Free and Premium PECB ISO-9001-Lead-Auditor Dumps Questions Answers

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Policies and guidelines are considered documentary evidence because they are written records that demonstrate how an organization complies with ISO 9001 requirements.

Clause References:

ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.6 – Audit Evidence:

Documentary evidence includes manuals, procedures, and policies.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Documentary evidence includes written records such as policies, procedures, and documented instructions that support QMS implementation.

Auditors review policies to verify conformance with ISO 9001.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Confirmative evidence) → Not a recognized category in ISO auditing.

B (Technical evidence) → Technical evidence refers to measurements, test results, or product data, not policies.

When conducting a third-party audit to ISO 9001, especially in the context of training and corrective actions taken due to customer complaints, the most appropriate audit trails to follow would be:

A. Ask if customer complaints had ceased since the multi-skilled training finished. This audit trail is relevant because it directly relates to the effectiveness of the corrective action taken. If customer complaints have decreased or ceased, it could indicate that the additional training was effective1.

F. Review records to assess if all planned training has been completed. This trail is important to ensure that the training plan has been fully implemented and to verify that all staff members have received the necessary training. It also helps in assessing the adequacy of the training in terms of content, frequency, and outcomes1.

These two trails, A and F, are closely linked to the issue of customer complaints and the organization’s response to them. They provide insight into whether the actions taken were suitable and whether they have led to improvements in staff performance and customer satisfaction1. The other options, while potentially useful, do not directly address the immediate concern of the effectiveness of the corrective actions taken in response to the customer complaints1.

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

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 is based on seven quality management principles, one of which is Relationship Management. This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication and collaboration with interested parties, including suppliers and customers.

Clause 7.4 (Communication) requires organizations to determine what, when, with whom, and how communication should take place. Since AL-TAX failed to ensure clear communication channels, it did not adhere to this principle. Effective relationship management helps improve supply chain performance, customer satisfaction, and overall QMS effectiveness.

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

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.4.9 (Corrective Actions):

Minor nonconformities do not require a follow-up audit but must be corrected before the next surveillance audit.

Follow-up audits are required only for major nonconformities.

The audit team should recommend corrective actions, not enforce immediate follow-ups for minor nonconformities.

Thus, A is the correct answer.

Quality management principles:

Customer focus = Increased revenue and market share

Engagement of people = Enhanced trust and collaboration throughout the organisation

Improvement = Enhanced drive for innovation

Evidence-based decision-making = Increased ability to demonstrate effectiveness of past actions

According to the Quality management principles document published by ISO, each quality management principle has a statement, a rationale, key benefits, and actions you can take to apply it. Based on these descriptions, the potential benefits can be matched to the corresponding principles as follows:

Customer focus: The primary focus of quality management is to meet customer requirements and to strive to exceed customer expectations. The key benefits of this principle include increased customer value, customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, repeat business, reputation, customer base, revenue and market share.

Engagement of people: Competent, empowered and engaged people at all levels throughout the organization are essential to enhance its capability to create and deliver value. The key benefits of this principle include improved understanding of the organization’s objectives and values, increased involvement in improvement activities, enhanced personal development, increased motivation and empowerment, enhanced trust and collaboration, and increased recognition and rewards.

Improvement: Successful organizations have an ongoing focus on improvement. The key benefits of this principle include improved organizational capabilities, alignment of improvement activities at all levels, increased ability to anticipate and react to opportunities and threats, enhanced drive for innovation, and increased levels of satisfaction.

Evidence-based decision-making: Decisions based on the analysis and evaluation of data and information are more likely to produce desired results. The key benefits of this principle include improved decision-making processes, increased ability to demonstrate the effectiveness of past decisions, increased ability to review, challenge and change opinions and decisions, and increased ability to improve performance.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

Discussing audit findings before the closing meeting ensures that:

The audit objectives have been met (ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.10).

The auditee has an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings or provide additional evidence.

The audit team and the auditee agree on the accuracy of findings before finalizing the report.

While encouraging corrective actions (B) is beneficial, the primary purpose of discussing findings is to ensure that the audit was conducted effectively and aligned with objectives. Identifying responsible persons (C) is not the auditor’s role.

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.

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 9001:2015 standard, clause 10.2.1 defines nonconformity as the non-fulfilment of a requirement. A requirement can be related to the quality management system, the products and services, the customer expectations, or the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Nonconformities can be detected through various sources, such as audits, inspections, tests, customer complaints, or internal reviews. Nonconformities must be addressed by taking appropriate actions to correct them and prevent their recurrence.

