Internal audit steps poster

An internal audit checks a process or system against its requirements, using evidence. ISO 19011 describes how: plan the audit with clear scope and criteria, open it with the area, collect evidence by looking, asking and reading records, compare the evidence with the criteria to make findings, close by agreeing them, then follow up the actions. This poster sets out the six steps, the four sources of evidence and what every finding needs.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 438 KB · no form

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Internal audit steps poster — 24 x 36 in18 x 24 inA2A3LetterA4PNG 300 dpi

The words on the poster

How an internal audit works

Compare what you find with what is required, and prove it.

Plan Scope, criteria, auditors.
Open Tell the area scope and timing.
Collect evidence Look, ask, check records.
Write findings Evidence against the criteria.
Close Agree findings with the area.
Follow up Owners, dates, proof it worked.

Four sources of evidence

Documents Procedures, drawings.
Records Check sheets, logs, forms.
Interviews Ask the people doing it.
Observation Watch the work being done.

A finding needs evidence: what you saw, where, and the requirement it meets or misses.

After ISO 19011:2018, Guidelines for auditing management systems.

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Internal audit steps poster to work

1
Put it in the room where auditors prepare and in the quality office.
2
Use it to train new internal auditors before their first audit.
3
Check each written finding has evidence, a place and a requirement.
4
Pair it with the free internal audit checklist and audit schedule.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.