An effective Internal Audit program is more than just meeting requirements. It is the backbone of continual improvement, the health check of your Management System, and one of the most reliable predictors of certification success.

In this article, we explore why the Internal Audit plays such a crucial role in Management System implementation and Certification Readiness, and how developing skilled Internal Auditors gives organisations a powerful competitive advantage.

Why Internal Audits Matter Before Certification

Before the Certification Audit, organisations undergo several stages of system development: planning, documentation, implementation, monitoring and finally, readiness assessment. At every stage, the Internal Audit is the mechanism that ensures the system is not only conforming, but also effective and integrated into everyday operations.

1. Internal Audits Verify That Your System Is Implemented, Not Just Documented

Many organisations mistakenly believe a set of polished documents is enough to pass Certification. Certification Bodies, however, focus heavily on whether your system is actually operating as intended.

A well-structured Internal Audit checks:

If the system is not truly implemented, the Internal Audit will reveal gaps early, long before the Certification Body does.

2. Internal Audits Identify Risks, Inefficiencies and Blind Spots

ISO Management System Standards are built around risk-based thinking and continual improvement. Internal Audits help organisations:

This insight guides Management System refinement and ensures readiness for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits.

3. Internal Audits Are a Mandatory Requirement of ISO Standards

Standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 require organisations to conduct Internal Audits at planned intervals. This requirement exists because Internal Audits provide assurance that the system:

Skipping or rushing Internal Audits is one of the most common reasons organisations fail certification, as it can lead to a major Non-Conformance or simply leave critical gaps in the system unnoticed, undermining its effectiveness and leaving the organisation unprepared for the Certification Audit.

The Internal Auditor: A Key Role in Certification Success

Internal Auditors bridge the gap between the system’s intention and its real-world behaviour. Their findings directly influence senior management decisions, improvement planning and certification readiness.

Who Can Be an Internal Auditor

Who conducts Internal Audits depends on the organisation’s size, resources, and objectives. Audits can be carried out by trained internal staff or hired third-party consultants/external auditors. Each option has benefits: internal auditors understand the business in detail, while hired third-party consultants/external auditors offer independence and specialised experience. What matters most is that auditors are qualified, objective, and follow structured auditing practices.

ISO Management System Standards also require that Internal Auditors be deemed competent, and the Certification Body auditor may ask for proof of that. This means auditors must have the necessary knowledge of the relevant Standard, understand auditing principles, and be able to objectively evaluate processes. Competence can be achieved through formal training and practical experience.

Many organisations select staff from different departments to bring diverse perspectives, ensuring audits are comprehensive, objective and fair. With proper training, like our Management System Internal Auditor Course, any motivated employee can develop the skills to conduct professional, reliable audits that contribute directly to business improvement and certification readiness.

An Effective Internal Auditor Must Be Able To:

Unfortunately, many organisations assign Internal Audits to staff without proper training. This leads to biased and superficial audits, missed nonconformities and an inflated sense of readiness, until the Certification Audit reveals the truth.

How Internal Audits Strengthen Certification Readiness

1. They Validate the Maturity of the System

Skilled Internal Auditors can gauge whether the system is fully implemented and improving over time. Their reports provide evidence to management and external auditors that the system is ready for certification.

2. They Ensure Objective, Evidence-Based Evaluation

Certification Auditors expect Internal Audit results that demonstrate:

A strong Internal Audit process gives Certification Bodies confidence in the system’s integrity.

3. They Help Avoid Unexpected Nonconformities During Certification

The Certification Audit should never be the first time an organisation discovers a nonconformity. Internal Audits allow organisations to identify, address and close issues with enough time before certification, saving time, cost and reputational risk.

Internal Audit Training: The Smartest Investment in Certification Success

Training your Internal Auditors is the fastest, most effective way to strengthen your Management System. At ICExperts Academy, our Management System Internal Auditor Course equips learners with:

Organisations with trained Internal Auditors consistently report:

Common Mistakes Organisations Make with Internal Audits

Mistake 1: Auditing only documents instead of processes

This results in a shallow system that fails under real operational review.

Mistake 2: Conducting audits too close to the Certification Audit

Leaving no time to fix issues increases the risk of failing certification.

Mistake 3: Using untrained or inexperienced auditors

This leads to missed or weak findings and unreliable results.

Internal Audits, when conducted properly, prevent these pitfalls and set the organisation up for certification success.

Mistake 4: Stopping Internal Audits After Certification

Some organisations make the mistake of treating certification as the finish line and stop conducting Internal Audits once they achieve it. This undermines the ongoing effectiveness of the Management System, increases the risk of nonconformities going unnoticed, and can jeopardise future surveillance and recertification audits. Internal Audits are an ongoing requirement of ISO Standards and should be maintained as part of a robust, living Management System.

Final Thoughts: Internal Audits Are the Foundation of a Mature, Certifiable Management System

A Management System cannot thrive without robust Internal Audits. They ensure the system is working, improving, conforming and aligned with strategic objectives—and they are essential for certification success. For organisations preparing for achieving and maintaining ISO Certification, skilled Internal Auditors are not optional, but indispensable.

For organisations preparing for achieving and maintaining ISO Certification, skilled Internal Auditors are not optional, but indispensable.

At ICExperts Academy, we’re committed to empowering professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to become confident and effective Internal Auditors. With our Management System Internal Auditor Course, you learn the principles, techniques and real-world skills to conduct effective Internal Audits. Enrol today!

The post The Critical Role of Internal Audits in the ISO Certification Process appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

Both certification audits and surveillance audits are conducted by independent accredited  Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), meaning they are both classified as external audits. These audits provide an objective, third-party assessment of whether your management system meets the requirements of the applicable ISO standard in order to achieve or maintain Certification.

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the initial certification and the surveillance audits, as well as why internal audits are essential, and show how ICExperts Academy’s Management System Internal Auditor online course equips you with the skills to conduct audits confidently and professionally.

Keep reading as we will cover:

What is a Certification Audit?

A certification audit is the first formal evaluation conducted by an accredited, independent Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), for an organisation wishing to become Certified. Its purpose is to verify that the management system meets the requirements of the relevant ISO standard, and a successful outcome results in the ISO Certification to the relevant standard being issued. Common standards include:

The initial certification audit is typically structured in two stages:

1. Stage 1 – Documentation Review: The auditor examines the organisation’s policies, procedures, and system design. This stage identifies gaps, evaluates readiness, and determines if the organisation is prepared for a full implementation audit.
2. Stage 2 – Implementation Review: The auditor assesses the actual operation of the management system. They review evidence, interview staff, and verify that processes are implemented effectively.