In this scenario, the auditee has shown several issues that indicate nonconformities in their quality management system. Two statements that apply to the term nonconformity are:

A. No quality objectives planned for the top management team: According to ISO 9001, clause 6.2.1, the organization must establish quality objectives at relevant functions, levels, and processes. The quality objectives must be consistent with the quality policy and the strategic direction of the organization. The top management team is responsible for providing leadership and direction for the quality management system and ensuring its alignment with the organization’s purpose and context. Therefore, the absence of quality objectives for the top management team is a nonconformity as it violates the requirement of clause 6.2.1.

E. Quality improvements not aligning with the quality policy: According to ISO 9001, clause 5.2.1, the quality policy is a statement of the organization’s intentions and direction regarding quality, as formally expressed by top management. The quality policy must provide a framework for setting quality objectives and be compatible with the context and strategic direction of the organization. The quality policy must also be communicated, understood, and applied within the organization. Therefore, if the quality improvements are not aligned with the quality policy, it is a nonconformity as it violates the requirement of clause 5.2.1.

 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."

According to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, clause 10.2 requires organizations to review nonconformities, including any arising from customer complaints, and to take appropriate actions to determine the cause, implement corrections and preventive actions, and verify their effectiveness. The organization must also monitor the effectiveness of the actions taken and make changes if necessary.

In this scenario, the auditee is facing a legal dispute with a customer over damage to an expensive cashmere coat. This is a nonconformity that arises from customer complaint and has a significant impact on customer satisfaction and reputation. Therefore, clause 10.2 applies to this situation.

The best option for how this should be handled by the Quality Management System is B.

B means that the organization should report the situation to the customer with suggested remedial action. This option follows the principle of transparency and accountability, as well as respecting the customer’s rights and expectations. The organization should also investigate the root cause of the damage and prevent it from happening again in other shops or products.

The other options are not appropriate because:

A means that the organization should settle the court case by negotiation with the customer. This option may not be feasible or satisfactory for both parties, especially if there is a large amount of compensation involved or if there are legal implications for other customers.

C means that the organization should make an offer to replace the coat with a new one. This option may not be sufficient or acceptable for both parties, especially if there is evidence of negligence or poor quality on behalf of the organization.

D means that the organization should give an explanation to the customer of what went wrong. This option may not be enough or convincing for both parties, especially if there is no evidence of negligence or poor quality on behalf of the organization.

Clause 8.2.4 of ISO 9001:2015 – Changes to Requirements for Products and Services:ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8.2.4 states that when changes to requirements for products or services are made, they must be communicated and agreed upon with relevant interested parties (in this case, the Health Trust). The lack of communication and agreement for substituting the cleaning chemical represents a clear violation of this clause.

Analysis of the Corrective Action Proposed:The organization proposed "obtaining a concession from the Health Trust for the use of the new chemical." This action is reactive and assumes approval from the Health Trust without addressing the systemic issue: the lack of a defined change control process for managing contract changes.

Option Analysis:

A. The substitute chemical has not been used before in the Health Trust:Incorrect. While this may be a concern, it is not directly relevant to the root cause of the nonconformity, which is the absence of a process to handle contract changes.

B. The action assumes that the Health Trust will agree to the change:Incorrect. Although this is true, it is not the primary issue. The nonconformity lies in the lack of a structured approach to obtain agreement, not whether the Health Trust agrees.

C. Staff have not been trained in the use of the new chemical:Incorrect. This is a separate issue related to staff competence (Clause 7.2), but it is not the main reason why the corrective action is unacceptable under Clause 8.2.4.

D. The process for making changes to the contract has not been addressed:Correct. The fundamental issue is the organization's failure to follow or establish a change control process for amending contracts, including gaining formal agreement from the Health Trust. The proposed corrective action does not ensure that such issues will be systematically prevented in the future.

E. The substitute chemical may not be as effective as the original:Incorrect. The effectiveness of the substitute chemical is secondary to the primary issue, which is the lack of a change management process.

ISO 9001 References Supporting the Correct Answer:

Clause 8.2.4: Requires that changes to product/service requirements be reviewed, communicated, and agreed upon with the customer.

Clause 10.2 (Nonconformity and Corrective Action): Requires the organization to address the root cause of the nonconformity and take actions to ensure it does not recur. In this case, the root cause is the absence of a change control process.

