Training Module
Auditing Documented Information
Audit fitness for use, consistency, and credibility of documented information across policies, procedures, and evidence
Training Module
Auditing Documented Information
Audit fitness for use, consistency, and credibility of documented information across policies, procedures, and evidence
Training Module
Auditing Documented Information
Audit fitness for use, consistency, and credibility of documented information across policies, procedures, and evidence
Move from “document checking” to auditing documented information as a control and evidence system
Many management systems look complete on paper but fail when decisions, controls, and records do not align. This module equips auditors (internal and third-party) to judge whether documented information is usable, consistent, and trustworthy as evidence of how the system actually operates.
Move from “document checking” to auditing documented information as a control and evidence system
Many management systems look complete on paper but fail when decisions, controls, and records do not align. This module equips auditors (internal and third-party) to judge whether documented information is usable, consistent, and trustworthy as evidence of how the system actually operates.
Move from “document checking” to auditing documented information as a control and evidence system
Many management systems look complete on paper but fail when decisions, controls, and records do not align. This module equips auditors (internal and third-party) to judge whether documented information is usable, consistent, and trustworthy as evidence of how the system actually operates.
Training module overview
Training module overview
Training module overview
Organisations often over-invest in document production while under-investing in clarity, usability, and maintenance. The result is a “paper system”: polished policies and procedures that do not match practice, outdated process descriptions, and records that cannot credibly support claims of control or performance.
This audit add-on focuses on how auditors assess documented information across ISO management system standards—using a fitness-for-use lens, testing consistency across the documentation set, and recognising common failure modes. It does not teach how to design documentation architectures; it teaches how to audit them with sound judgement and evidence strategy.
Organisations often over-invest in document production while under-investing in clarity, usability, and maintenance. The result is a “paper system”: polished policies and procedures that do not match practice, outdated process descriptions, and records that cannot credibly support claims of control or performance.
This audit add-on focuses on how auditors assess documented information across ISO management system standards—using a fitness-for-use lens, testing consistency across the documentation set, and recognising common failure modes. It does not teach how to design documentation architectures; it teaches how to audit them with sound judgement and evidence strategy.
Applicable environments
This module is intended for auditors working with organisations operating a management system based on an ISO standard following the high-level structure such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27701 or ISO/IEC 42001. It focuses on requirements shared by these ISO standards.
Target audience
Target audience
Target audience
Aspiring auditors who want to audit management systems following best practices
Practising management system auditors who want to strengthen their audit knowledge, judgement, and effectiveness
Aspiring auditors who want to audit management systems following best practices
Practising management system auditors who want to strengthen their audit knowledge, judgement, and effectiveness
Decision support
Is this module for you?
It is a good fit if you…
want to assess whether documented information is fit for use as control and evidence.
need to judge consistency between policies, procedures, records, and practice.
want to audit credibility, traceability, and reliability of documentation.
aspire to assess documentation beyond formal completeness or presence.
expect to strengthen audit conclusions on how the system actually operates.
want to assess whether documented information is fit for use as control and evidence.
need to judge consistency between policies, procedures, records, and practice.
want to audit credibility, traceability, and reliability of documentation.
aspire to assess documentation beyond formal completeness or presence.
expect to strengthen audit conclusions on how the system actually operates.
If most of the points above apply, this module is likely a good fit.
It may not be the best fit if you…
prefer to design, structure, or standardise documentation frameworks.
are looking for guidance on document control tools or templates.
focus primarily on rewriting, simplifying, or maintaining documentation.
do not intend to audit documented information as evidence within a management system.
prefer to design, structure, or standardise documentation frameworks.
are looking for guidance on document control tools or templates.
focus primarily on rewriting, simplifying, or maintaining documentation.
do not intend to audit documented information as evidence within a management system.
Agenda
Agenda
Agenda
What auditors are judging when they judge documented information
Fitness-for-use tests auditors can apply quickly
Consistency across the documentation set
Records as evidence: credibility and integrity checks
Common “paper system” failure modes and red flags
Case-based audit simulation
Show detailed agenda...
What auditors are judging when they judge documented information
Fitness-for-use tests auditors can apply quickly
Consistency across the documentation set
Records as evidence: credibility and integrity checks
Common “paper system” failure modes and red flags
Case-based audit simulation
Show detailed agenda...
