How much time is needed before IATF 16949 certification

Answer:

Certification can happen fairly quickly once your management system is ready. Usually, the certification bodies define the time needed, and it is from three to six months after the system is implemented (last document is approved and published). Before the certification, you will have to run the full cycle of your QMS, this includes conducting internal audit and management review.

The typical certification process involves an onsite Pre-Assessment if you desire, a stage-1 Readiness Review of your system, the stage-2 Certification Audit itself, closure of any open issues, a review by the registrar, and the issuance of your certificate.