Advanced Topics

17 Auditing Management Review

This course explains the purpose and structure of opening and closing meetings during an audit. Participants will learn how auditors use opening meetings to set expectations, clarify the audit scope, and ensure all participants understand the audit process. The session also covers how to effectively present audit findings during the closing meeting, including communicating nonconformities, observations, and opportunities for improvement in a clear and professional manner. Strategies for handling disagreements or questions from auditees are also discussed to help maintain a constructive and objective audit environment.

By the end of this course, participants will understand how to conduct effective audit meetings that promote transparency, ensure accurate communication of results, and support a positive and professional audit experience.

Topics:

• Performance evaluation

• Strategic alignment

• Audit questions

18 Auditing Risk Management

This course focuses on how auditors evaluate an organization’s approach to managing risk within a quality management system. Participants will learn how risk registers are used to document and track potential risks, how process-level risks can impact operational performance, and what types of evidence demonstrate that risks are being actively monitored and mitigated. The session also explores how auditors assess whether risk management activities are integrated into daily operations rather than treated as a standalone exercise.

By the end of this course, participants will understand how to review risk management practices, evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation efforts, and determine whether risk-based thinking is being properly applied throughout the organization.

Topics:

• Risk registers

• Process risk

• Evidence of mitigation

19 Auditing Process Metrics

This course focuses on how auditors evaluate process performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and other operational metrics. Participants will learn how to assess whether selected KPIs effectively measure process performance and support organizational objectives. The session also covers how auditors review data integrity to ensure that reported metrics are accurate, reliable, and supported by verifiable records. In addition, participants will explore how performance monitoring is used to identify trends, detect potential issues, and support continual improvement.

By the end of this course, participants will understand how to evaluate process metrics, verify the reliability of performance data, and determine whether organizations are effectively using metrics to monitor and improve their processes.

Topics:

• KPI evaluation

• Data integrity

• Performance monitoring

20 Preparing for Certification Audits

This course provides an overview of how organizations should prepare for ISO certification audits and what to expect during the certification process. Participants will learn the purpose and structure of Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, including what certification auditors review during each phase. The session also explains common auditor expectations related to documentation, process implementation, and evidence of system effectiveness.

By the end of this course, participants will understand how certification audits are conducted, how to prepare their organization for a successful audit, and what auditors look for when evaluating compliance with ISO management system standards.

Topics:

• Stage 1 audits

• Stage 2 audits

• Auditor expectations