Importance of ISO 17020 Audit Checklist for Conformity Assessment of Inspection Agencies

ISO Standard 17020 is Conformity assessment. ISO 17020 Certification provides requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection that they conduct "audits" and "management reviews" of their operations and quality system.

Inspection agency personnel assume that if someone in authority is checking regularly on the work of the inspection agency performs, then they are doing "audits," and if someone in management is periodically reviewing the inspection agency's overall performance, then they are doing "management review." Unfortunately, such informal checks on work and performance will not satisfy accreditation requirements of any other legitimate accreditation body. So, here what actually needs to exist some kind of standard? On the basis of this requirement ISO 17020 Audit checklist is introduced that not only manages the overall work of inspection agencies but also look after for the audit and management reviews.

Organization must audit every part of their management system at least once every twelve months on the basis of ISO guideline. Various Inspection agencies may choose to conduct an audit of its entire management system once a year while others may choose to conduct a complete audit every six months. So, sample documents on ISO 17020 Audit checklists provide this complete internal audit process for appropriate Organization to their specific management system. Internal audit is a formal activity that must be performed in accordance with a documented procedure and on a regular schedule.

ISO 17020 Audit checklist for Conformity Assessment provides regularly scheduled audits of the management system and conform system implementation and check its effectiveness for conformity assessment by carry out following steps:

• Every activity comprising part of the management system shall be audited at least once every twelve months.
• The ISO 17020 Audit Checklist performed auditors are chiefly responsible for planning internal audits and overseeing their execution.
• Persons performing audits shall be adequately trained and qualified ISO 17020 Auditors.
• Persons performing audits must be independent of the functions they are auditing.
• ISO 17020 Auditors shall note problems on Corrective Action Request forms, and send the forms to the most appropriate management person to have the problem corrected. Auditors shall then follow up to confirm that corrective actions have been carried out.
• The quality manager shall retain records of internal audits for at least three years. Records shall include audit checklists and related documentation.
• Results of ISO 17020 Audit shall be a standing item on the agenda for management reviews of the quality system.

Mary has published so many articles regarding ISO 9001 Certification Documentation. As ISO Consultant profession since last 4 years Mary has rich experience in preparing such certification documents within ISO guideline.