Internal Audit - A Requirement of ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard

Internal Audit - A Requirement of ISO 9001:2015 QMS Standard

Keshav Ram Singhal

Internal audit is a requirement of ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard. Clause 9.2 of the standard mentions requirements for internal audit, which are summarized hereinbelow:

Purpose - (i) Whether the QMS conforms to requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and requirements determined by the organization, (ii) Whether the QMS is effectively implemented and maintained.

Organization needs to:
Consider - Importance of processes concerned, changes affecting the organization, and results of previous audit(s).

Plan and establish - Audit programme (also include the frequency, methods, responsibilities, planning requirements and reporting)

Define - Audit criteria and scope (for each audit)

Select - Auditors to carry out internal audit (Ensure objectivity and impartiality)

Implement and maintain - Planned and established audit programme

Conduct - Internal audits at planned intervals (Ensure objectivity and impartiability)

Report (to relevant management) - Results of the audit

Take - Appropriate correction and corrective actions at an early date (without undue delay)

Retain documented information - (i) Implementing audit programme, (ii) Audit results

Although maintaining a documented information, describing the internal audit procedure, is not a requirement of the standard, however it is always better if an organization creates, update and maintains a documented information on internal audit describing the audit programme, frequency, methods, responsibilities, planning, conducting, reporting, scope, selection of internal auditors, retaining documented information as evidence etc.

For details on the Training Handbook on 'ISO 9001:2015 QMS Awareness', please CLICK HERE.

For details on 'Checklist for ISO 9001:2015 QMS', please CLICK HERE.