ISO audit checklist

For maximum effectiveness, complete this checklist well before external audits. Walk through each section methodically, gathering objective evidence for each requirement. Don’t just check boxes—document specific findings, identify improvement opportunities, and assign clear responsibilities for addressing any gaps discovered during your internal assessment.

Document each non-conformity with clear evidence and root cause analysis. Develop specific corrective actions with responsible parties and implementation deadlines. You can then follow up to verify effectiveness of the corrections. Use these findings constructively to improve your system rather than assigning blame—non-conformities caught internally are valuable improvement opportunities.

Prioritize issues based on their impact on product/service quality, customer satisfaction, and certification requirements. Address major non-conformities that could prevent certification immediately. Next, tackle systemic issues affecting multiple processes. Finally, address minor improvements that enhance efficiency. Document your prioritization decisions to demonstrate risk-based thinking.

Yes, customize this checklist by adding industry-specific requirements and regulations relevant to your sector. Keep the core ISO requirements intact while incorporating your unique processes, products, or services. Add questions addressing industry risks, specialized equipment, or sector-specific customer requirements to make the audit more relevant to your operations.