Upon successful completion, the organisation is awarded with the desired ISO certification, which is generally valid for three years. Once a year the CAB auditor returns for a surveillance audit. Upon completion of the third year of Certification, a Re-Certification audit is conducted to renew the 3 year Certification cycle. The re-Certification audit is similar to the initial certification audit, but is shorter, and not broken down into Stage 1 and Stage 2.

What is a Surveillance Audit?

After the initial certification, surveillance audits typically occur annually. Surveillance audits are not as extensive as the initial certification audit, but they serve a critical role in maintaining conformance and facilitating continual improvement.

Key points about surveillance audits:

Unlike the certification audit, which is more comprehensive, surveillance audits are more targeted. They may include sampling certain processes, reviewing a subset of documentation, or focusing on areas identified as high risk.

The Limitations of External Audits

While certification and surveillance audits are essential to achieve and maintain Certification, relying solely on external audits carries risks:

This is why organisations and independent professionals must focus on internal auditing capability. Internal audits provide continuous monitoring, enabling proactive detection and correction of issues before they impact external audits.

Why Internal Audits Are Essential – and Required!

Internal audits are a fundamental part of effective management systems, and are a direct requirement of the Management System Standards. They serve multiple purposes:

1. Early Detection of Nonconformities – Internal audits help identify process weaknesses, incomplete documentation, or misaligned procedures before they escalate into major issues or go to external audits.
2. Maintaining ISO Readiness – Regular internal audits ensure your organisation is always prepared for external certification or surveillance audits.
3. Supporting Continual Improvement – Findings from internal audits feed into management reviews and improvement initiatives.
4. Building a Conformance Culture – Conducting audits internally encourages staff to understand and follow the organisation’s own requirements and ISO requirements consistently, fostering accountability across the organisation.
5. Reducing External Dependence – Organisations with strong internal audit capabilities rely less on costly consultancy services for audit preparation or remediation.
6. Meeting ISO Standards requirements – Not conducting Internal Audits may result in a major non-conformance to organisations, jeopardising the Certification.

ICExperts Academy’s Management System Internal Auditor Course

Whether you are an internal staff member or an independent ISO consultant, ICExperts Academy’s Management System Internal Auditor online course provides the practical skills, resources and knowledge required to conduct effective internal audits.

Course Highlights:

Who Benefits from the Internal Auditor Course?

How Internal Audits Complement External Audits

Internal audits are not optional, but a mandatory requirement of ISO management system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001. Their purpose goes far beyond simply “checking the system”. Internal audits provide assurance that the management system is functioning as intended, identify areas for improvement, and help maintain readiness for external audits.

The internal audits are essential for maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and improvement of the management system, making them a valuable process in preparation for the external audits. Well-conducted internal audits will minimise the risks at external audits, improve the business, and help organisations be confident for the external audits.

Whether you’re a professional working across multiple organisations or an internal staff member responsible for conformance, the Management System Internal Auditor course from ICExperts Academy equips you with the skills, knowledge, and tools to conduct effective internal audits, maintain ISO readiness, and support continual improvement.

Invest in your skills today and build a strong foundation for long-term ISO conformance and business excellence.

Enrol here in the Management System Internal Auditor Course

The post Understand the Difference Between Certification Audits and Surveillance Audits appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

With growing technological transformation trends as more organisations seek to adapt to the digital age, there has never been a better time for organisations to invest in robust and efficient Management Systems to support the quality of their operations and outputs.

This is why understanding ISO Standards and auditing against their requirements for Certification to ISO Standards has been recognised as one of the most strategic upskilling opportunities for industry professionals. Business leaders and top managers who can provide expert insights into process or system improvements for their organisations are ultimately going to be a major asset.

A strong understanding of Certification and internal audit processes can also be valuable for professionals looking to qualify for promotions to department head or even shift their career path. If you’re looking to learn more about how Management System Internal Auditor training can elevate your career, read on as we highlight some of the top ISO career pathways available for professionals with knowledge of the ISO Standards, Management Systems implementations, and internal audit processes.

Top Career Pathways for Professionals with ISO Standards Internal Auditor Training

Top Industries for Management Systems Internal Auditors

Top Career Pathways for Professionals with ISO Standards Internal Auditor Training

Management Systems Internal Auditors

This could be a dedicated role in a large organisation, or part of the job responsibilities in an overarching position. Management Systems Internal Auditors perform a diverse role where the required knowledge may also be dictated by the industries or sectors occupied. 

At a foundational level, in addition to the core principles of conducting a Management System Internal Audit, Auditors are required to maintain a working understanding of the different types of audits as well as best practices for developing internal audit schedules. This requires Management Systems Internal Auditors to not only be detail-oriented and methodical, but also to have effective communication styles that allow them to connect with all staff and stakeholders across an organisation.

Quality or Compliance Managers

Both Quality Managers and Compliance Managers are required to maintain a robust understanding of ISO Standards and the auditing process. This is due to the nature of their work, usually including the responsibility over the Business Management System and its conformance to standards such as the ISO Management System Standards.

Quality Managers and Compliance Managers are an essential component of any organisation that’s looking to invest in Certification to ISO Standards. With globalisation trends adding more competitors to local markets, more Australian organisations are incorporating Certification objectives to their collective goals. This means that Quality Managers and Compliance Managers are poised to become two in-demand roles across the digital age, as Certification to the ISO Standards simultaneously becomes a higher priority for future-oriented organisations.

Professional Consultants

If working in-house isn’t your cup of tea, professionals with Management Systems Internal Auditor training may qualify to work as a Consultant in the ISO Management System Standards space. These third party service providers effectively support organisations in developing strategies for Certification to ISO Standards, implementing Management Systems and can also conduct internal audits of management systems to help clients reach their established business goals.

Being third party service providers, Professional Consultants have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of organisations and across industries. The exposure to different Management System projects is also ideal for people who enjoy continual learning and relish in problem-solving.

Senior Business Managers

Leadership commitment is essential for the implementation and maintenance of ISO Management Systems. For business owners and stakeholders who are looking to implement or uphold Management Systems, hiring senior management that understand the value of these systems and the continual improvement benefits of a well executed internal audit program can naturally aid in streamlining implementation initiatives as well as internal audit processes.

For professionals looking for business management positions in larger organisations or even transnational companies, internal auditor training can help move your CV to the top of the pile. This is because employers in these higher profile organisations commonly screen candidates for their proficiency with ISO Standards, as well as for competency that would enable candidates to effectively contribute to management reviews.

Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

Understanding the full commercial benefits of ISO Management Systems requires a certain level of business acumen. For this reason, internal auditor training can be just as valuable for aspiring entrepreneurs as it is for professionals.
 
As one of the primary benefits of internal audit processes is supporting business continuity, knowledge of ISO Standards and processes can also be beneficial for aspiring business owners. For startup entrepreneurs, having audit processes in place to support the longevity of your organisational operations can provide a vote of confidence for potential clients or even industry talent, helping you build your organisation sustainably.

Educators & Industry Body Representatives

At the highest level, professionals with Management Systems Internal Auditor qualification (and potentially other academic qualifications) can perform in directorial positions or participate in boards for industry bodies. These figures oversee the development of state and union regulations within a defined industry. 

Professionals may qualify for board positions with industry regulatory bodies by working extensively within an industry and becoming involved in industry events and other initiatives. Similarly, professionals may opt to further their careers within the ISO industry by seeking post-graduate degrees alongside Management Systems Internal Auditor training to take on roles as tertiary educators.

Top Industries for Management Systems Internal Auditors

Now that we’ve explored the top ISO career pathways, let’s take a look at which industries and sectors are poised to provide the most professional opportunities for Management Systems Internal Auditors in Australia.

Project Management

Internal Management Systems Auditors with project management qualifications are highly sought after across a range of industries in Australia, including commercial construction, civil engineering projects, and corporate projects. 

The main reason behind the growth in demand for management system internal audit skills across project management roles is simply because more industries are looking to invest in quality. These measures aid in upholding stakeholder expectations and confidence, and supporting risk management and mitigation processes across high-profile projects like civil works.

Manufacturing 

For materials and goods manufacturing, ISO Management Systems can aid in reducing operating costs whilst maximising efficiency and production chain outputs. Certification to ISO Standards like ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 is essential for future-oriented Australian manufacturers.

As manufacturers are also likely to implement Management Systems that incorporate multiple ISO Standards, experienced internal auditors are always recognised as a valuable resource within this industry.

Defence Industries

Qualifying for government tenders and other high-profile contracts typically requires organisations to maintain specific trust signals, including Certification to ISO Management System Standards.

For defence-related industries, Certification to ISO 9001:2015 is typically considered to be foundational for gaining tenders, with ISO 27001:2022 also being recognised for information technology and cybersecurity enterprises operating within the defence sector. Internal Management Systems Auditors play a key role in implementing and maintaining these dynamic systems, ensuring defence contractors are consistently equipped to take on competitive tenders.

Healthcare

In the healthcare industry, patient safety, regulatory compliance, safety of confidential and patient information, and quality of care are paramount – making Certification to ISO Management System Standards not just beneficial, but often essential. ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety, and ISO 27001:2022 for Information Security are particularly relevant for healthcare providers and aged care facilities.

Internal Management Systems Auditors play a critical role in this industry, ensuring that these organisations continuously meet stringent internal and external requirements. Through regular audits and improvement initiatives, these professionals help healthcare organisations reduce risk, enhance service delivery, and maintain compliance with regulatory bodies, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and organisational resilience.

Education

Australia’s education sector is governed by strict regulatory standards, primarily to support course completion rates for institutions at all learning levels. Across higher education in particular, internal audits and assessments are essential for maintaining course quality and ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter the wider workforce.

Commence your ISO Career with our Internal Auditor Qualifications

With all the pathways and growth opportunities shared above, it’s clear to see that Management Systems Internal Auditor training is ultimately an investment in your own professional development. Knowledge on the ISO Standards and the Internal Auditing process can add value to your CV, namely by signalling to employers that you have the relevant experience and training needed to not only uphold but also to improve organisational processes.

Our team at ICExperts Academy strives to make sure that our courses provide only the most up-to-date modules and learning resources. Continuous improvements to course materials ensures that all of our internal auditor training provides only real-world templates for conducting internal audits and developing internal audit schedules. By providing all the most up-to-date theory teachings, insights and applications, our Management Systems Internal Auditor training gets you ready for all the realities of a career as an Internal Auditor, consultant, business leader, and all of the other career pathways we’ve outlined here today. 

Want to know more about your ISO career pathways and opportunities that may be available to you with our course qualifications? Then leave an enquiry with our team at ICExperts Academy.

The post Top ISO Career Pathways in Australia: What Opportunities are Available to you? appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

Flexible online courses have made upskilling far more accessible for professionals. The sheer variety of tailored digital courses available has also allowed online learners to take full control of their professional development, and enjoy the benefits that accompany curating your upskilling to align with your unique professional goals.

Whilst online learning capabilities have equipped professionals with more upskilling opportunities, digital classrooms and courses aren’t without their own challenges. In designing our own courses in the ISO space, our experts tackled some of the most common challenges of online learning in order to identify the best possible solutions for internal auditor development.

We’ll be sharing our findings today, alongside outlining how our Management System Internal Auditor course has been expressly designed to maximise the allowances of online learning and support efficient upskilling for busy professionals.

7 Common Challenges of Online Learning

To begin, let’s examine the top 7 most common challenges of online learning as identified by our experienced course developers at ICExperts Academy. We’ll also be providing insights into the most suitable solutions to each of these online learning challenges below.

1. Lack of face-to-face engagement

A lack of face-to-face interactions with peers and educators can strip digital learners of vital opportunities to reinforce new knowledge via classroom discussions. For visual learners, having information provided not only aurally but also by a present educator, with eye contact, and with accompanying visual aids (i.e. animations, graphs, interactive whiteboards, etc.) supports the absorption of course materials by engaging multiple senses, building correlations, and better triggering memorisation. 

To mitigate this challenge, our courses use rich media content (i.e. videos and quizzes), direct channels for questions to support engagement virtually, and include access to the Exemplar Global professional network for one year.

2. Lack of student motivation

As online learning courses are typically less cost-intensive and may even be less time-intensive than courses that are delivered on-campus, online students can experience a lack of motivation in accessing and engaging with their coursework. This can be due to underestimating the level of engagement required to make the most of your digital learning experience. Yes, online courses do provide more flexibility, but like all experiential learning opportunities, you must be actively engaged to effectively absorb course content.

The solution here is to ensure that you:

1. are fully aware of the immediate benefits of completing your online course, and
2. have the tools you need to meet all outlined learning outcomes and objectives.

It’s a lot easier to reach an established checkpoint if you know what’s needed from you along the way. Our online course has been designed with this ethos in mind, providing internal auditors in training with three structured chapters that all include well-defined modules and learning objectives to support student engagement.

