PECB ISO-9001-Lead-Auditor Dumps

In the context of a third-party audit, the activities and the parties responsible can be matched as follows:

Review the organization’s processes: This is typically the responsibility of the audit team. They examine the processes to ensure they comply with the specified standards1.

Review the audit results: The audit team leader usually reviews the audit findings to ensure accuracy and completeness before they are finalized1.

Issue the certificate: The certification body is responsible for issuing the certificate if the audit is successful and the organization meets the required standards1.

Select the audit team: The individual(s) managing the audit programme are responsible for selecting the audit team. This ensures that the team has the appropriate skills and knowledge for the audit1.

These roles are essential to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the audit process. The audit team conducts the actual audit, the team leader oversees the audit process, the certification body grants the certification, and the management of the audit program ensures that the right team is in place to conduct the audit1.

Based on the description of the image you’ve provided, here’s how the activities match with the responsible parties in the context of a third-party audit:

Review the organization’s processes: This activity is typically the responsibility of the Audit Team. They are tasked with examining the processes to ensure they meet the requirements of the standard being audited.

Review the audit results: The Audit Team Leader is usually responsible for this activity. They oversee the audit process and are in charge of reviewing the findings and ensuring that the audit objectives are met.

Issue the certificate: The Certification Body is responsible for issuing the certificate if the organization’s management system is found to be in compliance with the standard.

Select the audit team: The Individual(s) managing the audit programme are responsible for selecting the audit team. They ensure that the team has the appropriate competence and resources to effectively conduct the audit.

These roles are defined within the framework of ISO 9001:2015 and are essential for the proper conduct of a third-party audit. The audit team and its leader play a critical role in the operational aspects of the audit, while the certification body and those managing the audit programme have overarching responsibilities for the audit’s governance and integrity.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.5.1 (Certification Decision):

Auditors who conduct the audit cannot be involved in the certification decision to ensure impartiality.

The certification body alone is responsible for making the certification decision based on the audit report and findings.

The audit team leader (Eva) must not take part in the certification decision.

Thus, C is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Audit evidence includes information collected through different methods to assess compliance with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.6 – Audit Evidence: Audit evidence must be objective, verifiable, and based on facts.

ISO 9001:2015, Clause 9.1.1 – Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation: Requires organizations to collect and analyze data from multiple sources to verify effectiveness.

Types of Audit Evidence Collected in Scenario 3:

Verbal Evidence – Employee interviews regarding training and awareness sessions.

Documentary Evidence – Organizational charts, job descriptions, training records.

Physical Evidence – Workplace observations to assess working conditions.

Why is the Correct Answer B?

The audit team used a combination of verbal (interviews), documentary (records), and physical (site observations) evidence.

This triangulation approach enhances audit reliability and ensures compliance verification.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Confirmative evidence) → Not a formal audit term in ISO 9001 or ISO 19011.

C (Analytical evidence) → Incorrect, as analysis was not a primary method used.

D (Qualitative evidence only) → Incorrect because the audit involved both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (documents, physical) evidence.

In ISO 9001:2015, the responsibility for managing the audit program lies with those overseeing the entire audit process rather than the Audit Team Leader. During the planning stage, before involving the Audit Team Leader, key actions for managing the audit program include:

1. Providing the Resources Needed: According to clause 7.1 (Resources), the audit program manager must ensure that the necessary resources are in place to conduct the audit effectively. This encompasses logistical support, personnel, and other required resources for the audit to proceed smoothly.

2. Reviewing Reports of Previous Audits: As per clause 9.2.2 (Internal Audit), it is essential to consider the results of previous audits to plan effectively for the upcoming audit. This helps identify areas that require particular attention, ensuring continuity and focusing on recurring issues or improvements since the last audit.

These actions ensure that the audit is thoroughly prepared and that there is continuity and focus on any areas that might need closer inspection. The other options, such as preparing the audit plan, assigning responsibilities, preparing checklists, and selecting the audit team members, generally fall under the duties of the Audit Team Leader once they are appointed and engaged in the planning process.

According to ISO 9001:2015, clause 9.1.1, the organization is required to determine what needs to be monitored and measured, the methods for monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation, as applicable, to ensure valid results, and when the monitoring and measuring shall be performed. The organization is also required to retain appropriate documented information as evidence of the results.

Therefore, in the scenario given, the organization should have planned for monitoring and measuring the billet temperature, as it is a critical factor for the quality of the product and the process. The organization should also have established a procedure that provides instruction in taking billet temperature, using the pyrometer or other suitable methods, to ensure consistency and accuracy. The organization should also have performed periodic analysis of the results of temperature checks, to identify trends, problems, and opportunities for improvement.

Hence, the options that would provide evidence of conformance with clause 9.1.1 of ISO 9001 are A, E, and F, as they are aligned with the requirements of the clause. The other options are either irrelevant or not directly related to clause 9.1.1, as they do not pertain to the monitoring and measurement of the billet temperature.

Evaluate the effectiveness of the management system: This objective involves verifying that the quality management system meets the requirements of a specific standard, such as ISO 9001:2015, and that it achieves the intended results and outcomes. The audit team will collect and analyse audit evidence to determine the degree of conformity and performance of the quality management system23.

•Evaluate the capability of the management system to establish and achieve objectives: This objective involves verifying that the quality management system supports the strategic direction and policies of the organization, and that it addresses the needs and expectations of the interested parties. The audit team will assess the suitability, adequacy, and alignment of the quality management system objectives, and the effectiveness of the planning and implementation processes to achieve them23.

The other options are not the most relevant objectives of a third-party audit, according to the web search results from my internal tool. They may be related to other aspects or types of audits, but they are not the focus of a third-party audit.

Therefore, the correct answer is B and D.

According to clause 8.3 of ISO 9001:2015, the organization should establish, implement, and maintain a design and development process that is appropriate to ensure the subsequent provision of products and services. The design and development process should include the following activities:

•Determining the requirements for the products and services to be designed and developed, considering the intended use, the statutory and regulatory requirements, the customer and other relevant interested parties’ needs and expectations, and the potential risks and opportunities.

•Defining the design and development objectives, stages, responsibilities, and authorities, and ensuring the availability of adequate resources and competence.

•Implementing design and development controls, such as reviews, verification, and validation, to ensure that the design and development outputs meet the design and development inputs, and to identify and resolve any problems or errors.

•Maintaining documented information on the design and development inputs, outputs, reviews, verification, validation, and changes, and ensuring the traceability and conformity of the products and services to the requirements.

•Managing the design and development changes, by identifying, reviewing, and controlling them, and evaluating their effects on the products and services and the QMS.