Why D is the Best Answer:The core issue is that the organization did not have a formalized process for managing and agreeing upon changes to contract requirements. Addressing this process gap is essential to prevent recurrence of similar nonconformities. Merely seeking a concession from the Health Trust is a one-off solution that does not address the systemic issue.

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.3.2, the audit plan is a document that provides the basis for agreement regarding the conduct of the audit. The audit plan should include the following information1:

•the audit objectives, scope and criteria

•the audit team members and their roles and responsibilities

•the audit schedule, including the date, time and location of each audit activity

•the expected time and duration of meetings and interviews

•the allocation of appropriate resources to critical areas of the audit

•the identification of the audit client and the auditee

•the identification of the guides and observers, if any

•the documents and records to be reviewed before and during the audit

•the audit methods and tools to be used

•the audit language and terminology

•the audit report content, format, distribution and expected completion date

•the risk to achieving audit objectives and the contingency plan, if any

Therefore, the issue which is not expected to be included in the audit plan is C, expectations of the organisation’s management. This issue is not relevant to the conduct of the audit, as the audit is based on the audit criteria, not on the management’s expectations. The management’s expectations may be considered during the audit initiation or the audit programme management, but they are not part of the audit plan.

The appropriate response in this situation would be:

C. I will raise it as a minor nonconformity; you have the option to appeal to our Certification Body.

This response acknowledges the restaurant manager’s point that the shortage of some hamburgers may not constitute a management system failure. However, the fact remains that the menu was not updated to reflect the current availability of products, which led to customer dissatisfaction. This is a deviation from the ISO 9001 standard, which requires that the organization ensures the availability of resources needed to provide products and services as promised1. Raising it as a minor nonconformity allows the organization to address the issue within a specified timeframe and provides an opportunity for appeal if the organization disagrees with the auditor’s decision2.

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires collaboration between the auditee (TD Advertising), the certification body, and the audit leader when making changes to audit scope.

Clause References:

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.2.3 – Conducting the Audit: Any change in audit scope must be agreed upon by all parties before proceeding.

Why is the Correct Answer C?

TD cannot unilaterally change the scope without agreement from the certification body and audit leader.

The certification body must ensure the scope remains relevant and that resources are allocated properly.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Anne cannot withdraw) → Incorrect, Anne CAN withdraw if the changes make the audit unfeasible, but she must consult with the certification body first.

B (TD cannot change the scope) → Incorrect, scope changes are allowed but must be formally approved.

D (Anne has full authority to reject scope changes) → Incorrect, scope changes require mutual agreement among all parties.

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.

According to ISO 9001:2015, clause 7.2, an auditor shall have the competence to:

Understand the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they relate to the audit

Understand the organization’s quality management system and its processes

Understand the applicable legal, regulatory, contractual and other requirements that affect the audit

Understand the needs and expectations of interested parties other than customers

Plan and conduct audits in accordance with ISO 19011

Evaluate audit evidence and draw appropriate conclusions

Communicate audit findings effectively1

Therefore, knowledge of ISO 9001 requirements and ISO 19011 audit principles are essential for every member of an audit team auditing an ISO 9001 quality management system.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9000:2015 defines quality as "the degree to which a set of inherent characteristics of an object fulfills requirements."

Clause 3.6.2 (Quality) confirms this definition.

Quality is determined by how well an object (product, service, or process) meets defined requirements (customer, regulatory, or internal).

The other options do not align with the official ISO definition:

Option A refers to performance capability but does not define quality.

Option C describes work conditions, not quality.

Option D focuses on efficiency rather than fulfilling requirements.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015, Clause 5.2.1 (Establishing the Quality Policy) states that top management must establish, implement, and maintain a quality policy.

In the scenario, the quality manager (Leslie) created the policy, but top management did not establish it themselves, which violates Clause 5.2.1. While the policy can be drafted by a team, top management must take full ownership of its development and approval.

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 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).

The purpose of conducting a document review is to determine the conformity of the system, as far as documented, with audit criteria and to gather information to support the audit activities. A document review is a systematic and objective examination of the documented information that is relevant to the audit objectives and scope. It can help the auditor to verify if the documented information is complete, accurate, consistent, and up-to-date. It can also help the auditor to identify any gaps, errors, or nonconformities in the documented information that may affect the audit findings or conclusions.

