000, 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.

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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.

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.

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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 companies or those with complex processes will incur higher costs. More employees and locations mean a longer audit (more audit days) and possibly more effort to implement controls. For example, a small business might spend on the lower end (~£6k), whereas a large enterprise with complex systems could spend well above £40k for certification

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. Your starting point matters. If you already have many security controls and documentation in place, the gap to comply with ISO 27001 is smaller (reducing implementation costs). Starting from scratch requires more investment in developing policies, procedures, and controls.

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.

Scope of Certification

If you’ve read my other articles on how to approach 27001, you’ll see a recurring theme: keep the scope tight! The broader the scope (i.e., the more departments, offices, or IT systems included), the higher the effort and audit costs. Defining a realistic, focused scope can contain costs.

Geographical Spread 

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.

Certification Body (Accredited vs Non-Accredited)

The auditor you choose for your certification can significantly impact the cost.

Using a UKAS-accredited certification body (in the UK) or other nationally accredited auditors offers a highly recognised certificate (normally only required for government-level contracts), but it typically costs more and takes longer. These accredited routes often require ~6 months of evidence and can cost between £11,000 and £15,000 for the audit.

In contrast, opting for a non-accredited certification body (sometimes chosen for speed or budget) can be faster and cheaper – often £3,000–£5,000 for a small organisation’s audit – albeit with slightly less formal recognition. 9 times out of 10, a non-accredited certification is all anyone needs.

DIY vs Consultant vs Tools

How you implement ISO 27001 affects cost. A do-it-yourself approach using internal staff may save on consultant fees but requires significant staff time and expertise. Hiring an ISO 27001 consultant incurs an upfront cost but can expedite the process and reduce the risk of errors. (We’ll discuss implementation options more below.)

There are also compliance automation tools that can streamline preparation, which come with their own subscription costs.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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Breaking Down the Costs

Implementing ISO 27001 and obtaining certification can be viewed as a phased process, each with its own cost elements: preparation, certification audit, and post-certification maintenance. Here’s what to expect in each stage:

Preparation & Implementation Costs

This includes all the work required to prepare your Information Security Management System (ISMS) for the external audit. Key components:

• Gap Analysis: Many organisations start with a gap assessment to compare current practices against ISO 27001 requirements. This can be done internally or by external experts. A formal gap analysis conducted by a consultant or auditor typically costs a few thousand pounds (e.g., £2k–£5k for a small organisation). It identifies what you need to address, allowing you to allocate your budget efficiently.
• Documentation and Controls Implementation: You’ll need to create or update numerous documents (security policies, risk assessments, procedures, etc.) and implement the necessary controls. If handled in-house, the cost is mainly internal labour (which can be substantial in staff hours). If you lack time or expertise, you may consider purchasing template toolkits or hiring a consultant. For instance, using a consultant to assist with implementation for a small company might range roughly £3k–£10k(more for larger organisations). Iseo Blue offers cost-effective packages for this stage – ranging from a DIY Toolkit (£250) to Hybrid Guided support (£1,625) to Fully Assisted implementation (£4,250) – allowing you to balance cost against the level of support you need. Each of these options can reduce the burden on your team and ensure you meet requirements without overspending.
• Training & Tools: There may be costs for training staff or your implementation team on ISO 27001. This could involve sending someone to an ISO 27001 Lead Implementer course or buying an online course. These costs vary (a multi-day accredited training can be several thousand pounds per attendee, whereas an online implementation course like our DIY ISO 27001 course is only £250). Additionally, you may want to invest in tools for risk assessment, asset management, or compliance tracking. Some organisations opt for compliance software platforms – which can cost from a few thousand up to five figures annually – but these can automate evidence collection and save effort. For many small businesses, a well-structured toolkit and templates are sufficient and far more affordable.
• Internal Audit (Pre-Certification): ISO 27001 requires an internal audit to be conducted before the certification audit. If you have a qualified internal auditor, this only incurs internal time costs. Otherwise, hiring a third-party to conduct an internal audit or “pre-audit” can cost anywhere from zero (if done internally) to a few thousand pounds (£2k–£5k, commonly, or $0–$6k per Vanta’s estimate – see article link below). This is effectively a rehearsal to catch any issues early.

Certification Audit Costs

These are the fees paid to the independent certification body that comes to audit your ISMS and (if all goes well) issue the certificate. Certification audits are typically two-stage for initial certification:

For a small company, the total for Stage 1 + Stage 2 might be on the order of £3,000–£6,000 (approximately, which aligns with non-accredited certifiers; accredited ones will be higher).

Our hybrid and fully-assisted packages assume a ballpark audit cost of approximately £ 3,000 for a small to medium-sized business. Mid-sized organisations may incur audit fees in the £ 10,000+ range, and large enterprises could face fees of £ 15,000 or more just for the certification audit. (One industry analysis noted typical initial audit fees around $14k–$16k for many companies.) It’s wise to obtain quotes from a couple of certification bodies. Ensure you clarify if travel expenses are included and whether a pre-audit is offered.

Also, remember accredited audits will generally cost significantly more and have stricter time requirements (e.g. needing several months of records before they will certify, as UKAS auditors do). Non-accredited bodies often charge less and can certify with only a short history of ISMS operation. Choose what makes sense for your budget and the level of assurance your customers expect.

Annual Maintenance Costs

After getting certified, you must maintain the ISMS and undergo periodic audits:

• Surveillance Audits: In the 2 years following initial certification, most certificates require yearly surveillance audits. These are shorter audits (perhaps 1 day on-site) to ensure you’re still on track. Budget a few thousand per year for these. For example, one estimate puts annual surveillance around $6k–$7.5k (roughly £5k) for medium-sized companies.
• Re-Certification Audit: Every three years, a full re-certification audit (similar in scope to the original Stage 2) is done to renew the certificate for the next cycle. This will be a cost comparable to the initial audit (sometimes slightly less). Ensure you plan for this expense at the 3-year mark – often around year 3 it could be another £4k–£10k depending on size.
• Ongoing ISMS Operation: Additionally, there is the cost of maintaining and improving your ISMS internally. This includes conducting annual internal audits, managing corrective actions, updating documentation, and maintaining staff training and awareness. While it is harder to quantify, it equates to a certain amount of staff time or potential consultant support. Some companies retain a consultant’s services for a few days per year to help with internal audits or continuous improvement, which might cost £ 1,000–£ 3,000 per year for small firms.

To illustrate, here’s a rough cost range by organisation size (combining preparation + certification + first year maintenance):

• Small business (10–50 staff): Perhaps £8k–£15k total in the first year (e.g. £2-5k on gap/prep, a few thousand on templates or part-time consulting, ~£4k audit, plus some internal effort). Doing it very lean with mostly internal work, some have managed to reach around the £5k-£6k mark, especially by using a low-cost certifier – but this demands significant time from an internal champion.
• Medium organisation (50–250 staff): Potentially £15k–£30k in total costs (e.g. higher consulting and audit fees).
• Large enterprise (250+ staff or high complexity): £40k+ is not unusual (some large firms spend over £50k on consultants and preparations, and audit fees could be £15–25k alone). In complex environments, opportunity costs of internal staff time can far exceed the direct fees.

Every case varies. The key is to map out these components for your situation. You can use free tools like ISO 27001 cost calculators, but be cautious – always double-check what is included in any cost estimate.

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Tips to Manage and Reduce Costs