In this case, the evidence statements that provide a meaningful audit trail for the design and development process are B, E, and F, because they relate to the design and development controls, the documented information, and the verification activities that are required by the standard. These options can help the auditor to assess the effectiveness and conformity of the design and development process, and to identify any nonconformities or opportunities for improvement. The other options are not directly related to clause 8.3, although they may be relevant for other aspects of the QMS, such as clause 7.2 on competence, clause 7.3 on awareness, clause 7.4 on communication, clause 8.2 on requirements for products and services, clause 8.4 on externally provided processes, products, and services, and clause 8.7 on control of nonconforming outputs. References: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Design and Development, ISO 9001 Clause 8.3 Design and development of products and services

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018 (Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems), Clause 5.3 – Establishing the Audit Objectives

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.1.2 – Audit Planning

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Audit objectives must be clearly defined in the audit offer to ensure that the scope, criteria, and purpose are agreed upon in advance.

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 (which governs certification bodies) requires that audit objectives be established before the audit begins to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Sending audit objectives after an agreement has been reached could lead to misalignment between the auditee’s expectations and the audit’s purpose.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Audit objectives should be known only after agreement) → Incorrect because objectives must be pre-defined in the audit offer.

B (Only the auditee should know the objectives) → Incorrect because both the auditor and auditee must align on objectives.

D (Approval from the lead auditor is sufficient) → Incorrect because audit planning follows formal procedures defined by ISO/IEC 17021-1.

Nonconformity report

ISO 9001 Clause Number: 8.5.4 Nature of problem: Cleaning and sanitising records are not available for every batch. ISO 9001 requirement that has not been fulfilled: ISO 9001 - “The organization shall implement planned arrangements, at appropriate stages, to verify that the product requirements have been met.” Evidence: 40 cleaning records are available for 63 batches.

 Understanding "Context of the Organization":

The term "context of the organization" is defined in ISO 9001:2015 Clause 4.1, which states:

"The organization shall determine external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and its strategic direction and that affect its ability to achieve the intended result(s) of its quality management system."

The definition emphasizes identifying both internal and external issues that influence the organization's approach to developing and achieving its objectives.

 Option Analysis:

Option A:Correct. This option aligns with the standard definition as it explicitly mentions the combination of internal and external issues that affect the organization’s approach to achieving its objectives, which is the essence of Clause 4.1.

Option B:Incorrect. The term "comparison of internal and external issues" does not reflect the ISO 9001 requirements. The standard does not require a comparison but rather an understanding of these issues.

Option C:Incorrect. Although it mentions "complexity," the focus of ISO 9001:2015 is on identifying relevant issues rather than the complexity of those issues.

Option D:Incorrect. This option mentions "coordination" and focuses only on the positive or negative effects. ISO 9001 requires identifying issues but does not emphasize coordination.

 Clause Reference and Relevance:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to understand their context because internal and external factors can influence the Quality Management System's effectiveness. Understanding this context helps in:

Addressing risks and opportunities (Clause 6.1).

Aligning the QMS with the organization’s strategic direction.

 Why A is Correct:

"Combination of internal and external issues" captures the essence of Clause 4.1, making it the accurate definition of the context of the organization.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 19011:2018 requires auditors to conduct audits professionally and diligently.

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 4.4 – Professional Care: Auditors must exercise due diligence in conducting audits.

ISO 9001:2015, Clause 9.2 – Internal Audit: Requires objective and systematic audits to evaluate QMS effectiveness.

Why is the Correct Answer A?

The audit team followed best practices by gathering verifiable audit evidence through interviews, document reviews, and observations.

They ensured fair presentation of findings in the final audit report.

They complied with ISO 9001 and ISO 19011 guidelines for audit procedures.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

B (Ordinary negligence) → No evidence of negligence; the team followed structured audit processes.

C (Gross negligence) → No indication that the auditors ignored important responsibilities.

D (Willful misconduct) → The auditors acted professionally and did not intentionally disregard rules.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Toning down (or de-escalation) is a conflict resolution technique where:

Common agreements are emphasized to reduce tension.

Disagreements are addressed with a rational and constructive approach.

Option A describes compromise, and Option B describes authoritative resolution, which are different conflict resolution techniques.

According to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, clause 8.7 requires that an organization identify and control any nonconforming outputs that do not conform to the requirements of the customer or other relevant requirements. Nonconforming outputs are any outputs from the process, product or service that do not meet the specified quality criteria. Nonconforming outputs must be dealt with in one or more of the following ways:

Correction of the nonconformity

Segregation, containment, return or suspension of provision of products and services

Informing the customer

Authorisation for acceptance under concession

The organization must also retain documented information on the description of the nonconformity, the actions taken, any concessions obtained, and the identification of the authority deciding the action to resolve the nonconformity.

In this scenario, you have interviewed a line supervisor who is responsible for managing a manual picking line where operators are removing contaminant materials from incoming products. The supervisor has explained that these plastic items are rejected at this stage because they do not meet their processing standards and they can damage their machinery and compromise their quality standards. The supervisor has also mentioned that some of these rejected items are melted down in another process later on and some are disposed of as waste products that cannot be recycled.

Based on this information, you can investigate further by taking two actions:

A. Check the process for handling nonconforming items: You can verify whether there is a documented procedure for identifying, segregating, containing, returning or suspending provision of nonconforming items at this stage. You can also check whether there is a system for informing customers about any nonconforming items that may affect their satisfaction or expectations.

D. Determine what happens to the waste products: You can verify whether there is a documented procedure for disposing of waste products that cannot be recycled as per environmental regulations and customer requirements.

These two actions would help you to determine whether there are any nonconforming outputs at this stage and how they are controlled by the organization.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 5.2 (Audit Program Management):

The audit committee is responsible for establishing the internal audit program.

The audit schedule (A) is determined within the program, but it is not the main role of the committee.

Thus, C is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

According to ISO 19011:2018 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems, which is referenced in ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training and practice, auditor competence is defined by a combination of knowledge, skills, and personal attributes. Here's how each selected option aligns:

D. Determining what evidence to gather: This activity is rooted in knowledge of audit principles, criteria, and risk-based thinking. It requires an understanding of which types of evidence (documents, records, interviews, observations) are necessary to evaluate conformity to the audit criteria (Clause 7.2.3 of ISO 19011:2018).

E. Evaluate proposals of corrective actions: This task involves applying knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements, root cause analysis methods, and risk controls to assess whether proposed actions are suitable to prevent recurrence. It demands comprehension of quality management principles and corrective action methodologies, linking it firmly to knowledge.

Other options such as A (Communicate with auditee) and B (Conduct audit meetings) are predominantly skills-based, requiring interpersonal and communication abilities, not theoretical or regulatory knowledge.

C (Determine how to seek evidence) and F (Identify findings) involve both knowledge and skill but are more action-oriented and tied to situational judgment and auditor behavior.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Stratified sampling is the best method when the population consists of different groups or categories. In this case:

ME has two areas of operations (electrical and mechanical services).

Complaints were collected separately for each area.

By choosing representative samples from each category (electrical & mechanical complaints), Li Na ensured a balanced approach.

Systematic sampling selects samples at fixed intervals, which does not ensure proportional representation of both groups.