The other options are not correct because they do not reflect the true purpose of a document review. Option A describes the purpose of an audit report, which is to communicate the audit results and recommendations to the management and other interested parties. Option B describes the purpose of an audit plan, which is to define the scope, objectives, criteria, methods, resources, and schedule of an audit. Option C describes the purpose of an audit evidence report, which is to provide evidence of nonconformities or opportunities for improvement identified during an audit. Option D describes the purpose of an audit decision report, which is to justify or explain why certain decisions were made during an audit.

I hope this answer helps you understand why option F is correct and why options A-C-D are incorrect. If you want to learn more about ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam questions and answers, you can check out some of these resources:

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Sample Exam Questions and Answers: This article provides some sample questions and answers for each section of the ISO 9001 Lead Auditor exam.

ISO 9001 (QMS) Lead Auditor Quiz Questions and Answers: This article provides some quiz questions and answers on various topics related to ISO 9001 QMS.

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor - Exam Practice Tests: This course offers practice tests with explanations for each question.

Irca Lead Auditor Exam Questions And Answers Pdf: This document contains some exam questions and answers in PDF format.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to assess both internal and external issues that could impact the effectiveness of their Quality Management System (QMS).

Clause Reference:

Clause 4.1 – Understanding the Organization and Its Context states that organizations must determine external and internal issues that affect their ability to achieve intended results.

Internal issues include:

Knowledge within the organization (documented or undocumented)

Organizational culture

Resource availability

Technological advancements

Infrastructure and capabilities

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Knowledge (Clause 7.1.6) is a critical internal factor that directly affects the implementation and maintenance of a QMS.

Organizations must identify, maintain, and make available the necessary knowledge to achieve quality objectives and meet customer requirements.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (Social and economic environments) → These are considered external issues rather than internal.

B (Competitive environment) → Competition is external, not an internal issue affecting the QMS.

D (Expectations of suppliers) → Supplier expectations relate to external interested parties, covered under Clause 4.2 (Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties).

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

The Stage 2 audit (ISO 17021-1:2015, Clause 9.3.1.3) is conducted to:

Verify whether the QMS is effectively implemented and operational.

Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 requirements in actual practice.

Identify nonconformities that may impact certification.

Reviewing documented information (Answer B) is part of Stage 1, and gathering scope information (Answer C) is done before the certification audit.

The individual(s) managing the audit programme and the auditee are both roles that contribute to the audit outcomes. The individual(s) managing the audit programme are responsible for planning, conducting, and reporting on the audit activities, as well as ensuring that they are aligned with the organization’s quality objectives and risk management processes1. The auditee is the person or entity that is subject to an audit, and their participation, cooperation, and feedback are essential for achieving a successful audit outcome2. References:

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Reference Materials

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Candidate Handbook

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Course Material

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Training Course IRCA Certified

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.

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.

B. Applicable procedure: SP-701

D. Identification number of the washing machine

H. The concentration of the cleaning liquid used vs the concentration fixed in SP-701

I. The planned duration of the process vs the minimum time required in SP-701

J. Weight of linen being washed vs the maximum weight required in SP-701

C. Competence record of the machine operator

According to the guidance on conducting the audit closing meeting1, the audit team leader should provide a summary of the audit findings and conclusions, invite discussions, and agree on timelines for any corrective actions. The audit team leader should also be respectful, constructive, and objective when presenting the nonconformities, and avoid any personal or emotional comments. The audit team leader should also consider the impact of the disruptive event (such as the Covid-19 pandemic) on the auditee’s context, interested parties, and risks2, and acknowledge any good practices or improvements observed during the audit. Therefore, option D is the best option, as it follows the best practices for the closing meeting and allows the auditee to understand the nonconformities and their implications, and to participate in the analysis and resolution of the issues. Option A is not correct, as it is not respectful, constructive, or objective, and it does not invite any discussion or feedback from the auditee. It also assumes that the audit team leader has the authority to recommend the removal of the supplier from the approved list, which may not be the case. Option B is not correct, as it does not provide enough information or explanation to the auditee, and it does not allow any discussion or feedback from the auditee. It also does not follow the best practices for the closing meeting, such as providing a summary of the audit, acknowledging any good practices, and agreeing on timelines for corrective actions. Option C is not correct, as it does not involve the other managers who are responsible for the functions or processes that were audited, and who may have valuable input or information to share. It also does not follow the best practices for the closing meeting, such as providing a summary of the audit, inviting discussions, and agreeing on timelines for corrective actions. References: 1: Conducting the Audit Closing Meeting: Sharing the Results2: Auditing ISO 9001:2015 in the Context of a Disruptive Event.

According to the definition in ISO 9000, a nonconformity is “non-fulfillment of a requirement”. There are three parts to a well-documented nonconformity: the audit evidence to support auditor findings; a record of the requirement against which the nonconformity is detected; and the statement of nonconformity1. In this case, the audit evidence is the dispatch records that show the same batch number of the product being delivered by two different trucks at different times. The requirement is the procedure P-02 Rev.3 that says that trucks should carry a complete batch. The statement of nonconformity is that the batch 33555 was delivered split in two different trucks (011 and 025), which does not conform to the procedure. Therefore, option C best describes the identified nonconformity, as it includes all three parts of a well-documented nonconformity. Option A is not correct, as it does not state the audit evidence or the requirement. Option B is not correct, as it does not specify the audit evidence or the statement of nonconformity. Option D is not correct, as it does not match the audit evidence or the requirement. References: 1: ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on Nonconformity - Documenting.

According to ISO 19011:2018, clause 6.3.3, the audit plan should be reviewed and revised as necessary to address changes that occur during the audit planning. The audit plan should be agreed upon, preferably in writing, by the audit team leader, the audit client and the auditee1. Therefore, if there is a significant change in the auditee’s situation, such as the cancellation of all orders for the next week, the audit plan should be reviewed and revised accordingly, with the agreement of all parties involved.

According to ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, clause 9.1.4, the certification body should have a process to ensure that the audit team has the competence to achieve the audit objectives, and that the audit methods are appropriate for the scope and complexity of the audit. The certification body should also have a process to ensure that the audit is conducted under reasonable conditions and within a reasonable time frame2. Therefore, if there is a risk that the audit objectives cannot be achieved, or that the audit methods are not suitable, due to the change in the auditee’s situation, the certification body should be consulted and informed on how to proceed with the audit.

Therefore, the best action to take is B, ask the certification body you work for how to proceed with the audit. This action will ensure that the audit plan is revised and agreed upon by all parties, and that the audit team has the competence and the methods to conduct the audit effectively and efficiently. The other options are not correct, as they may compromise the quality and validity of the audit:

•A. Start the audit on Monday at ABC’s as planned, interviewing the functions that regularly work at the central office, and plan visits to ABC customers wherever they may be working during the following week: This action may not be feasible or acceptable, as it may extend the audit duration and cost beyond the agreed terms, and it may not provide sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to verify the conformity and effectiveness of the auditee’s processes. Moreover, this action may not be agreed upon by the audit client and the auditee, and it may not be approved by the certification body.

•C. Start the audit on Monday as planned, interviewing the functions that regularly work at the central office, and visit another customer’s premises they cleaned the week before: This action may not be relevant or reliable, as it may not reflect the current performance and condition of the auditee’s processes. The audit evidence collected from the previous customer may not be valid or representative of the audit criteria, and it may not address the risks and opportunities associated with the auditee’s context and objectives. Moreover, this action may not be agreed upon by the audit client and the auditee, and it may not be approved by the certification body.

•D. Complete the audit but ask the quality manager to clean some windows at the ABC’s office, simulating the process they carry out at customers’ premises: This action may not be objective or impartial, as it may introduce bias and influence in the audit process. The audit evidence collected from the simulated process may not be accurate or authentic, and it may not demonstrate the actual capability and effectiveness of the auditee’s processes. Moreover, this action may not be ethical or professional, as it may compromise the integrity and credibility of the audit and the certification.

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.

Non-Conformity Report:

ISO 9001 Clause Number

Nature of Problem

ISO 9001 Requirement That Has Not Been Fulfilled

6.1.1

Several risks and opportunities have not been determined.

"The organization shall consider the requirements referred to in 4.2 and determine the risks and opportunities that need to be addressed."

6.1.2 (a)

Actions to address risks and opportunities not planned.

"The organization shall plan actions to address risks and opportunities."

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Clause 6.1.1 - Determining Risks and Opportunities:

Requirement: The organization must determine risks and opportunities that are relevant to its Quality Management System (QMS). This ensures that the QMS achieves intended results and prevents undesired effects.

Problem Identified: While some risks and opportunities were discussed, the organization did not perform a systematic evaluation of all risks (e.g., health and safety legislation changes, retiring trainers).

