External Audits
How external and certification audits work: Stage 1 and Stage 2, surveillance and recertification, and how to prepare for a certification body audit.
External audits are carried out by a certification body to decide whether an organisation earns and keeps its certificate. These articles explain how the process works, from the initial Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessment through surveillance and recertification, and what auditors look for at each step.
They help both auditors and the organisations being audited understand what a certification audit involves, how third party auditing differs from internal and supplier audits, and how the certification cycle fits together over a three year period.
Expect practical detail on what happens at each stage, the findings that come up most often, and how to prepare your evidence and your team so a certification visit goes smoothly and without surprises.
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32 articles in External Audits.
Preparing for Your First ISO 22000 Certification Audit
Preparing for your first ISO 22000 certification audit? This practical guide covers HACCP documentation, PRPs, traceability, management review, common nonconformities, and what to do in the final weeks before your Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits.
Working for a Certification Body: What It Is Really Like
Thinking about working for a certification body? This honest guide covers the day-to-day reality, what certification bodies expect from auditors, how to get approved, and the pressures nobody warns you about.
Time Management During Audits: Staying on Schedule Without Cutting Corners
Audit time management separates good auditors from great ones. Learn practical techniques to stay on schedule without cutting corners, from planning through to the closing meeting.
More Guidance for Second Party Audits: Supply Chain Auditing in ISO 19011:2026
ISO 19011:2026 gives supply chain auditors more specific guidance on second party audits. Here is what changed and how to apply it in your supplier audit programme.
What Is a Special Audit and When Does One Get Triggered?
A special audit is triggered by a specific event outside the normal audit cycle. Learn what causes one, how it works, and what to do when one is called.
Remote Auditing Careers: Auditing from Anywhere in Australia and Beyond
Remote auditing careers offer genuine flexibility for ISO auditors. Learn what remote auditing involves, which audit types suit virtual delivery, and how to build a location-independent audit career in Australia.
What Is a Pre Assessment Audit and Do You Actually Need One?
A pre assessment audit tests your management system before the formal certification audit. Learn what it covers, when it adds value, and how to get the most from it.
What Is a Desktop Audit and How Does It Work in Practice?
A desktop audit is a structured review of documented information conducted off-site. Learn what auditors look for, when it applies, and how to prepare effectively.
What Is a Compliance Audit? A Plain English Guide for Quality and Safety Professionals
A compliance audit checks whether an organisation meets defined requirements from laws, ISO standards, contracts, or internal policies. Learn what they involve and how to prepare.
Remote Auditing in ISO 19011:2026 and the Role of ISO/IEC TS 17012
ISO 19011:2026 formally integrates remote auditing into audit programme planning, supported by ISO/IEC TS 17012. Learn what both documents require and how to apply them in practice.
FSSC 22000 vs ISO 22000: Which Food Safety Certification Do You Need?
ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 both address food safety but serve different markets. This guide explains the key differences, GFSI recognition, and how to choose the right certification for your organisation.
What Is a Joint Audit: How They Work and When to Use One
A joint audit involves two or more auditing organisations auditing the same organisation at the same time. Learn how they work, who leads them, and when they make sense.
How to Get ISO 17100 Certified: The Two Stage Audit and Three Year Cycle
A practical guide to ISO 17100 certification covering the Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit process, surveillance audits, and the three year certification cycle for translation service providers.
What Is a Witness Audit and Why It Matters for Auditor Certification
A witness audit is where an assessor observes you conducting a real audit to evaluate your practical competence. Here is what it involves and how to prepare.
What Is a Remote Audit? How They Work, When to Use Them, and What to Expect
A remote audit is conducted without the auditor being on-site, using video conferencing and digital document sharing. Learn how they work, when to use them, and what auditors need to know.
Third Party Audits Explained: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Expect
Third party audits are independent assessments by accredited certification bodies. This guide explains how they work, what auditors look for, and how to prepare your organisation.
What Is a Recertification Audit and How Should You Prepare for One
A recertification audit renews your ISO certificate at the end of a three year cycle. Learn what auditors check, how it differs from surveillance audits, and how to prepare.
What Is a Surveillance Audit and How Does It Fit Into the Certification Cycle
A surveillance audit is the annual check your certification body conducts between certification and recertification. Learn what is covered, what auditors look for, and how to stay certified.
ISO 9001 for Engineering Firms: What Certification Really Involves
ISO 9001 certification for engineering firms involves more than documentation. This guide covers design controls, contract review, internal audits, and what auditors actually look for.
What Is a Certification Audit? A Plain English Guide for Quality Managers
A certification audit is a third-party assessment that determines whether your management system meets an ISO standard. Learn how it works, what auditors check, and how to prepare.
What Is an External Audit? A Plain English Guide for Quality and HSE Managers
An external audit is an independent assessment of your management system by a party outside your organisation. This guide explains the types, process, and what auditors actually look for.
Stage 1 vs Stage 2 Audits: What Actually Happens at Each Stage
Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits serve different purposes. This guide explains what happens at each stage, what auditors look for, and how to prepare your organisation.
How to Get Audit Ready Before an External Audit
Practical steps to prepare your organisation for an external ISO audit, from pre-audit internal reviews and document checks to briefing your team and handling findings.
On Site Audit Reports: What Goes In and Why It Matters
Learn what belongs in an on site audit report, from scope and findings to conclusions and corrective action requirements, with practical examples from real audit practice.
Opening and Closing Meeting Scripts for Auditors: What to Say and When
Practical opening and closing meeting scripts for ISO auditors. Covers internal and external audits, handling disputes, presenting findings, and what to say at every stage.
How Long Does ISO 9001 Certification Take? A Realistic Timeline
ISO 9001 certification typically takes 3 to 12 months depending on organisation size, system maturity, and available resources. This guide explains each stage and what drives the timeline.
What Happens at Stage 1 and Stage 2 of an ISO 9001 Audit
Understand exactly what happens at Stage 1 and Stage 2 of an ISO 9001 certification audit, what auditors check, and how to prepare your organisation for each stage.
How to Select the Right ISO Certification Body for Your Organisation
Not all certification bodies are the same. Here is what to look for when choosing one and what questions to ask before you sign the contract.
What Happens After Your ISO Certification Expires?
ISO certifications do not automatically renew. Here is what happens if yours lapses, how to reinstate it, and how to avoid the situation in the first place.
What Is a Surveillance Audit and How Does It Differ From Certification?
Surveillance audits happen every year between certifications. Here is what they cover, how they differ from the initial audit, and what to expect.
How to Prepare Your Organisation for an External Audit
Preparation makes the difference between a smooth certification audit and an avoidable nonconformance. This guide covers what to check, how to prepare your team, and what auditors consistently find.
What to Expect During an ISO Certification Audit
Your first ISO certification audit can feel daunting if you do not know what to expect. This guide explains the stage one and stage two audit process, what auditors look for, and how to handle findings.
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