Block selection sampling is used when focusing on a specific time period or section, which does not apply here.

Thus, stratified sampling (B) is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 5.3.2 (Access to Information), internal auditors must have unrestricted access to:

Employees and executives for interviews and observations.

Documented information to verify compliance with ISO 9001.

This ensures a transparent and objective audit process. The CEO’s approval (B) is not required unless restricted information is involved.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Completeness ensures that all necessary audit evidence, observations, and findings are properly documented, which is critical for traceability and accountability in an audit.

While transparency and fair presentation are principles of auditing, completeness is specifically related to maintaining audit work documents, as required in ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.5.4 (Preparing Audit Work Documents).

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation From Exact Extract:

✅ Correct Option D – “I will sign all the purchase orders now.”

This response represents an immediate correction in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8.4.3 – Information for external providers, which requires control over procurement documentation. The absence of required authorisation (signature) is a nonconformity in executing the organization’s purchasing procedure.

Clause 8.4.3 specifically mandates that the organization:

“Shall communicate to external providers its requirements for:

a) the processes, products and services to be provided;

b) the approval of:

products and services;

methods, processes, and equipment;

the release of products and services.”

The purchase order process includes documented approval, which in this case was defined internally as a signature by the Purchasing or Production Manager. Signing the documents retroactively, while not ideal, is a correction to bring the documentation back into compliance and resolve the immediate issue.

❌ Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. "No correction needed": Dismissing the nonconformity based on product performance fails to address the lack of documented control, violating Clause 8.4.3 and internal procedures.

B. "I will ask the Production Manager to sign them now": This option shows intention but lacks immediacy and ownership. Also, backdating signatures without traceability can be ethically questionable.

C. "I do not accept the nonconformity": This reflects noncompliance and a poor quality culture, contradicting ISO 9001’s Clause 5.1.1 (Leadership commitment).

According to clause 10.2.1.b of ISO 9001:2015, the organization should evaluate the need for action to eliminate the causes of nonconformities, in order to prevent their recurrence. This means that the organization should identify and address the root causes and contributing factors of the nonconformities, and implement appropriate corrective actions that are effective and proportional to the impact of the nonconformities. In this case, the evidence statement that supports the finding of nonconformance is C, because it shows that the organization did not take effective actions to prevent the recurrence of the spelling errors in the print run, which resulted in repeated customer rejections and dissatisfaction. The other options are not directly related to clause 10.2.1.b, although they may indicate other nonconformities or weaknesses in the organization’s QMS. For example, option A may relate to clause 7.2 on competence, option B may relate to clause 8.6 on release of products and services, and option D may relate to clause 7.1 on resources. References: ISO 9001:2015, [ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Nonconformity and Corrective Action], ISO 9001 Clause 10. Improvement - ISO-templates.com

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.3, the audit plan is a document that provides the basis for agreement regarding the conduct of the audit. The audit plan should include the information listed in my previous response, such as the audit objectives, scope, criteria, schedule, team, methods, report, etc. The audit plan should be prepared and completed prior to the on-site audit, and should be communicated to the audit team and the auditee1.

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.4.3, the checklist / prompts are documents that list the questions or topics that need to be covered during an audit. The checklist / prompts can help the auditor to collect and verify information relevant to the audit criteria, and to ensure the consistency and completeness of the audit. The checklist / prompts should be prepared and completed prior to the on-site audit, and should be based on the audit plan and the audit scope and objectives1.

Therefore, the two documents that an auditor needs to prepare and complete prior to the on-site audit are B and D, as they are essential for planning and conducting the audit. The other options are not correct, as they are either prepared or completed after the on-site audit, or not required by the standard:

•A. Audit Report: The audit report is a document that provides a complete, accurate, concise, and clear record of the audit. The audit report should include the information listed in my previous response, such as the audit objectives, scope, criteria, findings, conclusions, etc. The audit report should be prepared and completed after the on-site audit, and should be distributed to the audit client and the auditee1.

•C. Procedures: Procedures are documents that specify the way activities are to be performed. Procedures may be part of the audit criteria, if they are part of the organization’s management system, or part of the audit programme, if they are part of the certification body’s or registrar’s requirements. Procedures are not prepared or completed by the auditor prior to the on-site audit, but rather reviewed or followed by the auditor during the audit1.

•E. Risk Matrices: Risk matrices are tools that help to assess and prioritize the risks and opportunities associated with the audit programme or the audit. Risk matrices may be part of the audit programme management, if they are used to determine and evaluate the audit programme risks and opportunities, or part of the audit preparation, if they are used to determine and evaluate the audit risks and opportunities. Risk matrices are not prepared or completed by the auditor prior to the on-site audit, but rather used or updated by the auditor during the audit programme management or the audit preparation1.

•F. Findings: Findings are the results of the evaluation of the collected audit evidence against the audit criteria. Findings can indicate either conformity or nonconformity, as well as positive aspects or opportunities for improvement. Findings are not prepared or completed by the auditor prior to the on-site audit, but rather generated and recorded by the auditor during the audit activities1.

According to ISO 9001:2015, clause 6.2.1, the organization is required to establish quality objectives at relevant functions, levels, and processes for the quality management system (QMS). The quality objectives must be consistent with the quality policy, measurable, monitored, communicated, and updated as appropriate. The organization is also required to maintain documented information on the quality objectives, as per clause 7.5.1.

Therefore, in the scenario given, the quality objectives defined by the external consultant are not in alignment with the organization’s quality policy, as they are based on those of a competitor, rather than the organization’s own purpose, strategic direction, and customer requirements. This creates a mismatch between the organization’s vision and goals, and the quality objectives that are supposed to guide and measure the QMS performance. Moreover, the quality objectives are not maintained as documented information, which makes it difficult to communicate, monitor, and update them, as well as to demonstrate evidence of their implementation and achievement.

Hence, the circumstances in which a nonconformity against clause 6.2 of ISO 9001 could be raised are B and C, as they indicate a failure to comply with the requirements of clause 6.2.1. The other options are either irrelevant or not directly related to clause 6.2, as they do not pertain to the establishment and documentation of quality objectives.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.6.2 (Surveillance Activities):

The certification body is responsible for planning and conducting surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.

The auditee’s top management (A) does not develop surveillance activities, but they must participate.

The audit team leader (C) conducts the surveillance audit, but they do not develop the program.

Thus, B is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

One of the common misconceptions about ISO 9001 is that it only applies to manufacturing companies producing tangible goods. However, ISO 9001:2015 is designed for all types of organizations, including service providers such as financial, healthcare, and IT companies.

Clause 1 (Scope) clearly states that ISO 9001 is applicable to any organization, regardless of type, size, or the products and services it provides. AL-TAX, being a financial services company, is equally eligible for implementing a QMS under ISO 9001.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to identify and control nonconforming outputs to prevent unintended use or delivery.

Clause References:

Clause 8.7 (Control of Nonconforming Outputs): Organizations must ensure that nonconforming outputs are identified and controlled to prevent unintended use or delivery.