Clause 6.1.2 (a) - Planning Actions for Risks and Opportunities:

Requirement: The organization must plan actions to address identified risks and opportunities. These actions should be integrated into the QMS processes to ensure continuous improvement.

Problem Identified: The Quality Systems Manager confirmed that no plans were made to address the risks and opportunities because the Managing Director deemed it unnecessary. This violates the requirement to plan actions.

Correct Options Selected:

Clause 6.1.1 with the nature of the problem as: "Several risks and opportunities have not been determined."

Clause 6.1.2 (a) with the nature of the problem as: "Actions to address risks and opportunities not planned."

ISO 9001 Requirements Not Fulfilled:

For 6.1.1:"The organization shall consider the requirements referred to in 4.2 and determine the risks and opportunities that need to be addressed."

For 6.1.2 (a):"The organization shall plan actions to address risks and opportunities."

The tasks that are expected to be completed at the audit team meeting of a third-party audit team leader and his audit team in preparation for a Closing meeting for a four-day initial certification audit are:

•Option C: Final audit team meeting to agree findings and categories including clarification of any uncertainties. This option is correct because the audit team meeting is an opportunity for the audit team leader and the audit team members to review and consolidate the audit findings, to ensure that they are clear, accurate, objective, and supported by sufficient audit evidence. The audit team should also agree on the categories of the findings, such as nonconformity, observation, or opportunity for improvement, and resolve any uncertainties or disagreements among the audit team members.

•Option D: Agree the roles of each audit team member for the closing meeting. This option is correct because the audit team meeting is an opportunity for the audit team leader to assign the roles and responsibilities of each audit team member for the closing meeting, such as presenting the audit findings, answering questions, or taking notes. The audit team leader should also ensure that the audit team members are prepared and confident to perform their roles and to communicate effectively with the auditee.

•Option E: Audit team review any points raised by the auditee nominated representative. This option is correct because the audit team meeting is an opportunity for the audit team to review any points raised by the auditee nominated representative during the audit, such as requests for clarification, feedback, or complaints. The audit team should consider the validity and relevance of the points raised and decide how to address them in the closing meeting or in the audit report.

•Option F: Audit team agree final audit outcome recommendation. This option is correct because the audit team meeting is an opportunity for the audit team to agree on the final audit outcome recommendation, based on the audit findings and the audit criteria. The audit team should also consider the implications and consequences of the audit outcome recommendation for the auditee and the certification body, and ensure that the recommendation is consistent and justified.

•Option H: Audit team complete final version of their individual findings. This option is correct because the audit team meeting is an opportunity for the audit team to complete the final version of their individual findings, based on the agreement and feedback from the audit team meeting. The audit team should ensure that their individual findings are written in a clear, concise, and factual manner, and that they include the audit criteria, the audit evidence, and the audit conclusion. The audit team should also submit their individual findings to the audit team leader for review and approval.

•Option I: Re-audit corrective actions taken to correct findings found during the audit. This option is correct because the audit team meeting is an opportunity for the audit team to re-audit the corrective actions taken by the auditee to correct the findings found during the audit, if applicable and feasible. The audit team should verify the effectiveness and adequacy of the corrective actions and update the audit findings accordingly. The audit team should also document the results of the re-audit and communicate them to the auditee.

The following options are not correct:

•Option A: Audit team leader informs the individual(s) managing the audit programme that the closing meeting is ready to be held. This option is not correct because this task is not part of the audit team meeting, but part of the communication between the audit team leader and the individual(s) managing the audit programme. The audit team leader should inform the individual(s) managing the audit programme that the closing meeting is ready to be held after the audit team meeting, when the audit team has completed all the tasks and is ready to present the audit results to the auditee.

•Option B: Hold daily audit team meeting to review any timetable issues and potential findings and their impact on the audit for other team members. This option is not correct because this task is not part of the final audit team meeting, but part of the daily audit team meetings that are held during the audit. The daily audit team meetings are opportunities for the audit team to review the progress and performance of the audit, to identify and resolve any issues or problems, and to coordinate and adjust the audit plan and activities as needed.

•Option G: Audit team leader completes final report, including individual findings and certification recommendation. This option is not correct because this task is not part of the audit team meeting, but part of the audit reporting process. The audit team leader should complete the final report, including the individual findings and the certification recommendation, after the closing meeting, when the audit team has received and considered the feedback and comments from the auditee. The audit team leader should also ensure that the final report is reviewed and approved by the appropriate authorities before issuing it to the auditee and the certification body.

