Internal audits are a critical part of maintaining compliance with ISO 17020, the international standard for the competence of inspection bodies. These audits help identify gaps, ensure adherence to documented procedures, and prepare organizations for external accreditation assessments.

One of the most important tools during internal audits is your ISO 17020 documentation—including policies, procedures, records, forms, and the quality manual. When used effectively, these documents provide a strong foundation for objective evaluation and continuous improvement.

1. Understand the Purpose of ISO 17020 Documentation

ISO 17020 requires a documented system that demonstrates the inspection body's ability to consistently carry out inspection activities. This system typically includes:

• Quality manual
• Procedures and work instructions
• Forms and records
• Organizational structure and responsibilities
• Policies related to impartiality, confidentiality, and competence

During an internal audit, these documents serve as a benchmark against actual practices. The goal is to verify whether staff are following the procedures as documented and whether those procedures meet the requirements of ISO 17020.

2. Plan the Audit Using the Documents

Start your internal audit by reviewing the ISO 17020 manual and procedures. These documents help define the audit scope and identify which areas or departments to focus on.

Here’s how to use documents during planning:

• Audit checklist creation: Use the quality manual and procedures to develop a checklist based on key ISO 17020 clauses.
• Schedule interviews and site visits: Identify roles and responsibilities from the documentation to determine which employees should be involved.
• Gather previous records: Include past non-conformities, customer complaints, or previous audit results stored in documented records.

3. Use Documents as a Reference Point During the Audit

When conducting the audit, your ISO 17020 documents serve as the standard against which actual practice is compared.

For example:

• If a procedure describes how inspection reports should be reviewed and approved, observe whether that is actually happening.
• If the manual specifies a process for managing impartiality, ask employees how this is ensured in real work scenarios.

4. Evaluate Document Control and Accessibility

ISO 17020 requires that documents are controlled, regularly reviewed, and made accessible to relevant personnel. During the audit, check for:

• Version control: Are staff using the most recent version of each document?
• Distribution records: Is there a list of who has access to which documents?
• Obsolete documents: Are outdated versions removed from circulation?
• Review history: Are procedures and manuals reviewed on a scheduled basis?

This step ensures the integrity and reliability of your documented system.

5. Check Record-Keeping Practices

Records are a vital part of ISO 17020 compliance. They provide objective evidence that inspections were carried out as per documented procedures.

During the internal audit, evaluate:

• Completeness: Are all required records being maintained (e.g., inspection reports, calibration records, training records)?
• Accuracy: Do the records reflect what actually happened during inspection activities?
• Legibility and traceability: Are records clear, signed, and traceable to specific inspections or staff members?
• Retention: Are records stored securely and retained for the specified period?

6. Identify Gaps and Nonconformities

As you compare actual practices against the ISO 17020 manual and procedures, document any:

• Nonconformities: Where practice deviates from documentation
• Observations: Areas of concern that may not be outright nonconformities
• Opportunities for improvement: Where the documented system could be enhanced

Provide clear, objective evidence in the audit report, referencing specific procedures and clauses.

7. Provide Feedback and Corrective Actions

Once the audit is complete, use your findings to improve your ISO 17020 documentation and processes. Recommendations may include:

• Updating procedures for clarity or accuracy
• Adding new steps to ensure better control
• Improving training based on observed knowledge gaps
• Strengthening record-keeping methods

The ISO 17020 manual should be a living document, updated to reflect continuous improvement efforts.

8. Prepare for External Assessments

Internal audits that effectively use ISO 17020 documents prepare your organization for accreditation body audits. They demonstrate that your inspection body is:

• Operating consistently according to documented methods
• Actively identifying and addressing issues
• Maintaining a current and compliant documentation system

Conclusion

Your ISO 17020 documents aren’t just paperwork—they’re essential tools for ensuring quality, consistency, and credibility. When used effectively during internal audits, they help verify compliance, highlight areas for improvement, and build a solid foundation for external accreditation.

By integrating documentation into every stage of your internal audit—planning, execution, review, and follow-up—you create a culture of compliance and continuous improvement that aligns with the core principles of ISO 17020.