Clause 10.2 (Nonconformity and Corrective Action): Requires organizations to take appropriate actions when nonconformities are found, including during or after service provision.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

If nonconforming products or services are identified after delivery or during service, organizations must take corrective actions to protect customers and stakeholders.

Actions may include recalls, rework, customer notifications, compensation, or process improvements.

This approach aligns with ISO 9001:2015, ensuring that products/services consistently meet requirements.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Retaining documentation only) → While documentation is required, it alone does not ensure proper handling of nonconforming outputs.

B (Verifying conformity before correction) → While verification is good practice, ISO 9001 prioritizes corrective action over mere verification.

D (Allowing employees to handle nonconformities without structure) → ISO 9001 requires documented procedures for handling nonconformities (Clause 8.7).

To demonstrate top management’s leadership and commitment with respect to the quality management system, the following four actions would be indicative:

B. Briefing staff on the development of an improvement culture: This shows that top management is actively involved in promoting a culture of continuous improvement, which is a key aspect of the quality management system1.

C. Chairing management review meetings: By leading these meetings, top management demonstrates their involvement in the quality management system’s ongoing performance and commitment to its continual improvement1.

E. Investing time and money in corrective actions arising from nonconformities: This indicates that top management is committed to addressing issues and ensuring that the quality management system is effective and continually improving1.

G. Promoting the importance of following procedures: When top management emphasizes the importance of adherence to procedures, it reinforces the significance of the quality management system and its processes1.

These actions align with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015, which emphasizes the need for top management to take accountability for the effectiveness of the quality management system and to promote a focus on continual improvement and customer satisfaction123. Approving company car budgets, conducting disciplinary meetings, and not attending the audit closing meeting do not directly demonstrate leadership and commitment to the quality management system1.

ISO/IEC 17021-1 is the standard that specifies requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. It includes provisions for determining audit time for third-party certification audits, ensuring that the audits are conducted in a consistent, comparable, and reliable manner, which can be applied to a variety of management systems, including ISO 9001.

The table below shows the possible matching of the ISO 9001 Clause 8.3 extract to the audit evidence.

Table

Audit evidence

ISO 9001 Clause 8.3 extract

Half of all new products launched in the past 12 months were late. The NPD Manager explains he has not got enough people on his team to cope with the demand for new products.

“8.3.2 e) … internal … resource needs for the design and development of products …”

The NPD Manager explains many changes are made to cosmetic formulations during product development owing to retailer feedback. Only when confirmed by the retailer is the agreed formulation documented on SWIFT.

“8.3.5 … retain documented information …”

The NPD Manager explains that the customer confirms their approval to proceed with a new formulation by email. These emails are kept on SWIFT.

“8.3.6 … retain documented information …”

The NPD Manager shows you evidence of consumer trials that are carried out for some new products prior to full-scale launch.

“8.3.4 d) … conducted to ensure that the resulting products and services meet the requirements …”

The NPD Manager explains that an approved external laboratory is used to perform shelf-life stability trials on some formulations during product development.

“8.3.2 e) … external … resource needs for the design and development of products …”

Establishing the audit programme objectives

Determining and evaluating the audit programme risks and opportunities

Establishing the audit programme

Initiating the audit

Preparing all audit activity

Conducting the audit activities

To complete the sequence, you can drag and drop the options to the appropriate blank section.

Here is a brief explanation of each stage:

Establishing the audit programme objectives: This is the first stage of the audit process, where the purpose, scope, and criteria of the audit programme are defined. The audit programme objectives should be aligned with the strategic direction and policies of the organization, and should address the needs and expectations of the interested parties12.

Determining and evaluating the audit programme risks and opportunities: This is the second stage of the audit process, where the factors that can affect the achievement of the audit programme objectives are identified and assessed. The audit programme risks and opportunities should consider the internal and external issues, the requirements and changes of the interested parties, and the results and feedback from previous audits12.

Establishing the audit programme: This is the third stage of the audit process, where the audit programme is designed and implemented. The audit programme should include the audit programme procedures, the audit programme resources, the audit methods and techniques, the audit frequency and schedule, and the audit programme performance indicators12.

Initiating the audit: This is the fourth stage of the audit process, where the audit is prepared and planned. The audit initiation involves selecting the audit team, establishing the contact with the auditee, defining the audit objectives, scope, and criteria, developing the audit plan, and conducting the document review123.

Preparing all audit activity: This is the fifth stage of the audit process, where the audit activities are organized and coordinated. The audit preparation involves assigning the audit tasks, communicating with the auditee and the audit team, arranging the logistics, preparing the working documents, and conducting the opening meeting123.

Conducting the audit activities: This is the sixth and final stage of the audit process, where the audit evidence is collected and evaluated. The audit conduct involves performing the audit activities, such as interviews, observations, document reviews, and tests, documenting the audit findings, preparing the audit conclusions, and conducting the closing meeting123.

I hope this helps you with your ISO 9001 Lead Auditor objectives and content. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. ????

In this scenario, the organization has set a quality objective of achieving a 90% minimum exam pass rate for all courses. The auditor’s task is to assess whether this objective is being monitored effectively and if appropriate actions are taken when the objective is not met.

B. You would determine how the exam pass rate figures were analysed: ISO 9001:2015, particularly Clause 9.1 (Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation), requires organizations to evaluate performance data. The auditor should verify how the organization analyses the pass rate data to ensure trends are identified, and corrective actions are planned based on this analysis.

D. You would determine what corrective action was being taken to address the low pass rates: When performance falls short of the objective, as seen with Course 4 (where the pass rate is below 90% in all months), Clause 10.2 (Nonconformity and corrective action) requires organizations to take corrective actions to address issues. The auditor would need to check if corrective actions have been initiated to address consistently low pass rates.

Statements A, C, E, and F do not directly address the monitoring and corrective action required under ISO 9001:2015 in this context​​.

Understanding Clause 6.2 of ISO 9001:2015:Clause 6.2 (Quality Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them) specifies that organizations must:

Establish measurable and relevant quality objectives consistent with the quality policy (Clause 6.2.1).

Include objectives applicable to product/service conformity and customer satisfaction.

Document these objectives and their planning as documented information (Clause 6.2.1 & 6.2.2).

Plan how to achieve the objectives, including defining actions, resources, responsibilities, timelines, and methods for evaluation.

Analysis of Options:

A. Quality objectives are not being implemented by the organisation's personnel:Incorrect. While implementation is critical, this relates more to operational aspects rather than the direct requirements of Clause 6.2. Implementation issues would typically raise concerns under Clause 9.1 (Performance Evaluation).

B. The consultant has not interpreted ISO 9001 correctly:Incorrect. The consultant's interpretation of ISO 9001 is irrelevant in terms of Clause 6.2 compliance. The focus is on whether the organization aligns with the requirements, not the consultant's role.