3. Requires self-guided study skills

One key concern for all online educators is ensuring that their digital course material is accessible to all types of learners. Sadly, students who haven’t developed self-guided study skills independently may struggle with the reduced support of online courses.

That’s why our internal auditor course integrates study practices into lesson and module materials, ensuring that students aren’t just engaging with course material, but also actively applying the framework and utilising the tools that will support knowledge retention. Our internal auditor course doesn’t just highlight theory, but also includes:

Compared to traditional courses that focus mainly on theory without practice, our internal auditor course is rooted in real-world applications, allowing students to hone self-guided skills that they can use throughout their careers.

4. Tech inaccessibility

The issue with providing online learning modules and rich media content is that not all students may be able to access this content due to tech limitations. For instance, if you’re facilitating digital classroom environments and a student doesn’t have access to a webcam or a reliable internet connection, that student will be at a disadvantage. 

Digital classrooms can also cause frustrations in the event that students experience technical issues like lost connections, lagging video feeds, and glitches or operating errors within their learning platforms.

Our internal auditor course is designed to support students in accessing course materials at their own pace. Our course materials can be accessed easily online from our cloud-based platform, from any device and without the need to install any applications or plugins whatsoever.

And unlike other online courses which use some pretty clunky training platforms, our course platform is designed to be user-friendly, with easily digestible content and even ready-to-use templates for students to download freely.

5. Spatial/time limitations

Alongside requiring self-motivated study skills, online courses typically also require students to maintain access to reliable study spaces and study windows. This can result in spatial and time limitations (i.e. finding a quiet space to study or managing learning schedules amidst other responsibilities).

A common concern amongst online students who are also juggling full-time work responsibilities, this learning barrier can be addressed by designing courses with flexible deadlines and asynchronous content, allowing students to study at their own pace and manage their study environments more effectively.

6. Inefficient course structures 

Efficient course structures with a well-designed information flow help students to follow lessons and grasp key concepts, by equipping them with the thought process they need to identify correlations between foundational and advanced course content.

At ICExperts Academy, we regularly review course designs with student feedback received to ensure clarity, logical progression, and alignment with learning objectives. We uphold the quality of our internal auditor course by:

Our Management System Internal Auditor course structure is designed in a logical and practical way, providing key principles, and then going through the steps that an Internal Audit would in the real world.

In the context of ISO Management System Internal Auditing, it’s crucial for students to also select internationally certified training providers. Read more about Why you should choose an Internationally Certified training course.

7. Undelivered course outcomes

The single most important element of management system internal auditor training is making sure students develop the key skills needed to perform well in their new role. If online courses fail to provide these outcomes, they will likely leave professionals feeling unprepared, which can naturally then affect employment success and/or role performance.

Alongside ensuring that our online courses are designed with intuitive structures, we also establish clear course objectives and offer a Competency assessment to ensure students are ready to conduct Internal Audits of Management Systems.

The Certificate of Competency is optional and provides the students an opportunity to have their internal audit process and report assessed by one of our Experts. Note that during audits with Conformity Assessment Bodies, the Certification Auditor will usually ask how the internal auditor was deemed competent to conduct the organisation’s internal audits, and this Certificate, in addition to the Certificate of Completion, will ensure that criteria are met.

How On Learning Supports Internal Auditor Training

As you can see, online learning has its fair share of challenges – but some digital courses contend with these barriers more than others. In fact, in the context of internal auditor training, elements of online learning actually work in tandem with course materials to help students develop hands-on auditor skills.

Here are just some of the ways that the elements of online learning can actually enhance the efficacy of internal auditor courses:

Self-study

Conducting management system internal audits requires a strong foundational understanding of the many components and processes that must be followed when meeting requirements of the  ISO Standards. Understanding the difference between audits, inspections, and checks, and even understanding all the different types of audits is essential when both gaining qualifications to become an internal auditor, but also when planning, preparing, and reporting on audits throughout your career.

For Management System Internal Auditors, engaging in self-study and revision of their industry knowledge is key, so honing self-study skills via online learning can only provide benefits to newer generations of auditors.

Organisation

Creating an internal audit schedule requires a high level of organisation. The compiling of documentation and protocols for Management Systems and their implementation are time-intensive processes that are only exacerbated by poor organisational skills. 

Thankfully, the self-guided nature of online learning requires internal auditors to develop high-level organisation skills alongside engaging with industry knowledge through their formal auditor training. The detailed, linear structure of our online course is also designed to mirror the flow of an effective implementation strategy.

Consistency

Internal Auditors know that adhering to ISO Management System Standards doesn’t just stop at achieving Certification. Maintaining conformance requires consistent management reviews, routine internal audits, and a commitment to supporting business process improvements.

Just as consistency is key in implementing a Management System, it’s also vital to embarking on the next steps following achieving Certification to ISO Standards. Consistency and comfort with routines and schedules is also vital for students enrolled in online courses. 

Proactive participation

Internal auditors, unlike Certification auditors, can involve themselves in management system improvements. So, Management System Internal Auditors should feel comfortable to go where the action is and ask their auditees all the necessary questions that will facilitate continual improvement and help them achieve and maintain Certification.

As internal auditors are typically required to jump in with both feet and have difficult conversations or perhaps even deal with difficult people, a proactive, can-do approach is vital for our graduates. Proactive approaches are also vital for academic success as an online student, which is yet another reason why online learning is so effective for internal auditor training.

Technological proficiency

The process of integrating a Management System commonly involves utilising and understanding operational technologies (i.e. business management software, office computing devices, factory/production equipment, etc.). As a result, Management System Internal Auditors are required to develop a high-level understanding of various industry technologies to assist their auditees.

The self-guided and digitalised nature of online learning provides students with ample opportunities to build foundational digital and computer literacy skills, equipping internal auditors with the necessary technological training right alongside their preliminary engagement with industry knowledge.

Harness Online Learning for your Internal Auditor Training

At ICExperts Academy, our training courses are internationally recognised by Exemplar Global. Providing theory along with templates, accessible short videos, exercises and real-life examples, our Management System Internal Auditor online course provides all the necessary structure and materials to feel prepared when starting out as an internal auditor.

Our course materials are also guaranteed to be valuable resources for your ongoing auditor growth, allowing you to maintain access to fundamental knowledge bases alongside building on your foundational auditor skills with the main ISO Management System Standards.

Want to learn more about our Management System Internal Auditor course? Get in touch with our team at ICExperts Academy or call us at 1300 614 897 for more information on our online learning resources today.