What auditors are judging when they judge documented information
Fitness-for-use tests auditors can apply quickly
Consistency across the documentation set
Records as evidence: credibility and integrity checks
Common “paper system” failure modes and red flags
Case-based audit simulation
Show detailed agenda...
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
Key outcomes
Apply a fitness-for-use lens to documented information rather than auditing document volume or formatting
Test consistency between policies, procedures, and operational evidence using practical sampling heuristics
Identify and prioritise high-risk documentation areas where paper controls commonly diverge from practice
Apply a fitness-for-use lens to documented information rather than auditing document volume or formatting
Test consistency between policies, procedures, and operational evidence using practical sampling heuristics
Identify and prioritise high-risk documentation areas where paper controls commonly diverge from practice
Additional capabilities
Assess record credibility as audit evidence for system operation
Recognise common “paper system” patterns and distinguish systemic issues from isolated documentation defects
Form evidence-based judgements about adequacy and effectiveness without re-teaching documentation design methods
Assess record credibility as audit evidence for system operation
Recognise common “paper system” patterns and distinguish systemic issues from isolated documentation defects
Form evidence-based judgements about adequacy and effectiveness without re-teaching documentation design methods
Additional benefits
Additional benefits
Additional benefits
Learning materials
Slide deck
Participant workbook
Templates & tools
Practical, reusable artefacts to apply the module directly to your organisation.
Fitness-for-use audit checklist (user, purpose, applicability, maintainability)
Documentation consistency map (policy → procedure → record/evidence links)
Sampling worksheet for documented information (risk signals, coverage, follow-through)
“Paper system” red-flag guide (patterns, likely causes, audit responses)
Evidence triangulation worksheet (claim → sources → contradictions → judgement)
AI prompt set for summarising document sets and flagging inconsistencies (supporting auditor judgement; not a decision-maker)
Fitness-for-use audit checklist (user, purpose, applicability, maintainability)
Documentation consistency map (policy → procedure → record/evidence links)
Sampling worksheet for documented information (risk signals, coverage, follow-through)
“Paper system” red-flag guide (patterns, likely causes, audit responses)
Evidence triangulation worksheet (claim → sources → contradictions → judgement)
AI prompt set for summarising document sets and flagging inconsistencies (supporting auditor judgement; not a decision-maker)
Confirmation
Certificate of completion
Module ID
HAM-AG-A-05
Domain
Audience
Auditor
Language
English
Delivery
Live virtual
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
Excl. VAT. VAT may apply depending on customer location and status.
Delivery & learning format
Delivery & learning format
Delivery & learning format
Virtual live teaching
This module is delivered live, with a strong focus on discussion, practical application, and direct interaction with the instructor.
Sessions work through realistic examples, clarify concepts in context, and apply methods directly to participants’ organisational realities.
Custom delivery options
For organisations with specific constraints or learning objectives, the module can be adapted in format or scope, including in-house delivery and contextualised case material.
Not sure if this module is right for you?
Not sure if this module is right for you?
Not sure if this module is right for you?
For an optimal learning experience
Preparation guidance
This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.
For an optimal learning experience
Preparation guidance
This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.
For an optimal learning experience
Preparation guidance
This module is designed as part of a modular training approach. Topics are deliberately distributed across modules and are not repeated in full, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy. Each module is self-contained and can be taken on its own. Where prior knowledge or experience is helpful, this is indicated below so you can decide whether any preparation is useful for you.
Assumed background
This module assumes participants can already perform core audit work and understand how evidence is gathered and reported. It also assumes basic familiarity with how organisations structure documented information (policies, procedures, records) in management systems.
Helpful background includes:
Audit evidence logic, sampling, and professional judgement
Interviewing and communication basics for clarifying documentation vs practice
Basic understanding of documented information and knowledge architecture concepts (as a reference point, not re-taught here)
This module assumes participants can already perform core audit work and understand how evidence is gathered and reported. It also assumes basic familiarity with how organisations structure documented information (policies, procedures, records) in management systems.
Helpful background includes:
Audit evidence logic, sampling, and professional judgement
Interviewing and communication basics for clarifying documentation vs practice
Basic understanding of documented information and knowledge architecture concepts (as a reference point, not re-taught here)
Preparatory modules
Foundational modules (depending on background)
Useful if you are new to the underlying concepts or want a shared baseline before attending this module.