C. Establishing quality objectives did not include top management:Incorrect. While top management involvement is vital for QMS effectiveness (Clause 5.1), this is not a direct requirement of Clause 6.2. Top management alignment is implied but not explicitly mandated for establishing quality objectives.

D. Quality objectives were not established in alignment with the organisation's quality policy:Correct. Clause 6.2.1 requires that quality objectives be consistent with the organization’s quality policy, ensuring they reflect its purpose, strategic direction, and commitment to continual improvement. Misalignment would constitute a nonconformity.

E. The organisation cannot afford to undertake quality objectives all at once:Incorrect. Financial constraints are not directly addressed in Clause 6.2. The clause focuses on planning to achieve objectives, which includes defining the necessary resources but does not demand achieving all objectives simultaneously.

F. Quality objectives are not maintained as documented information:Correct. Clause 6.2.1 specifically requires that quality objectives be maintained as documented information. Failure to document the objectives is a direct violation of this clause.

Why Options D and F Are Correct:

D: Misalignment between the quality objectives and the quality policy directly violates Clause 6.2.1, which mandates that objectives support the strategic direction of the organization.

F: Lack of documentation for quality objectives breaches the requirement to maintain them as documented information under Clause 6.2.1.

Relevant References:

Clause 6.2.1: Establishing quality objectives aligned with the quality policy.

Clause 6.2.2: Maintaining documented information for quality objectives and planning to achieve them.

Clause 5.1.1: Top management's responsibility to ensure alignment between the QMS and strategic direction.

•To evaluate the preparedness of the organisation for a Stage 2 audit: This objective involves assessing the readiness of the organisation to undergo the Stage 2 audit, where the conformity and effectiveness of the quality management system will be verified123. The audit team will check the level of implementation and understanding of the quality management system, identify any major gaps or nonconformities, and confirm the audit scope, criteria, and plan123.

•To review the quality manual: This objective involves reviewing the documented information of the quality management system, such as the quality policy, the quality objectives, the scope, the processes, and the procedures, to ensure that they meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2015123. The audit team will also evaluate the organisation’s understanding and application of the standard, and identify any areas of improvement or concern123.

The other options are not included in the objectives of the Stage 1 initial certification audit, according to the web search results from my internal tool. They may be related to other stages or types of audits, but they are not the focus of the Stage 1 audit.

Therefore, the correct answer is B and D.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.4.8 (Audit Reporting):

The certification body retains ownership of the audit report as it is responsible for the certification decision.

The auditee may receive a copy, but it does not own the report.

The audit team leader compiles the report but does not own it.

Thus, C is the correct answer.

Questions no: 1 Verified Answer: = C, D, E Comprehensive But Short Explanation: = Potential threats to impartiality in an audit context include familiarity (having a close relationship with the auditee), intimidation (being coerced or feeling pressured), and self-audit (auditing one’s own work). These factors can compromise the auditor’s objectivity and the audit’s integrity. References: = The information is based on the ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group documents which discuss threats to auditor impartiality and how they may compromise an auditor’s objectivity123.

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation: = According to the web search results from my internal tool, a witness audit is a technique used during an accreditation audit, where the accreditation body observes the performance and competence of the certification body auditors in conducting an audit12. A witness audit can also be used by a certification body to monitor and evaluate its own auditors3. During a witness audit, the following roles can be defined:

•An auditor: This is the person who is being witnessed by the accreditation body or the certification body. The auditor is responsible for conducting the audit according to the audit plan, criteria, and standards, and for providing audit evidence and findings123.

•An assessor for the accreditation body: This is the person who witnesses the auditor on behalf of the accreditation body. The assessor is responsible for evaluating the auditor’s performance and competence, and for providing feedback and recommendations to the accreditation body123.

The other options are not defined as witnesses during a witness audit, according to the web search results from my internal tool. They are:

•Someone with a qualification from the certification body: This is not a specific role in a witness audit, as anyone who is involved in the audit process should have a qualification from the certification body. Moreover, having a qualification does not necessarily mean that the person is a witness or an auditor4.

•An existing member of the audit team: This is not a specific role in a witness audit, as the audit team consists of the auditors who are conducting the audit, not the ones who are witnessing it. The witness audit is a separate activity from the audit itself, and the witness should not interfere with the audit process or influence the audit outcome123.

Therefore, the correct answer is B and D.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires specific roles and responsibilities for audit leaders and certification bodies.

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 5.5 – Conducting the Audit: Defines audit team leader responsibilities.

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.1.2 – Audit Planning: Defines certification body responsibilities, including the certification agreement.

Why is the Correct Answer D?

The certification agreement is signed between the certification body and the auditee (TD Advertising).

Anne (audit team leader) does NOT have authority to sign the agreement—that is the responsibility of the certification body’s management.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Establishing audit criteria and objectives) → Correct responsibility of the audit leader as per ISO 19011.

B (Determining audit feasibility) → Audit leaders assess feasibility but do not sign agreements.

C (Assigning responsibilities for the audit team) → This is part of the audit leader’s role in planning audits.

 Responsibilities of the Audit Team Leader:

ISO 19011:2018 (guidelines for auditing management systems), which supports the principles in ISO 9001:2015, specifies the responsibilities of an audit team leader. These responsibilities include:

Planning the audit and establishing effective communication between the audit team and auditee.

Ensuring that formal communication channels are agreed upon and followed.

Reporting the audit progress, significant findings, and any concerns to the auditee or audit client as necessary.

Managing the audit team and ensuring adherence to the defined objectives and scope.

 Analysis of Options:

A. Reporting unattainable audit objectives to the accreditation body:Incorrect. This is not the responsibility of the audit team leader. The accreditation body oversees the certification body and is not directly involved in specific audits. If objectives are unattainable, the audit team leader would report them to the audit client (the certification body), not the accreditation body.

B. Planning formal communication arrangements:Correct. This is one of the responsibilities of the audit team leader. They ensure auditees can communicate with auditors as needed during the audit process.

C. Confirming communication channels during the opening meeting:Correct. During the opening meeting, the audit team leader must establish clear communication protocols to ensure effective information exchange between the audit team and auditee.

D. Communicating progress, findings, and concerns:Correct. Keeping the auditee and audit client informed about progress and significant findings is a critical responsibility of the audit team leader to maintain transparency and ensure the audit objectives are met.

 Why Option A is Correct:

The audit team leader does not have any obligation to report unattainable objectives to the accreditation body. Instead, they are responsible for communicating issues to the audit client (typically the certification body). The accreditation body operates at a higher level and is concerned with overseeing certification bodies, not individual audits.

 Relevant References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4 (Conducting the Audit): Emphasizes the responsibilities of the audit team leader, including communication with the auditee and client.

ISO 9001:2015, Clause 9.2 (Internal Audit): Highlights the importance of planning and communication during audits, which is reflected in third-party audits as well.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.6 (Conducting Interviews), group interviews should be conducted with at least two auditors to ensure objectivity and accuracy.

This prevents bias or misinterpretation of responses.

