1. Understand What Type of Audit You’re Facing
Internal, external, surveillance or recertification — know what you’re preparing for. Use a pre-audit checklist to clarify scope and timing.
2. Know What Documentation Is Required
Have policies, registers, audit reports, and objective evidence ready. Align these with your ISO standard (e.g. 9001, 27001).
3. Assign Clear Responsibilities
Nominate an audit coordinator and allocate tasks. Everyone should know who’s responsible for what.
4. Check Evidence Freshness
Ensure policies are current, training is recent, and version control is in place. Keep a document register updated.
5. Review Past Findings
Follow up on non-conformities from previous audits and verify closure with evidence.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Staff should understand procedures and know where to find supporting documentation. Never guess answers.
7. Stay Calm and Organised
Use folders or digital systems aligned with ISO clauses. Only share what’s requested.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes
Outdated records, inconsistent practice, unclear responsibilities and overcomplicated responses are red flags.
9. Demonstrate Continuous Improvement
Show how your system is evolving with corrective actions, KPIs and lessons learned.
10. Celebrate Compliance Wins
Whether certified or not, audits help improve. Acknowledge team effort and set improvement goals.