•Option J: Write the audit finding report out when detected and obtain signature of the auditee. This option is not correct because this task is not part of the audit team meeting, but part of the audit evidence collection and documentation process. The audit team should write the audit finding report out when detected and obtain the signature of the auditee during the audit, when the audit team has observed and verified the audit evidence and has communicated the audit finding to the auditee. The signature of the auditee does not indicate acceptance or agreement with the audit finding, but only acknowledgement of receipt.

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.

As the audit team leader, it is crucial to manage differing opinions constructively and ensure that the correct clause is selected for the nonconformity based on solid evidence. Here’s how the situation should be handled:

E. Invite you and the second auditor to fully explain your point of view and then decide which clause to select: This promotes collaboration and transparency, allowing both auditors to present their rationale for choosing the specific clause.

F. Review the evidence with you and the second auditor, and then decide which clause of ISO 9001 would best apply: Reviewing the evidence in relation to the specific requirements of ISO 9001 is essential for determining which clause is most appropriate.

H. Try to obtain a consensus between you and the second auditor after a discussion of the different opinions: Consensus-building is a crucial skill for an audit team leader. Achieving agreement ensures the nonconformity is addressed accurately and with full team support.

Options such as overruling immediately (D) or deferring the decision without full discussion (B) could undermine team dynamics and the audit process. Consulting the quality manager (A) or selecting an entirely different clause (G) is unnecessary, as the team should resolve the issue internally​​.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

During communication with top management, the auditor should discuss:

The quality policy (ISO 9001:2015, Clause 5.2.1), ensuring that it is established, communicated, and understood.

Internal audits (ISO 9001:2015, Clause 9.2), verifying that they are planned and effectively implemented.

These discussions help assess leadership commitment and the effectiveness of the QMS.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 emphasizes continual improvement as a fundamental requirement of an effective Quality Management System (QMS).

Clause Reference:

Clause 4.4.1 (Quality Management System and Its Processes) states that organizations must:

Determine processes needed for the QMS

Establish criteria and methods for process effectiveness

Ensure continual improvement of the system

Why is the Correct Answer C?

Continual improvement is a core principle of ISO 9001.

Organizations must regularly assess and enhance their QMS to adapt to new challenges and maintain effectiveness.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

A (To change the QMS quarterly) → ISO 9001 does not mandate a specific frequency for system changes.

B (To review the QMS annually) → QMS reviews must be conducted as needed, not strictly annually.

D (To conduct a QMS gap analysis every two years) → Gap analysis is useful but is not a mandatory requirement under Clause 4.4.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A horizontal audit examines one process across multiple departments to assess consistency.

Thus, A is the correct answer.

Questions no: 16 Verified Answer: = C. 7.4 Communication Comprehensive But Short Explanation: = Clause 7.4 of ISO 9001:2015 requires the organization to determine the internal and external communications relevant to the quality management system, including what will be communicated, when, with whom, and how. The scenario indicates a potential gap in communication with subcontractors regarding the Quality Policy, objectives, and plans to address risks and opportunities, which is a requirement even if the subcontractors have their own ISO 9001 certified systems123. References: = This response is based on the general requirements of ISO 9001:2015 related to communication with external parties, such as subcontractors, as outlined in various resources discussing Clause 7.4123.

According to the ISO 9001:2015 standard, clause 8.4.1 requires organizations to ensure that externally provided processes, products and services conform to requirements. Controls must be applied to externally provided processes, products and services when:

The products and services are intended for incorporation into the organization’s own products and services.

They are provided directly to customers by the external provider on behalf of the organization.

A process, or part of a process, is provided by an external provider as a result of a decision by the organization.

In this scenario, the auditee has chosen a supplier to manufacture their own brand products based on their design drawings, supplier questionnaire and trial batches. This means that the supplier is providing a process (manufacturing) as a result of a decision by the organization (the auditee). Therefore, clause 8.4.1 applies to this situation.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 6.4.9 (Audit Conclusions & Reporting):

One consolidated audit report should be drafted based on all team members’ findings.

Each auditor does not draft separate reports (B) unless explicitly required.

Thus, A is the correct answer.

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​​.

•

Reviews the client’s management system documented information: This activity involves checking the documentation 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 also evaluates the client’s understanding and implementation of the standard, and identifies any gaps or nonconformities that need to be addressed before the Stage 2 audit123.