It allows for cross-validation of information.

It ensures that the audit results remain objective and impartial.

Since Li Na conducted the group interviews alone, she did not follow audit best practices. The correct approach would have been to have another auditor present during the interviews.

 Clause: 8.5.4

 Nature of Problem: Cleaning and sanitising records are not available for every batch.

 Unfulfilled Requirement: "The organization shall implement production provision under controlled conditions."

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

The audit schedule provides a structured timeline of activities to be conducted during the audit.

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.2 – Preparing the Audit Plan:

Requires the development of an audit schedule, including the sequence and timing of activities.

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.1.3 – Audit Program:

Certification bodies must establish a schedule for conducting audits.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

The audit schedule ensures systematic execution of the audit by defining activities, responsible auditors, and timeframes.

A well-planned schedule improves efficiency and helps auditors cover all necessary areas within the given time.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Audit objectives) → Define why the audit is conducted, not the schedule.

B (Audit criteria) → Define the standards and requirements to be evaluated, not the timeline.

D (Audit offer) → Refers to the initial proposal sent to the auditee, not the activity timeline.

The following table shows the possible matching of the records to the requirements of clause 8.4:

Table

Requirements

Records

Define product requirements

Product specification

Criteria for selection

List of requirements to be met by the external provider

Evaluation of potential external provider

External provider questionnaire

External provider selection

Approved external provider list

Communicate requirements

Purchase order

Monitoring of performance

External provider delivery times and quality issues

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation: = According to clause 8.4 of ISO 9001:2015, the organization should ensure that externally provided processes, products, and services conform to the specified requirements. To do so, the organization should:

Define the product requirements that are relevant for the external provision, such as specifications, drawings, standards, codes, etc. These should be documented and communicated to the external provider. A record of the product specification can be used as evidence of this requirement.

Establish the criteria for the selection, evaluation, and re-evaluation of external providers, based on their ability to provide processes, products, and services in accordance with the requirements. The criteria should be documented and applied consistently. A record of the list of requirements to be met by the external provider can be used as evidence of this requirement.

Evaluate the potential external providers before selecting them, using the established criteria. The evaluation methods may include questionnaires, audits, references, samples, etc. The results of the evaluation should be documented and reviewed. A record of the external provider questionnaire can be used as evidence of this requirement.

Select the external providers that have demonstrated their competence and conformity to the requirements. The selection should be based on the evaluation results and the organization’s needs. The selection should be documented and approved. A record of the approved external provider list can be used as evidence of this requirement.

Communicate the requirements for the processes, products, and services to be provided by the external provider, including the verification and validation activities, the acceptance criteria, the documentation requirements, the changes control, etc. The communication methods may include purchase orders, contracts, agreements, etc. The communication should be clear, complete, and timely. A record of the purchase order can be used as evidence of this requirement.

Monitor the performance and conformity of the external provider, using the established criteria and methods. The monitoring methods may include inspections, tests, audits, feedback, complaints, etc. The monitoring results should be documented and analyzed. A record of the external provider delivery times and quality issues can be used as evidence of this requirement.

Top management is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the quality policy. The quality policy provides a framework for setting quality objectives and must be compatible with the context of the organization and support its strategic direction. It should also provide a commitment to satisfy applicable requirements and to continuous improvement.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Understanding Audit Stages Based on ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015

ISO certification audits consist of two main stages:

Stage 1 Audit (Readiness Review)

The organization’s documented information is reviewed to assess readiness for Stage 2.

This ensures that the QMS is developed, implemented, and prepared for full assessment.

Stage 2 Audit (On-Site Evaluation)

Auditors assess process implementation and effectiveness through interviews, observations, and evidence collection.

The audit team verifies if the organization meets ISO 9001 requirements in practice.

Why is the Correct Answer B?

The audit team reviewed ME’s documents, which is a Stage 1 activity.

The audit team performed interviews, sampling, and on-site verification, which is a Stage 2 activity.

There was no mention of an audit follow-up or a surveillance audit, which occur post-certification.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Audit follow-up and Stage 1 Audit) → Follow-up audits occur after certification, which was not the case here.

C (Stage 2 Audit and Surveillance Audit) → Surveillance audits are post-certification audits and were not conducted yet.

Approve Certification Body: Accreditation Body

Award certification: Certification Body

Recommend certification: Audit Team Leader

Maintain certification:

Comprehensive Detailed Explanation

In the context of a third-party ISO 9001 audit, different entities play specific roles in the certification process. Here's a detailed explanation of the responsibilities:

Approve Certification Body: Accreditation BodyThe Accreditation Body is responsible for approving Certification Bodies. Accreditation Bodies are independent entities that evaluate the competence of Certification Bodies, ensuring they meet international standards like ISO/IEC 17021, which sets out the criteria for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems. In this role, they confirm that the Certification Body is capable of conducting ISO 9001 audits and granting certifications in accordance with international guidelines.

Award Certification: Certification BodyThe Certification Body is the entity that ultimately awards the certification to an organization after verifying that it meets the ISO 9001 standards. Certification Bodies conduct audits, either directly or through a team of auditors, and based on the audit outcomes, they issue the certification, indicating that the organization complies with ISO 9001.

Recommend Certification: Audit Team LeaderThe Audit Team Leader is responsible for leading the audit and making a recommendation to the Certification Body. This recommendation is based on the audit findings—whether the organization meets the ISO 9001 requirements or if there are areas of non-compliance that need corrective action. The final decision on certification is not made by the Audit Team Leader but by the Certification Body.

Maintain Certification: Certification BodyMaintaining certification refers to the ongoing process of ensuring that an organization continues to comply with ISO 9001 requirements. The Certification Body conducts regular surveillance audits (e.g., annually) and may also perform recertification audits (typically every three years). This ongoing monitoring ensures that the certified organization continues to adhere to the quality management standards over time.

This breakdown clearly assigns responsibility based on the defined roles of Accreditation Bodies, Certification Bodies, and Audit Teams in the ISO 9001 certification process.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.2.2 (Audit Planning):

The audit team leader is responsible for planning the audit and assigning roles.

Top management (A) does not plan the audit, but they provide resources.

While team members may provide input, the leader has the final authority.

Thus, B is the correct answer.

