Guide & Checklist
ISO Certification Readiness Checklist
Use this checklist before a certification, surveillance or major external audit to confirm that your management system is not only documented, but operating and supported by objective evidence.
System Foundation
Scope of the management system is defined and current.
Relevant interested parties and applicable requirements are identified.
Processes, responsibilities and authorities are defined.
Risks and opportunities are evaluated and actions are being implemented.
Documented Information
Current policies, procedures and other controlled documents are approved and accessible.
Obsolete documents are prevented from unintended use.
Required records are retained, legible and retrievable.
Changes and revisions can be traced.
Implementation & Evidence
Operational controls are being followed in practice.
Competence and training evidence is current.
Required monitoring and measurement is being completed.
Legal, regulatory and customer obligations are being evaluated where applicable.
Assurance & Improvement
Internal audits have been completed across the planned scope.
Nonconformities are supported by evidence and corrective actions address verified causes.
Management review has been completed with required inputs and decisions.
Corrective action effectiveness has been verified before closure.
Use note: This checklist is a practical starting point and should be adapted to your organisation's scope, risks, legal obligations, management-system requirements and internal procedures.