•Reviews the processes with high level of risk: This activity involves assessing the processes that have a significant impact on the quality of the products or services, or that pose a high risk of nonconformity or customer dissatisfaction123. The audit team also verifies the client’s risk management approach, and evaluates the effectiveness of the controls and actions taken to mitigate the risks123.

The other options are not statements that are true for the Stage 1 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 D and G.

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.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A guide is assigned by the auditee to assist the audit team by:

Managing logistics, such as ensuring that relevant documents are available and arranging interviews.

Assisting in the coordination of meetings and access to facilities.

Helping the auditors navigate the organization during the audit.

However, the guide does not fill gaps in the auditor’s knowledge or witness the audit for the certification body. Their primary function is logistical support, not providing interpretations or assessments.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

ISO 9001:2015 emphasizes the importance of communication as part of an effective Quality Management System (QMS).

Clause References:

Clause 7.4 (Communication): This requires organizations to establish what, when, with whom, and how communication should take place to ensure effectiveness.

Quality Management Principle – Engagement of People: Effective communication allows stakeholders (employees, suppliers, customers) to fully participate and contribute to quality objectives.

Why is the Correct Answer A?

Appropriate communication means ensuring that messages are clear, relevant, and accessible to the intended audience.

Different stakeholders (employees, customers, regulatory bodies, suppliers) may require different formats, languages, or media to ensure they fully understand and engage.

This aligns with ISO 9001:2015, which emphasizes that communication must be tailored to the needs of the recipient for maximum effectiveness.

Why are the Other Options Incorrect?

B (Timely responses) → Important but does not specifically refer to appropriateness in communication.

C (Communicating processes and assumptions to all interested parties) → Communication should be relevant; sharing all details might not be necessary or appropriate.

D (Only top management handling external communication) → Communication must be distributed across relevant functions, not restricted to leadership.

The activities that are specifically required by ISO 17021-1 as part of third-party (Certification Body) surveillance audit processes are:

•Option A: Audit use of certification marks on marketing materials. This option is correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 requires the certification body to audit the client’s use of marks and/or any other reference to certification, as applicable, to ensure conformity with the certification requirements.

•Option B: Review changes to the QMS since last visit. This option is correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 requires the certification body to review any changes affecting the client’s quality management system and its ability to continue to fulfil the requirements of the standard used for certification.

•Option C: Confirm effectiveness of internal audit and management review. This option is correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 requires the certification body to confirm the continuing effectiveness of the client’s quality management system, including the effectiveness of the internal audit and management review processes.

•Option F: Review the status of previously raised findings and audit effectiveness of any outstanding findings. This option is correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 requires the certification body to review the status of findings and any corrective actions taken by the client in response to previous audits, and to verify the effectiveness of the implemented corrective actions.

•Option H: Verify legal compliance. This option is correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 requires the certification body to verify the client’s compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements related to the scope of certification.

•Option I: Handling of customer complaints since last visit. This option is correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 requires the certification body to review the client’s handling of customer complaints related to the certified activities since the last audit.

The following options are not correct:

•Option D: Complete a full document review of the quality management system. This option is not correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 does not require the certification body to complete a full document review of the quality management system during surveillance audits. A full document review is only required during the initial certification audit or when there are significant changes to the quality management system or the certification requirements.

•Option E: Failing to meet financial responsibilities. This option is not correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 does not require the certification body to audit the client’s financial responsibilities during surveillance audits. The certification body may have contractual arrangements with the client regarding the payment of fees, but this is not part of the surveillance audit process.

•Option G: Review the calibration status of the instrumentation. This option is not correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 does not require the certification body to review the calibration status of the instrumentation during surveillance audits. The certification body may audit the client’s monitoring and measuring resources as part of the quality management system requirements, but this is not a specific activity required by ISO 17021-1.

•Option J: Conduct a minimum number of annual surveillance audits during the certification period. This option is not correct because ISO 17021-1:2015 clause 9.6.2.2 does not require the certification body to conduct a minimum number of annual surveillance audits during the certification period. The certification body may determine the frequency and duration of surveillance audits based on the risk and performance of the client, but this is not a specific activity required by ISO 17021-1.

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).

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

According to ISO 19011:2018, Clause 5.1 (Impartiality):

Internal auditors must not audit areas where they have direct responsibilities to avoid conflicts of interest.

Outsourcing (C) is not required, as long as impartiality is maintained internally.

Thus, B is the correct answer.