According to the ISO 9000:2015 - Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary, correction is defined as “action to eliminate a detected nonconformity”. A nonconformity is defined as “non-fulfilment of a requirement”. Therefore, the process of modifying a non-conforming product to bring it within acceptance criteria is a correction, as it eliminates the non-fulfilment of the product specification. The other options are not correct, as they have different definitions and purposes:

•Concession: permission to release or use a nonconforming product, service or process

•Corrective action: action to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity and to prevent recurrence

•Preventive action: action to eliminate the cause of a potential nonconformity or other undesirable potential situation

According to ISO 9001:2015, clause 4.1, the organisation must determine the external and internal issues that are relevant to its purpose and that affect its ability to achieve the intended results of its quality management system. The organisation must also monitor and review the information about these issues. SWOT analysis is a tool that can help the organisation to identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. However, the SWOT analysis alone is not sufficient to comply with the requirement, as the organisation also needs to review the information periodically and update it as necessary. Therefore, one audit trail would be to establish how the organisation reviews information about external and internal issues, such as how often, by whom, using what criteria, and with what results. 123

According to ISO 9001:2015, clause 10.3, the organisation must continually improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the quality management system. The organisation must also consider the results of analysis and evaluation, and the outputs from management review, to determine if there are any needs or opportunities for improvement. SWOT analysis can help the organisation to identify the areas where improvement is needed or possible, such as addressing the weaknesses and threats, or exploiting the strengths and opportunities. However, the SWOT analysis alone is not sufficient to comply with the requirement, as the organisation also needs to take actions to implement the improvement, such as setting objectives, allocating resources, assigning responsibilities, and evaluating the effectiveness. Therefore, another audit trail would be to establish what actions were taken to improve the QMS, such as what, when, by whom, how, and with what results. 124 References:

1: ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management systems — Requirements

2: Advisera, “Context of the organization in ISO 9001:2015 explained”,

3: ISO Templates, “ISO 9001 - Clause 4: Context of the organisation explained”,

4: Advisera, “How to implement continual improvement in ISO 9001”,

The key expected results of a quality management system that conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 are stated in clause 0.1 of the standard, which says: “The adoption of a quality management system is a strategic decision for an organization that can help to improve its overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives. The potential benefits to an organization of implementing a quality management system based on this International Standard are: a) the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements; b) facilitating opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction; c) addressing risks and opportunities associated with its context and objectives; d) the ability to demonstrate conformity to specified quality management system requirements.” Therefore, the two options that best match these benefits are A and E, as they directly relate to providing products and services that meet customer requirements and enhancing customer satisfaction. The other options are not explicitly mentioned as key expected results, although they may be possible outcomes of implementing a quality management system. References: ISO 9001:2015 - Quality management systems — Requirements, Key Elements of an ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, What is ISO 9001 2015 as a Quality Management Systems?

A Stage 1 audit is a preliminary assessment to evaluate the readiness of the organisation for the Stage 2 certification audit. The audit scope is defined by the audit client and the certification body based on the application and the contract. If the organisation wants to include a new work area that was not part of the original scope, the auditor should advise the Quality Manager that an extension of the scope is possible but will have to go through established procedures, such as submitting a formal request, providing relevant information, and paying additional fees. The auditor should also suggest that the Quality Manager will advise the programme manager, who is responsible for managing the audit programme, that the audit scope should be revised to include the new work area. The programme manager will then decide whether to approve or reject the request, and communicate the decision to the auditor and the Quality Manager. The auditor should not proceed with the audit of the new work area without the approval of the programme manager and the confirmation of the audit scope. 1234 References:

1: ISO 19011:2018 - Guidelines for auditing management systems

2: ISO 9001 Certification Audits | Stage 1 and Stage 2 - 9001. Simplified

3: What is the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits? - ISO Update

4: Getting Certified to ISO 9001 - the Stage 1 Audit

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A technical expert is someone with specialized knowledge that helps the audit team understand specific technical aspects of the auditee’s processes.

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 7.3.4 – Use of Technical Experts:

Technical experts support the audit team with specialized knowledge but do not perform the audit themselves.

Why is the Correct Answer B?

A technical expert is needed when auditors lack deep expertise in specific areas, such as engineering, software, or medical devices.

They assist in interpreting complex technical requirements but do not act as auditors.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Observer) → Observers do not contribute expertise; they only watch the audit (e.g., trainees).

C (Guide) → Guides help with logistics but do not provide technical expertise.

Here is the correct matching of the ISO 9001 Clause 8 extracts to the audit evidence:

Audit evidence: Three subcontract trainers who had delivered training were not approved as defined in procedure SA1 Supplier Approval revision 3.ISO 9001 Clause 8 extract: 8.4.1 ...shall apply criteria for ... external providers...(This clause requires the organization to control external providers, including ensuring their approval and competence.)

Audit evidence: A training programme for a customer was not documented as required in procedure TD 2 Training revision 2.ISO 9001 Clause 8 extract: 8.3.5 ...shall retain documented information on design and development outputs.(This clause addresses the need to retain documented information related to design and development outputs, such as a training programme.)

Audit evidence: One trainer had not recorded the damage to a customer’s training room wall caused by using sticky tape to hang training aids, as required in procedure TD 2 Training revision 2.ISO 9001 Clause 8 extract: 8.5.3 ...shall retain documented information on what has occurred.(This clause relates to retaining documented information on activities and outcomes, including records of damage or issues encountered.)

Audit evidence: Five sales orders had no record of having been reviewed to verify the ability to provide these courses.ISO 9001 Clause 8 extract: 8.2.3.1 ...shall conduct a review before committing...(This clause specifies the requirement to review and verify the organization's ability to meet customer requirements before accepting sales orders.)

These mappings reflect the specific requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for managing external providers, retaining documented information, and reviewing contracts.

According to the ISO 19011:2018 document, the audit plan should provide the basis for agreement regarding the conduct and scheduling of the audit activities. The amount of detail provided in the audit plan should reflect the scope and complexity of the audit, as well as the risk of not achieving the audit objectives1. The scope of the audit refers to the extent and boundaries of the audit, such as the audit criteria, the audit objectives, the organizational and functional units, and the processes to be audited1. The complexity of the audit refers to the degree of difficulty or intricacy of the audit, such as the number and diversity of the auditees, the audit criteria, the audit methods, and the audit team composition2. The risk of not achieving the audit objectives refers to the possibility that the audit may fail to provide reliable and sufficient audit evidence to support the audit conclusions and report1.

Therefore, the complete sentence is:

In the context of a third-party audit, the amount of detail provided in the audit plan should reflect the scope and complexity of the audit, as well as the risk of not achieving the audit objectives.

According to the ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Improvement Opportunities1, an improvement opportunity is a suggestion made by the auditor for the auditee to consider that, if implemented, may enhance the performance of the QMS. Improvement opportunities are not mandatory, but they should be based on objective evidence and aligned with the audit criteria and objectives. Improvement opportunities should also be realistic, feasible, and beneficial for the auditee. In this case, the evidence statements that represent acceptable improvement opportunities in the report are A, C, and E, because they address the potential causes and effects of the spelling errors in the print run, and propose possible actions that may improve the quality of the products and services, and the effectiveness of the QMS. These options are consistent with the requirements and principles of ISO 9001, such as clause 6.1 on actions to address risks and opportunities, clause 8.1 on operational planning and control, clause 8.5.1 on control of production and service provision, and clause 10.2 on nonconformity and corrective action. The other options are not appropriate improvement opportunities, because they are either irrelevant, unrealistic, or unhelpful for the auditee. For example, option B may contradict the audit objective and scope, option D may imply a lack of auditor competence or impartiality, option F may not address the root cause of the problem, option G may not be applicable or effective, and option H may not be feasible or justified. References: ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Improvement Opportunities, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Audit Evidence

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to measure and monitor customer perceptions to determine whether customer requirements are being met.

