Scope and Timeline Estimator: what shapes your proposal, and how long will it take?

It is Sterling’s planning estimate, confirmed after a gap analysis. The starting ranges are the typical timelines stated on each standard’s page, and the adjustments follow the published rule table on this page. The gap analysis replaces assumptions with facts about your processes, records and people, and the proposal carries the confirmed plan.

Because a figure without a scope would be a guess. Every Sterling proposal is scoped and fixed, with deliverables, responsibilities and assumptions in writing. The estimator names the drivers that shape it; the proposal itemises them, and shows the independent body’s fee separately.

Yes. It runs from kick-off to the independent outcome: the certification decision, the accreditation decision, the service auditor’s report or the validation of compliance. The body’s scheduling of its audit or assessment is part of the range. Sterling never certifies; the certification body audits and decides.

They are alternatives, and you choose one. Under Design™ your team implements with Sterling’s structure, templates, workshops and coaching. Under Drive™ Sterling consultants carry the agreed consulting and documentation work with your process owners. The software, the training and the all-inclusive proposal apply in both.

Yes. An integrated system shares document control, internal audit and management review, so a further standard takes less effort than the first. The estimate starts from the longest typical range among your standards and adds up to three months at the upper end for the integration.

Tell us on the discovery call. A consultant will say plainly what is achievable, what would have to be decided early and what cannot be compressed, such as the period the system must operate to produce evidence. A certificate date promised before anyone understands your business is not a plan.