1. Plan Your Route: Decide early whether you truly need an accredited certification or if a non-accredited route suffices for now. If your clients or market don’t insist on a UKAS-accredited certificate, you could save a lot of time and money with a reputable non-accredited certifier (and you can always upgrade later when needed). The difference can be 6+ extra months and easily £10k more in cost for the accredited path. Choose what aligns with your business requirements.
2. Leverage Internal Talent (with Guidance): If you have a capable person on staff, a DIY approach with guidance can help reduce costs. For example, using a comprehensive toolkit and online course can enable your team to implement the ISMS themselves at a fraction of the full consulting fees. Our Do-It-Yourself 27001 Training & Toolkit (which costs just £250) is designed for this scenario – it provides step-by-step guidance and templates so you don’t need to pay a consultant tens of thousands. You still invest staff time, but you avoid “reinventing the wheel” on documentation.
3. Scope Smartly: Only include what’s necessary in your ISMS scope. Certification can cover your entire organisation or just a specific business unit or product. By focusing on the most critical parts (the parts customers care about), you reduce the number of processes and assets to secure and audit. This directly lowers implementation work and auditor days. A common strategy for startups, for instance, is to scope ISO 27001 to the product or service that handles customer data, rather than the entire company.
4. Use Templates and Existing Resources: Developing policies and procedures from scratch is time-consuming (and thus costly). Utilise available ISO 27001 document templates – such as our free Information Security Toolkit, which includes every mandatory document template. Templates ensure you meet requirements without incurring expensive legal or consulting hours for document drafting. Just be sure to customise them to reflect your actual practices (auditors can tell if you use generic text that isn’t followed in reality).
5. Consultancy on Your Terms: If you do need expert help, consider a hybrid consulting model. Instead of hiring a consultant to do everything (which is the most expensive option), you can do some work internally and bring the consultant in for specific, high-value tasks (e.g., a risk assessment workshop or a final pre-audit check). This targeted use of consulting can significantly reduce fees while still providing you with confidence that you’re on the right track. For instance, Iseo Blue’s Hybrid Support package (mentioned earlier) is designed to minimise cost: you do the documentation, and we provide expert reviews and a few workshops to guide you. This keeps the budget low but mitigates the risk of missing something important.
6. Get Multiple Quotes for Auditors: Auditor fees can vary. Always get at least two quotes from certification bodies. Besides price, compare what they include – some might include a free gap assessment or training, others charge separately. Ensure the quote covers Stage 1, Stage 2, and surveillance audits so you understand the 3-year cost commitment. And verify their accreditation status if that matters to you. The goal is not just to find a cheap audit, but a reliable auditor that fits your needs at a fair price.
7. Prepare Thoroughly (to Avoid Re-audits): One hidden cost is failing the audit and requiring a follow-up assessment. You can avoid this by preparing thoroughly: conduct an internal audit and management review before the certifier comes, and fix any non-conformities. If you’re unsure about your readiness, consider a pre-certification audit (some consultants offer mock audits). It’s better to spend a small amount on a pre-audit or an extra consulting day than to pay for the certification body to return for a second visit because you weren’t ready. Getting certified on the first attempt saves money and time.
8. Optimise for Efficiency: Implementing ISO 27001 can sometimes lead to over-engineering, which incurs additional costs. Focus on practical, fit-for-purpose controls. Remember, ISO 27001 is about being effective, not excessive. For example, you don’t need an expensive tool for everything – if a simple spreadsheet or manual process meets the requirement and works for your business, that’s fine. Auditors look for whether you meet the standard, not how much you’ve spent. Avoid unnecessary purchases or overly complex solutions, especially if the budget is tight. Implement the “minimum viable” ISMS that meets the standard and plan to improve it continuously. This philosophy can significantly reduce initial costs.

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Conclusion – ISO 27001 Certification Costs

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.

Finally, view ISO 27001 spending as an investment rather than a pure cost. Achieving certification can open up new business opportunities, satisfy customer security expectations, and potentially save your organisation from costly security incidents through better controls. Many firms now see the expense as “the cost of doing business” in today’s security-conscious market

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Additional Perspectives From Other Sources

To get a fully rounded opinion of ISO 27001 certification costs, here are some curated articles that may help you;

1. IT Governance – Typical ISO 27001 Certification Costs: Offers a comprehensive cost table based on organisation size, with estimates ranging from £6,250 to £33,750 for initial certification. It also explains audit durations and the factors that influence pricing.
2. YourISO – UK Business Guide to ISO 27001 Costs: Breaks down costs into certification body fees, consultancy, internal resources, and recertification. Includes a case study and comparison between UKAS and non-UKAS certification bodies.
3. Cyber Sierra – Complete Cost Breakdown: Provides real-world insights from CISOs, covering hidden costs, employee time, and consulting fees. Estimates total costs from $6,000 to $75,000+, depending on company size and approach.
4. Vanta – How much does ISO 27001 certification cost?“: Explores the expenses involved in pursuing ISO 27001 compliance. Here’s a quick summary of what it covers:
5. OneTrust – ISO 27001 Certification Cost Breakdown Compares three approaches: DIY, consultant-led, and platform-based, with cost ranges for each. Includes audit costs and long-term maintenance, plus tips for minimising expenses.

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FAQs

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