How to conduct an effective internal audit in accordance with ISO 19011 

By Marie-Claude Turcotte, B.Ed, MBA 

Internal auditing is an indispensable tool for all companies seeking to maintain and improve their quality or environmental management systems. The ISO 19011 standard provides detailed guidelines for carrying out these audits, focusing on planning, methodology and rigor, as well as auditor skills.

What is ISO 19011? 

ISO 19011 is an internationally recognized standard for internal, supplier and certification audits. Its current version was adopted in 2018. It offers a systematic approach that guarantees credible and effective results. To fully understand its principles, it is essential to master a few fundamental notions: 

• Audit: a systematic, independent and documented process for obtaining objective evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria are fulfilled. 
• Audit evidence: records, statements of fact or other information, which are relevant to the audit criteria and verifiable. 
• Audit findings: results of the evaluation of the collected audit evidence against audit criteria. 
• Audit conclusion: outcome of an audit, after consideration of the audit objectives and all audit findings. 

The essential stages of an internal audit 

Carrying out an effective internal audit involves following a structured approach: 

1.    Internal audit planning 

Success begins with rigorous planning. Define the audit objective, scope and criteria. Identify the critical processes to be assessed and allocate the necessary resources. 

2.    Initiating audit 

Clearly communicate the launch of the audit to the parties concerned. This step helps to reassure teams while setting realistic expectations. 

3.    Preparing audit activities 

Gather the necessary information, such as relevant procedures and records. Prepare a detailed audit plan, specifying the methods to be used to gather evidence. 

4.    Conducting audit activities 

Carry out the field audit with a critical mind and an open attitude. Interview employees, examine documents and observe processes in action to gather relevant audit evidence. 

5.    Preparing and distributing audit report 

A clear, well-structured report is essential for communicating your findings. Highlight non-conformities and propose recommendations for improvement. 

6.    Completing audit 

A closing meeting allows you to share your findings with interested parties and validate next steps. 

Why invest in internal audit training? 

Effective internal audits rely on competent auditors who are able to apply the principles of ISO 19011 with sound judgement. By investing in specialized training, such as that offered by Accademia Qualitas, you not only boost your skills, but also confidence in your quality or environmental management system. 

Get a head start! Discover our internal process audit training and become a key player in continuous improvement in your company. Register today: Internal Process Audit Training. 

To find out more, read our complementary article: ISO 9001 explained to the curious.