The post Overcoming 7 Common Challenges of Online Internal Auditor Training appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

Before we jump into the tips though, let’s ensure we are on the same page about what an internal audit schedule is. 

What is an Internal Audit schedule or plan?

Internal Audits serve as a crucial tool for maintaining conformance with ISO Management System Standard(s), identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring efficient operations. Internal Audits can be strategically scheduled throughout the year, tailored to specific business areas or departments, various locations, and varying durations, with distinct teams overseeing each. 

An internal audit schedule or plan has a predefined timeline that indicates not only when internal audits will be carried out, but also by whom, along with other relevant information such as the scope of the audits, the criteria to be evaluated, and the frequency of the audits. A well-structured internal audit plan is essential for organisations to assess their processes and controls to mitigate risks and enhance overall performance.

5 tips for a successful Internal Audit schedule 

1. Comprehensive Knowledge of ISO Standards

Before designing an audit schedule, ensure a thorough understanding of the specific ISO Standard(s) applicable to your organisation. Whether it’s ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management, or others, familiarity with the standards is essential. This knowledge provides the foundation for structuring audit objectives, criteria, and evaluation methods accurately.

If you aren’t familiar with the ISO Management System Standards you are required to audit, you may consider enrolling into an ISO training course. ICExperts Academy has 4 upcoming eLearning courses that cover the foundations of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001. These ISO Training courses would be a great starting point. To register your interest into one or more of these courses, click here.  

2. Map Processes and Identify Critical Points

Begin by mapping out the processes within your organisation that fall under the scope of the ISO Standard(s). This initial assessment provides a clear overview of the landscape you’ll be auditing. 

Identify critical points where deviations from the organisation’s own requirements and/or the standards requirements could have a significant impact. These points might include key processes, control measures, required records, and areas where non-conformances have been identified in the past. Design your audit schedule to concentrate on these critical points.

3. Take a Risk-Based Approach to Scheduling

Utilise a risk-based approach to determine the frequency and depth of internal audits. High-risk areas, where deviations from the organisation’s own requirements and/or the relevant ISO Standard(s) could have severe consequences, warrant more frequent and comprehensive audits. 

On the other hand, lower-risk areas can undergo less intensive audits, streamlining resources and avoiding unnecessary disruptions to operations. This approach optimises resources by focusing efforts where they are most needed, while ensuring effective monitoring of related risks. 

4. Integration with Management Review and Improvement Processes

Integrating your ISO internal audit schedule with other management system processes, including management reviews and corrective actions, brings about a harmonious alignment that elevates your organisation’s operational excellence. By strategically connecting these essential components, audit findings serve as valuable inputs for management reviews, enriching the decision-making process with real-time insights. This integration facilitates the identification of trends, patterns, and potential areas for enhancement, allowing for more informed strategic adjustments.

Furthermore, this interconnection establishes a feedback loop that fuels continual improvement efforts. The knowledge gained from internal audits can be seamlessly channelled into initiating targeted corrective and preventive actions. By using audit findings as a catalyst for improvement initiatives, the organisation can effectively address weaknesses, streamline processes, and bolster compliance. 

In essence, this integration nurtures the PDCA cycle of plan, do, check, and act, which in turn facilitates a culture of continual improvement within the organisation.

5. Flexibility and Adaptability

Internal audit schedules should be flexible to accommodate unforeseen changes. Market conditions, organisational shifts, and regulatory updates can impact the schedule’s relevance. Regularly review and adjust the audit plan to address evolving risks and opportunities. Seek feedback from other auditors, process owners, and stakeholders to ensure that the schedule remains practical and effective.

Additionally, while regular audits are essential, there are times when it’s advised to refrain from conducting an audit. For instance, during significant operational changes, system implementations, or crises. Focusing on the audit process during these times might hinder the organisation’s ability to manage the situation effectively. Use discretion and flexibility in the audit schedule to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

How to become qualified to conduct Internal Audits

An Internal Auditor can be someone from within the organisation, although sometimes a business may choose to engage an external consultant to conduct their Internal Audits.

As defined in the ISO 19011:2018 standard, Internal Auditors must be trained and deemed competent to conduct internal audits. There also needs to be objectivity and impartiality throughout the audit process, which means that the auditors should not audit their own work or processes.

Our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training is an online course that covers all the principles of becoming an Internal Auditor, offering three levels of internationally recognised certificates, including the one for verifying competency, which is required when the business goes for Certification of their Management System.

Delivered in a series of short videos that can be watched at a time that best suits you, this practical online course will provide you with the knowledge and qualification you need to become an ISO Management Systems Internal Auditor for the main ISO Management System Standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022.

It’s important to note that once a business achieves Certification, it will have to continue performing internal audits in order to keep meeting the standards’ requirements, and in preparation for the yearly Surveillance Audits, and the Recertification Audit in three years. Therefore, businesses can benefit long term by qualifying their team to ensure their internal audits are being performed on an ongoing basis and in conformance with the requirements.

Check out our Management System Internal Auditor training page to download the course guide, or give us a call on 1300 614 897 to find out more about the training.

The post How to Create a Successful Internal Audit Schedule: 5 Useful Tips  appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

As an internal auditor, you’re likely to encounter a range of personalities and attitudes during your audits. While most auditees are cooperative and engaged, some can be difficult to deal with. These individuals may resist change, refuse to provide necessary information, or simply make the process more complicated than it needs to be. Handling these situations can be challenging, but it’s essential to maintain a professional demeanour and achieve your audit objectives.

Here’s 10 tips on how to deal with difficult people during internal audits. By following these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to navigate challenging situations and ensure the success of your audit.

1. Set clear expectations

Before the audit, it is essential to set clear expectations for the auditees. Explain the purpose of the audit, what information will be required, and how the information will be used. Be transparent about the process and what is expected from them. When people understand what is expected of them, they are more likely to cooperate. In addition, you can always refer back to the initially defined audit objectives and purpose when people question things during the audit. Most importantly, highlight that you are auditing the process, not the people.

2. Keep calm and professional

When dealing with difficult people, it’s important to remain calm and professional. Don’t let their behaviour or emotions escalate the situation. Stay focused on the objectives of the audit and maintain a respectful tone. Keep in mind that your goal is to identify areas for improvement, not to criticise or blame individuals – in fact, it’s important to remind auditees of this as well.

3. Listen actively

Active listening is a critical skill when dealing with difficult people. Listen carefully to what they are saying and try to understand their perspective. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more information. This will not only help you gain a better understanding of their concerns, but also demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in their input.

