How long does it take to become 8A certified?

It can take anywhere from 25 days to over a year to become 8(a) certified, depending on the completeness of the application and the SBA's processing time. The SBA aims for a 90-day turnaround after a complete application is received, but delays are common, especially if information is missing or clarification is needed. The initial preparation and application submission process can take a long time, sometimes months, due to the extensive documentation required.