Audit Foundations
Understand core audit mindset, evidence logic, materiality-based focus, and audit test plan design
7 h
Audit Foundations
Understand core audit mindset, evidence logic, materiality-based focus, and audit test plan design
7 h
Audit Foundations
Understand core audit mindset, evidence logic, materiality-based focus, and audit test plan design
7 h
Supporting modules (optional)
Helpful if you want to deepen related skills, but not required to participate effectively.
Documentation & Knowledge Foundations
Fundamentals of documented information control, records, and knowledge capture for management systems
7 h
Documentation & Knowledge Foundations
Fundamentals of documented information control, records, and knowledge capture for management systems
7 h
Documentation & Knowledge Foundations
Fundamentals of documented information control, records, and knowledge capture for management systems
7 h
Audit Execution: Communication & Interviewing
Learn the skills for effective interview planning, questioning, and conversation control for reliable audit evidence
7 h
Audit Execution: Communication & Interviewing
Learn the skills for effective interview planning, questioning, and conversation control for reliable audit evidence
7 h
Audit Execution: Communication & Interviewing
Learn the skills for effective interview planning, questioning, and conversation control for reliable audit evidence
7 h
Audit Reporting & Follow-up
Understand how to write evidence-based findings, structure audit reports, and follow up agreed actions to verified closure
7 h
Audit Reporting & Follow-up
Understand how to write evidence-based findings, structure audit reports, and follow up agreed actions to verified closure
7 h
Audit Reporting & Follow-up
Understand how to write evidence-based findings, structure audit reports, and follow up agreed actions to verified closure
7 h
Continuous learning
Follow-up modules
Continuous learning
Follow-up modules
Continuous learning
Follow-up modules
After completion of this module, the following modules are ideal to further deepen your competence. If you are looking for a structured learning path, modules can also be taken as part of a professional track.
Auditing Context, Scope & Boundaries
Audit the credibility of organisational context, interested parties, scope, and system boundaries, including interfaces, exclusions, multi-site structures, shared services, and outsourcing
Duration
2.5 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Context, Scope & Boundaries
Audit the credibility of organisational context, interested parties, scope, and system boundaries, including interfaces, exclusions, multi-site structures, shared services, and outsourcing
Duration
2.5 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Context, Scope & Boundaries
Audit the credibility of organisational context, interested parties, scope, and system boundaries, including interfaces, exclusions, multi-site structures, shared services, and outsourcing
Duration
2.5 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Risk & Opportunity Management
Assess traceability and consistency between context, risks, controls, objectives, and risk-based decisions
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Risk & Opportunity Management
Assess traceability and consistency between context, risks, controls, objectives, and risk-based decisions
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Risk & Opportunity Management
Assess traceability and consistency between context, risks, controls, objectives, and risk-based decisions
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Objectives, KPIs & Performance Evaluation
Audit objectives, key performance indicators, and performance evaluation evidence across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Objectives, KPIs & Performance Evaluation
Audit objectives, key performance indicators, and performance evaluation evidence across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Objectives, KPIs & Performance Evaluation
Audit objectives, key performance indicators, and performance evaluation evidence across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Operational Control
Audit evidence and judgement for whether operational controls work as intended in day-to-day practice
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Operational Control
Audit evidence and judgement for whether operational controls work as intended in day-to-day practice
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Operational Control
Audit evidence and judgement for whether operational controls work as intended in day-to-day practice
Duration
3 h
List price
CHF 250
View module
Auditing Management Review
Audit management review inputs, decisions, follow-up, and alignment with organisational performance
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Management Review
Audit management review inputs, decisions, follow-up, and alignment with organisational performance
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Management Review
Audit management review inputs, decisions, follow-up, and alignment with organisational performance
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Corrective Action & Continual Improvement
Audit judgement for root cause credibility, corrective action effectiveness, and evidence of learning-based improvement across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Corrective Action & Continual Improvement
Audit judgement for root cause credibility, corrective action effectiveness, and evidence of learning-based improvement across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Auditing Corrective Action & Continual Improvement
Audit judgement for root cause credibility, corrective action effectiveness, and evidence of learning-based improvement across ISO management system standards
Duration
2 h
List price
CHF 200
View module
Ready to improve your management systems?
We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.
Ready to improve your management systems?
We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.
Ready to improve your management systems?
We support continuous improvement by embedding ISO requirements into everyday practice and daily operations.