If you want to learn more about the 5 key skills of a good Management Systems Auditor, you can read more here.

4. Address concerns

If a difficult person raises a concern, address it promptly and professionally. Acknowledge their perspective, explain the rationale behind the audit, and provide a clear response. If necessary and in the scope of the audit, take the time to investigate the issue further and follow up with the person once you have more information.

5. Stay focused on the objectives

It’s easy to get sidetracked when dealing with difficult people during internal audits, as they might become argumentative, disruptive, and go off topic. However, it’s important to stay focused on the audit objectives and not get drawn into personal attacks or irrelevant arguments. If the situation becomes too contentious, take a break, and regroup before continuing the audit.

6. Ask open-ended questions

Asking open-ended questions in a respectful and non-judgmental way can help you gather more information and gain a better understanding of the situation. By asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”, you can prompt the auditee(s) to provide more detailed and thoughtful responses. This will help the auditee to feel heard and understood.

7. Be clear and concise

When communicating with difficult people, it’s important to be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the auditee or sound condescending. Use simple language and explain things in a way that is easy to understand.

8. Offer guidance and support

Some auditees may be difficult because they are not familiar with the audit process or the requirements, causing them to feel anxious or overwhelmed. In this case, it is essential to offer guidance and support. Explain the process and the requirements, and provide guidance on how to meet them. This can help to build trust and reduce resistance.

9. Document everything

Documenting everything during the audit is essential, especially when dealing with difficult people. Keep detailed notes of any issues, concerns, or disagreements. This will help you stay organised and provide an accurate record of the audit process.

10. Follow up

After the audit, follow up with the difficult person or people to address any outstanding issues or concerns when applicable. This will demonstrate that you are committed to improving the organisation’s processes and operations.

Dealing with difficult people during Internal Audits is not an easy task, but it is an essential skill that every auditor should possess in case this situation occurs. Auditors need to maintain a professional and objective approach while dealing with difficult individuals, and effective communication is the key to overcoming such challenges. By following the strategies discussed in this blog, you should be able to handle difficult people in a constructive and respectful manner.

If you want to learn more about Internal Audits and how to conduct them effectively, our Management System Internal Auditor Training course is the perfect solution for you. This practical eLearning course will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct successful internal audits in accordance with the main ISO Management System Standards.

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Have you completed training to become a Management System Internal Auditor, but are yet to actually conduct an Internal Audit on your own? If you answered yes, you’re not alone, as many new auditors struggle to initiate the process.

After speaking with some of our students, we found that the main struggle with getting started is due to a lack of confidence, feeling the need to gain more experience, or uncertainty about where to begin. To assist you in starting, we have 7 straightforward tips that can assist you in breaking down what appears to be a challenging task, into more manageable steps.

Let’s get into it:

1. Know the ISO Management System Standards you’re auditing against

Before conducting Internal Audits, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the relevant ISO Management System Standard(s). This includes reading and interpreting the standard’s requirements, understanding the scope and purpose of the standard’s clauses, and familiarising yourself with the key terms and definitions used in the standard. Knowing the ISO Standards you are auditing against is crucial for ensuring conformance, enhancing credibility, maintaining consistency, delivering value-added audits, and promoting your knowledge and professionalism.

Listed below are the four main ISO Management System Standards:

2. Develop an Audit Plan

3. Take a Process Approach

The ISO Management System Standards require that audits are conducted against the organisation’s own processes, as well as against the requirements of the relevant ISO Standard(s). It’s vital to use a structured process to conduct the Internal Audit, and auditing via the organisation’s processes (with references back to the related clauses of the standard(s)) ensures a meaningful process which facilitates continual improvement. This approach ensures that the audit is comprehensive and that all relevant areas are covered.

4. Communicate effectively

As an Internal Auditor, effective communication is key. You need to communicate with auditees, sometimes other auditors, and other stakeholders throughout the audit process. Be clear, concise, and objective in your communication. Ask open-ended questions to gather relevant information, listen actively to understand the auditee’s perspective, and provide feedback in a professional and constructive manner.

5. Be Objective and Unbiased

Internal Audits should be objective and thorough, and not just a box-ticking exercise. To maintain objectivity, it’s best to audit an area of the organisation in which you are not directly involved. As an auditor, you should be rigorous in your assessment and provide evidence-based analysis and feedback. Be sure to document all findings, including any non-conformances, observations, and opportunities for improvement.

If you want to learn more about the 5 key skills of a good Management Systems Auditor, you can read more here.

6. Use effective audit techniques

7. Continually improve your skills

Internal Auditing is a continual learning process. Seek feedback from auditees and colleagues to improve your auditing skills. Stay updated with the latest changes in the ISO Management System Standards and best practices in Internal Auditing. It’s important to strive to enhance your knowledge, skills, and competence as an Internal Auditor.

As businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve, being a certified competent Internal Auditor can expand your professional options – not only to perform them within your current role but also to pursue an independent career.

Our Management System Internal Auditor Training is a practical eLearning course that teaches how to conduct effective Internal Audits of the main ISO Management System Standards in accordance with ISO 19011:2018. With our course, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, giving you the skills and tools you will need to perform effective Internal Audits.

The post 7 tips for Management System Internal Auditors when starting out appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

In business, there are several different types of audits you may come across. You may already be familiar with performance audits, operational audits, and payroll audits, but when it comes to the Certification process, did you know that audits are a major component?

The ISO Management System Standards are documents which provide businesses with requirements, specifications and guidelines that can be used consistently to ensure that their products, services and processes are fit for their purpose. In order to achieve Certification to these ISO Standards, businesses will need to develop and implement a Management System in line with these requirements. To achieve Certification, the business Management System must go through a series of auditing processes.

Continue reading to find out more about the different types of ISO audits, and how you can get qualified to perform them yourself.

What is an audit, and why do we do them?

Essentially, an audit is a systematic process where objective evidence is obtained and evaluated to determine if a business has fulfilled a set of criteria or requirements. Audits of a businesses Management System are conducted to check if a business is meeting the requirements of their chosen ISO Standard(s).

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has reiterated the importance of audits throughout the Certification process by publishing an ISO Standard with recommendations on how to perform them.

The ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines for auditing management systems Standard provides guidance on preparing audit programs, management of an audit program, planning and conducting management system audits, as well as guidance on the competence and evaluation of an auditor. If you want to learn more about the standard, you can read more here.

Types of ISO Audits

In a nutshell, within the ISO scope there are two audit categories:

1. Internal Audits – An internal review of a businesses management system required by the ISO Management System Standards, prior to the external audits.
2. External Audits – The auditing process conducted by Certification Bodies (CAB – Conformity Assessment Bodies) that should result in Certification for a business.

Let’s dive deeper into each type:

1. Internal Audits

Internal audits, sometimes called first-party audits, are performed by an organisation on its own systems and processes. They will assess the effectiveness of the business processes, including internal controls, risk management, and governance.

Internal Audits are a requirement of the ISO Management System Standards and need to be conducted before and after Certification is achieved. An Internal Audit consists of a full review of a businesses management system to ensure that it has met all of the ISO Standard requirements, as well as the organisation’s own requirements, before going for Certification.

Besides assuring that the organisation’s processes are meeting their chosen ISO Management Systems Standard(s) requirements, the internal audit is an excellent opportunity for the business to improve its systems and the effectiveness of its management system.

Internal Audits need to be scheduled at regular intervals, taking a risk-based approach, which means that higher-risk processes, or processes with more frequent issues, should be audited more often than others. All processes should be audited at least once every three years; however, it is recommended that for the first couple of years, all processes are audited annually.

– How can you become qualified to conduct Internal Audits?

An Internal Auditor can be someone from within the organisation, although sometimes a business may choose to engage an external consultant to conduct their Internal Audits.

As defined in the ISO 19011:2018 standard, Internal Auditors must be trained and deemed competent to conduct internal audits. There also needs to be objectivity and impartiality throughout the audit process, which means that the auditors should not audit their own work or processes.

Our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training is an online course that covers all the principles of becoming an Internal Auditor, offering three levels of internationally recognised certificates, including the one for competency, which is required when the business goes for Certification of their Management System.

Delivered in a series of short videos that can be watched at a time that best suits you, this practical online course will provide you with the knowledge and qualification you need to become an ISO Management Systems Internal Auditor for the main ISO Management System Standards: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022.

It’s important to note that once a business achieves Certification, it will have to continue performing internal audits in order to keep meeting the standards’ requirements, and in preparation for the yearly Surveillance Audits, and the Recertification Audit in three years. Therefore, businesses can benefit long term by qualifying their team to ensure their internal audits are being performed on an ongoing basis and in conformance with the requirements.

2. External Audits

External Audits are conducted by a party that isn’t directly associated with the business under audit. They are divided into two categories:

Click here to learn what is involved during the Certification Process.

– How can you become qualified to conduct External Audits?

This is only applicable if you are interested in pursuing a career to work as an auditor on behalf of Certification Bodies. If this is the case, you will need to complete a Lead Auditor training course, and then start acquiring hours of auditing experience (both internal and/or external) to apply for a professional certificate.

Courses like PECB’s ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor eLearning training will give you the necessary skills, knowledge and qualification to plan and perform external audits according to the requirements of a specific ISO Standard – in this case, the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management Systems Standard.

In a highly competitive job market, and as professionals increasingly look to explore independent career paths, becoming an auditor may bring numerous benefits. Our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training is a great way to become familiar with the ISO world, and explore new career opportunities. It will teach you how to conduct effective Internal Audits in accordance with the main ISO Management System Standards.

The post How many types of Audits are there? Understand the different Audits for ISO Management System Standards appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

You may already be aware that regular Internal Audits are a requirement when a business is certified to an ISO Management System Standard, but this blog will walk you through why an Internal Audit is also an essential tool for achieving business excellence via a continual improvement approach. First, let’s make sure we’re on the same page, and have a clear definition of what an Internal Audit is.

What is an Internal Audit?

An Internal Audit, also referred to as a first party audit, is a systematic and documented review of an organisation’s own processes. It will assess the effectiveness of the business processes, including internal controls, risk management, and governance. An Internal Audit is usually conducted by someone within the organisation who’s trained and competent to do so, or alternatively, a business may choose to engage an expert external consultant to conduct their internal audits.

In the context of ISO Management Systems, Internal Audits are a requirement to achieve and maintain Certification, and will be conducted against the requirements of the chosen ISO Standards as well as against the organisation’s own processes.

However, even organisations that aren’t interested in the certification journey can benefit from effective Internal Audits. Continual improvement is vital for a business to survive and remain competitive in today’s ever-changing business climate. A business that is continually enhancing its operations and processes can achieve a competitive edge and grow, and Internal Audits will reveal areas for improvement and facilitate continual improvement, which we’ll explain in detail below.

How can Internal Audits work as a tool for Continual Improvement?

According to ISO 9000:2015 Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary, Continual Improvement is defined as “recurring activity to enhance performance”. Although it seems straightforward, continual improvement can be challenging to achieve for a number of reasons. It could be because you’re not sure which processes to prioritise, or you may have ill-suited process management tools. Using a risk-based Internal Audit framework that supports continual improvement will help a business understand priorities and have a structured plan to identify gaps and promote well-guided change and upgrades.

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle drives continual improvement within an organisation, and is the core operating principle of the ISO Management System Standards. Internal Audits fit into this cycle as a primary ongoing “Check” mechanism to identify opportunities for improvement to “Act” upon. This never-ending cycle and ongoing “Checks” through Internal Audits facilitate continual improvement, and boost productivity and efficiency.

To explain further, Internal Audits can promote improvement by helping organisations:

1. Gain objective insights into the business

An Internal Audit is an evidence-based, unbiased review of the business operations. Ideally, it should be performed by someone who is not directly involved in the areas/processes being audited. If the business doesn’t have the resources to engage an independent internal auditor, an option is to cross-train employees from one department to audit another, to avoid conflict of interests in the auditing process. This provides an unbiased view of the business operations and a fresh perspective on its activities, bringing insights into its culture, policies and procedures with new opportunities for improvement.

2. Improve process currency and operational efficiency

Planned Internal Audits help promote regular revision of policies and processes, which is an essential part of continuous improvement for an organisation. Reviewing these things periodically will ensure that all business practices are up to date, and also reflect the current operations of the business.

Regular review of processes will also help identify any operational gaps. Remedying these gaps will subsequently benefit the business with improved operational efficiency, and reduced re-work due to clarity and accuracy.

3. Evaluate risks and protect assets

The ISO Management System Standards recommend the Internal Audits take a risk-based approach. This means that the Internal Audits will be planned and conducted following this principle in order to focus on and prioritise the areas of the business that need more attention. This facilitates regular review of higher risk areas of the business to catch any issues and implement remediation plans before minor issues become bigger problems.

4. Win Stakeholder Trust

Internal Audits will check if the business operates to the requirements of applicable standards, industry requirements and regulations, helping to address any gaps in compliance. This also impacts the business reputation, as it’s a statement of how efficiently and effectively it operates, helping gain stakeholders trust. From a business improvement perspective, maintaining clients, partners, and attracting new prospects is critical for the growth of any organisation.

5. Allocate time for business improvement

We are all very busy, and over time, we get comfortable with the way we do things on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes it’s difficult to step back and really look at what’s in place, to see if things can be done differently or better. This is where the Internal Audit comes into play.

By including regularly scheduled Internal Audits into your business, the management team is held accountable for conducting regular and objective assessments of the business management systems, including its policies, processes and procedures. If it wasn’t for regular Internal Audits, required updates and improvements could be easily missed in the day-to-day operations. The Internal Audit is a good “push” for businesses to take some time and review the existing management system within a structured framework.

As businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve, being a certified competent Internal Auditor can expand your professional options – not only to perform them within your current role but also to pursue an independent career.

Our Management System Internal Auditor Training is a practical eLearning course that teaches how to conduct effective Internal Audits of the main ISO Management System Standards in accordance with ISO 19011:2018. With our course, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, giving you the skills and tools you will need to perform effective Internal Audits.

It’s also important to remind you that conducting Internal Audits of the Management System is a requirement to achieve and maintain certification to an ISO Management System Standard. From a business perspective, you can benefit from qualifying your team to conduct these Internal Audits.

The post 5 Ways Internal Audits Promote Business Improvement appeared first on ICExperts Academy.

There are many different types of audits, such as financial audits, safety audits, and operational audits. For ISO Management System Standards, audits are a major component of the Certification process, requiring different types of audits along this journey.

To be Certified, a business needs to go through Certification Audits with an Accredited Certification Body. However, the ISO Management System Standards also require Internal Audits both before a business goes for their Certification Audits, and after achieving their certification, to meet ongoing requirements and to facilitate continual improvement.

Having the Internal Audits conducted by a competent auditor will ensure that a business will get the most out of this process, where gaps, non-conformances and areas for improvement can be identified, facilitating continual improvement.

Continue reading to find out why it is important to be a competent auditor, and what the ISO 19011:2018 standard is.

What is ISO 19011:2018?

ISO 19011:2018 is a set of guidelines for auditing management systems.

ISO 19011:2018 is designed to advise organisations on how to go about auditing management systems for conformance to standards such as ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems and ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems. The standard provides guidance on preparing audit programs, management of an audit programme, on the planning and conducting of management system audits, as well as on the competence and evaluation of an auditor and an audit team.

The ISO 19011:2018 standard focuses on applying the principles of continual improvement to audits. This will include ensuring that the audit program’s objectives align with the key objectives of the organisation being audited, guaranteeing that the needs and best interests of customers and other stakeholders are prioritised.

The guidance provided by the standard is intended to be flexible. The size and level of maturity of an organisation’s management system, as well as the nature and complexity of an organisation being audited should be considered, so that an appropriate audit schedule can be planned.

Types of audits

In a nutshell, an audit is a systematic process where objective evidence is obtained and evaluated to determine if a business has fulfilled a set of criteria or requirements.

The ISO 19011:2018 guidelines document concentrates on Internal Audits, and audits conducted by organisations on their external providers and other external interested parties. However, before we get further into the blog, let’s get you up to speed with the different types of audits.

First party audits, commonly referred to as Internal Audits, are conducted by the organisation being audited, or by someone on behalf of the organisation. The internal audit will measure effectiveness of management systems implementation and conclude if the organisation has met the requirements of the relevant ISO Management System Standard(s).

Second party audits are performed on a supplier or provider’s systems or operations by their client or a contracted organisation on their behalf. For example, an organisation might hire someone to audit its supplier’s system to ensure that an organisation meets contractual obligations and requirements.

Third party audits, also referred to as Certification Audits, are independent impartial audits with the objective of assessing the level of conformity of Business Management Systems against ISO Standards. These Audits will be conducted by a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), who will, upon successful audit outcomes, issue the Certifications against the chosen Standard(s), e.g. ISO 9001:2015.

The seven auditing principles

It’s crucial that an audit is conducted effectively and with reliability, to support management and drive improvement across the business. In order to achieve this, ISO 19011:2018 provides 7 auditing principles that act as a prerequisite for consistent audit practices. They are as follows:

Working in accordance with these 7 principles enables auditors to reach similar audit conclusions in similar circumstances, even when working independently from one another anywhere in the world.

Competence of Internal Auditors

Like many roles and processes in organisations, confidence in the audit process and the ability to achieve its objectives depends on the competency of the individuals performing the audits. The ISO 19011:2018 Standard refers to the competence of management systems auditors.

In deciding the necessary competence for an internal audit, it’s important to consider an auditor’s knowledge and skills in relation to:

An individual’s competence should be evaluated through a process that considers personal behaviour and the ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained through education, work experience, auditor training and audit experience, which will be discussed next.

Auditors personal behaviour

Auditors need to ensure that they are always exhibiting professional behaviour while performing audit activities. Most of these personal behaviours will stem from the 7 auditing principles which were previously mentioned. The main traits of an auditor’s personal behaviour should be as follows:

Knowledge and skills

In relation to knowledge and skills, auditors should possess:

Click here to read about the 5 Key Skills of a Good Management Systems Auditor

Achieving Internal Auditor competence

Internal Auditor competence can be achieved via a combination of four aspects, including:

1. Successfully completing an Internal Auditor Training program that covers auditing theory, tools and skills;
2. Training, knowledge, and/or experience in the specific management system discipline(s) to be audited (for example, ISO 9001:2015 for Quality, ISO 45001:2018 for Safety, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental, and/or ISO 27001:2013 for Information Security);
3. Existing experience in an organisation and/or industry which can provide organisational context and knowledge; and
4. Being deemed competent by an already-competent auditor in the same management system discipline who has supervised or witnessed the individual conducting an internal audit.

In order for someone in the business to be deemed competent to conduct Internal Audits of ISO Management Systems, the first step is training. With our Management Systems Internal Auditor Training, you can achieve three levels of internationally recognised certificates, including the one for Competency after successful assessment of your first internal audit by one of our experts. Our Internal Auditor training also provides the tools to develop all the skills and resources needed to become a competent internal auditor, in line with the guidelines of ISO 19011:2018.

The post Why is it Important to be a Competent Internal Auditor? Understand the ISO 19011:2018 Guidelines for auditing management systems Standard appeared first on ICExperts Academy.