Clause Reference:

Clause 9.1.2 – Customer Satisfaction states that organizations must monitor customer perceptions using relevant methods such as customer surveys, feedback forms, and complaint analysis.

One of the most effective ways to do this is gap analysis, which identifies differences between customer expectations and actual service or product performance.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Gap analysis helps determine discrepancies between current performance and customer expectations, allowing organizations to improve quality.

It is a standard quality improvement tool used to assess customer satisfaction.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (PEST analysis) → Focuses on external macroeconomic factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological) rather than customer satisfaction.

B (Market-share analysis) → Examines business performance relative to competitors, not customer perceptions.

D (Competitive benchmarking) → Involves comparing processes with competitors but does not directly monitor customer perceptions.

D. I would look for evidence that the actions resulting from the risk assessment had been taken.

According to ISO 9001:2015, Clause 6.1.2 requires the organization to plan actions to address risks and opportunities. The organization must integrate and implement these actions into its quality management system and evaluate their effectiveness. The auditor should seek evidence that the organization has assessed the risks and taken appropriate actions.

B. I would ask to audit the Technical Manager by phone.

As the Technical Manager is responsible for this process and is absent due to illness, it is reasonable to attempt to contact him to obtain accurate information. This ensures that the audit process is not unduly delayed and that the information is obtained from the appropriate person.

A. I would not accept the legal compliance expert answering the question.

While the legal compliance expert might not be the best source for technical details, outright rejecting their input is not appropriate. It is better to first verify if the expert can provide relevant information.

C. I would delay the audit until the return of the Technical Manager.

This would be an inefficient approach. Contacting the Technical Manager by phone is a more practical and reasonable option.

E. I would ask for a different guide instead of the legal compliance expert.

The guide's role is not necessarily to answer technical questions but to facilitate the audit. Since Jack is already familiar with the situation, replacing him may not add value.

F. I would ask the consultant to leave the meeting since he is not an employee of the organization.

This is inappropriate and could disrupt the audit process. There is no rule in ISO 9001 preventing a consultant from assisting in the audit if authorized by the organization.

Why Not the Other Options:

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.4.10 (Corrective Actions for Major Nonconformities):

If a major nonconformity is not corrected within six months, the certification body must reject the certification request.

Another Stage 2 audit (C) is not required unless the organization reapplies for certification.

Restarting all audit activities (B) is unnecessary; instead, certification is denied.

Thus, A is the correct answer.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 5.4 (Audit Records Management) states that the audit schedule must be maintained as a key record.

Thus, C is the correct answer.

A screenshot of a chat Description automatically generated

According to the ISO 9000:2015 document, the seven quality management principles are:

Customer focus

Leadership

Engagement of people

Process approach

Improvement

Evidence-based decision making

Relationship management

For each principle, the document provides a statement, a rationale, key benefits, and actions you can take to apply the principle in your organization.

Based on the document, here is a possible way to match a potential benefit to each of the four quality management principles you mentioned:

Table

Quality management principle

Potential benefit

Customer focus

Increased revenue and market share

Engagement of people

Enhanced trust and collaboration throughout the organization

Improvement

Enhanced drive for innovation

Evidence-based decision making

Increased ability to demonstrate effectiveness of past actions

According to the ISO 9000:2015 quality management principles document1, risk-based approach is not one of the seven quality management principles that ISO 9000, ISO 9001 and other related quality management standards are based on. The seven quality management principles are:

Customer focus

Leadership

Engagement of people

Process approach

Improvement

Evidence-based decision making

Relationship management

Therefore, risk-based approach is not a quality management principle under ISO 9001:2015.

According to the ISO - Management system standards page, the key benefits of an effective management system include improved operational effectiveness and efficiency, improved risk management and protection of people and the environment, and enhanced drive for innovation. The Integrated Use of Management System Standards (IUMSS) handbook also states that the purpose and objectives of management system standards are to help organizations improve their performance by specifying repeatable steps that organizations consciously implement to achieve their goals and objectives.

Therefore, the complete sentence is:

“The purpose of a management system standard is to improve the performance of an organisation.”

Reduced incoming inspection → A. Quality

Improved communication with suppliers → B. Procurement

Purchased materials received on time → C. Logistics

Reduced variability within processes → D. Production

According to ISO 9001:2015, Clause 8.4 - Control of externally provided processes, products and services, organisations are required to ensure that externally provided products and services conform to specified requirements. When an organisation sources from ISO 9001 certified suppliers, there is greater assurance of consistency in quality, delivery, and communication. This enhances internal operations across various functions:

Reduced incoming inspection (Quality): ISO 9001 certified suppliers have robust quality controls (Clause 8.4.2), reducing the need for repeated inspections upon receipt. This aligns with Quality’s responsibility for incoming inspection and verification.

Improved communication with suppliers (Procurement): Clause 8.4.3 emphasizes the communication of detailed requirements to external providers. Procurement plays a key role in ensuring these requirements are understood and met.

Purchased materials received on time (Logistics): Timely deliveries are often a result of structured supplier evaluation and selection (Clause 8.4.1). Logistics benefits through fewer delays and better scheduling of internal processes.

Reduced variability within processes (Production): Consistency of supplied materials supports stable and predictable production processes, which is a key aspect of Clause 8.5 – Production and service provision.

This option reflects a balanced and professional approach. The audit team leader should first gather information directly from the involved auditor to understand the situation before making any decisions. It demonstrates due diligence and fairness.

This ensures that the situation is properly escalated and handled in accordance with the auditing body’s procedures. Consulting the audit programme manager helps ensure consistency in handling such incidents.

The nonconformity raised is based on objective evidence, independent of the incident with the photographs. ISO 9001 audits are evidence-based, and the validity of the findings should not be compromised by unrelated issues.

1. A. Advise the Quality Manager that he, as audit team leader, needs to speak to the auditor about the situation and he will report back to the Quality Manager once this is done:2. D. Delay the Closing meeting until the audit team leader has consulted his audit programme manager at Head Office:3. E. Insist that the nonconformities must stand since they have been agreed by the team from other evidence gathered:

B. Advise the Quality Manager that the auditor will be reported to Head Office:

Reporting the auditor directly without first investigating the situation is premature and unprofessional. It might escalate the issue unnecessarily.

C. Apologize for the situation and ensure the Quality Manager that all photographs will be deleted during the Closing meeting:

Deleting evidence without proper consultation could be seen as tampering or unprofessional conduct. It’s essential to understand the context of the photographs first.

F. State that the auditor will take no further part in the audit and all his photographs will be deleted:

This is an extreme response without first investigating the situation. Taking unilateral action without gathering facts can damage the audit's integrity.

Why Not the Other Options: