Most people visit ISO 9000 Resources in preparation for an ISO 9001 certification audit. These articles are presented here to help quality managers and engineering managers get mentally ready for the actual certification audit. At this point, most of the hard work is done and it is time to focus on a successful and uneventful certification audit. These resources cover important issues that can help optimize the success of an audit. This includes knowing how to deal with different auditor styles, when to argue with an auditor, how to interpret audit results and how to prepare your team for the experience.

It is important that every member of your team is prepared for the external certification audit and that they can anticipate the severity of an issue. In general they should understand the difference between an independent minor (good), a pattern of minor findings (bad) and a major (bad) finding. This section works hand-in-hand with the employee training resouces on this website to make sure that everyone in the company knows how to be audited and how to help "direct" the auditor to get the best results from your certification audit.


ISO 9001 Auditor Styles
Understanding the different types of auditing can help you prepare, survive and thrive during a certification audit.

When To Argue With An External Auditor
Sometimes is it OK to argue with the auditor and sometimes it is not worth it. Arguing at the wrong time can make an external audit more difficult. Choose your battles wisely and you will win a lot.

What to expect during a certification audit
Don't be stressed. External auditors are there to help you, not hurt you.

How to be audited by an external ISO auditor
Before any audit, all personnel should be trained on how to be audited.

ISO 9001:2000 Certification Introduction
This article is an introduction to the ISO quality systems and a review of certification requirements.